Al Habtoor: I will never forget my meeting with President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, and I have great confidence in Syria’s future.

Emirati businessman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, announced in a post on his Facebook page that his recent visit to Syria, “despite its short duration,” left a profound impression on him. He emphasized that he had left Damascus “but it never left his heart or his mind.”

Al Habtoor said what most caught his attention was the humility, good manners, and intelligence of the Syrian officials, noting that the generosity and openness he witnessed strengthened his conviction that “Syria is on its way to a prosperous future as a leading economic power in the region, thanks to the wise leadership that is managing its affairs today.”

He added that he would never forget his meeting with President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, describing him as “a young and chivalrous leader, distinguished by his calm and thoughtful speech that instills confidence in the hearts of those he meets.” Al Habtoor commended President Al-Sharaa’s selection of a working team that included ministers and directors who had experienced management and development in the UAE, considering it “a wise decision and a penetrating vision that will contribute to building a modern state.”

Al Habtoor affirmed his great confidence in President Ahmed Al Sharaa and his team, saying, “Who said the time for miracles is over? With sincere leadership and a faithful people, dreams can be turned into reality.”

Al Habtoor in Syria and the signed agreements

Al Habtoor began an official visit to Damascus on September 8, heading an economic delegation from the Al Habtoor Group. He was received by President Ahmed Al Sharaa and discussed investment opportunities and future projects with him.

The visit included meetings with the ministers of tourism, finance, and the Investment Authority, in addition to tours of historical sites and religious landmarks in Damascus, Latakia, and Aleppo.

During the visit, Al Habtoor announced extensive investment plans in Syria, including a project to operate approximately 3,000 public buses in cooperation with the Syrian government, creating approximately 30,000 job opportunities, in addition to establishing car showrooms. He also signed an investment cooperation agreement with the Syrian Investment Authority in the presence of the Minister of Finance, as well as a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Social Affairs worth $2.5 million to support social care centers and the rehabilitation of people with disabilities and beggars.

Prominent tourism projects proposed by the government

As part of cooperation discussions with the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, a package of prominent investment projects was presented to the Al Habtoor Group, including the Kiwan land in Damascus, the Joul Jamal area in Latakia, and the Citadel Hotel project in Aleppo. These projects are part of the government’s plan to revitalize the tourism sector as a key lever for supporting the national economy.

A huge coastal project in Latakia

The group also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Investment Authority and Syrian businessmen to implement a massive residential and tourism project spanning 12 square kilometers in the city of Latakia. The project aims to create a residential and entertainment complex, which Damascus considers a significant step in the process of reconstruction and attracting Arab investment.

Qubwat: The initiative is a humanitarian message that goes beyond financial support.

In a related context, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabwat confirmed that the memorandum of understanding signed with the Al Habtoor Group “aims to meet the needs of people with disabilities and war injuries, who constitute more than 27% of the Syrian population.”

She explained that this initiative “is not limited to financial support, but rather carries a great humanitarian message that embodies the values ​​of solidarity and authenticity, and provides hope to a wide segment of those affected by the war.” She noted that the funding will be allocated to developing care, rehabilitation, and training centers, ensuring the economic and social integration of beneficiaries into society.

These moves reflect the Syrian government’s efforts, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, to expand economic partnerships with Gulf and Arab investors in the post-war period, contributing to reconstruction and enhancing economic and social stability in the country