More investments in Syria from UAE firms: UAE-based cement-focused advisory firm A³&Co. inked an agreement with Syria’s state-owned General Company for the Manufacture and Marketing of Cement and Building Materials (Omran) to modernize production and improve sustainability in the Syrian cement sector, according to a press release. The partnership covers the development of a third production line at Syria’s Hama Cement Plant, capacity building for technical staff, and the appointment of A³&Co. as Omran’s strategic advisor.

The partnership will also back Syria’s cement sector at large, with the UAE firm set to provide periodic evaluation reports, energy consumption studies, and testing centers for the cement industry as part of rebuilding efforts in Syria.

REFRESHER- The UAE was among the first movers into Syria after the US lifted long-standing sanctions on the country in May. DP World signed a 30-year, USD 800 mn concession to develop Syria’s Tartous Port last month, while Abu Dhabi’s National Investment Corporation inked a USD 2 bn agreement for a new Damascus metro earlier this month.

ALSO- Saudi + Syria agree to more investment cooperation: Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al Falih and Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal Al Shaar signed an agreement yesterday to promote and protect investments in both countries, the ministry said on X. The agreement — signed during a Syrian delegation visit to Riyadh yesterday — aims to ensure legal safeguards for investors, ease capital flows, create new jobs, and support sustainable economic development.

The Saudi Investment Ministry recently opened a new office in Damascus to oversee the implementation of the Saudi-Syrian agreements, Director General of the Syrian Investment Authority, Talal Al Hilali told Alarabiya (watch, runtime: 1:56).

Al Falih also backed the private sector’s plan to establish a “fund of funds” to act as a central platform for organized investment, helping channel large volumes of financing into Syria’s priority sectors and ensuring projects are carried out effectively, Asharq Business reports. Meanwhile, BinDawood Investment has recently finalized the signing of its updated agreement with Syria’s Tourism Ministry to set up a joint fund focused on tourism, real estate, and infrastructure.

Syrian exchange coming next? Tadawul has begun a feasibility study with the Damascus Securities Exchange on creating and operating a Syrian bourse, Al Falih added.

IN CONTEXT- The Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum held last month in Damascus put forth 47 agreements worth over SAR 24 bn in sectors like real estate, energy, ICT, finance, infrastructure, aviation, and healthcare. The real estate sector came on top with signed agreements worth over SAR 7.2 bn.

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