Saudi Arabia is significantly increasing its investments in Syria, transitioning from political engagement to direct economic involvement, particularly in infrastructure and essential services.
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, Saudi investments in Syria have evolved, indicating a shift from a political-diplomatic approach to direct economic engagement. By early 2026, these investments have progressed from general memorandums of understanding to executable projects, focused on heavy infrastructure, aviation, airports, telecommunications, and water sectors, amounting to multi-billion-dollar investment packages.
One of the latest developments in Saudi economic involvement has been in the civil aviation sector, where Riyadh intends to re-establish regional connections with Syria. During an economic event in Damascus on February 7, 2026, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih announced the establishment of a new budget airline named "Nass Syria," based in Aleppo. This initiative signifies a move from organizational arrangements to actual operational involvement, thereby illustrating Saudi Arabia's intentions to strengthen its ties with the country.
Overall, this investment strategy reflects Saudi Arabia's broader geopolitical aims in the region, as it seeks to influence Syria's post-conflict recovery through substantial financial support and cooperative projects. The recent establishment of the airline not only indicates a commitment to economic redevelopment but also plays a crucial role in reintegrating Syria into regional economic frameworks, highlighting the potential long-term consequences for the dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
