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The UAE-Syria Business Council restructured through a decision issued by Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar on June 30, 2026 that created the Syrian side of the entity to serve as the exclusive representative in dealings with its Emirati counterpart. According to SANA, the council will function under the bylaws for Syria’s joint business councils along with the charter and guidelines from the Syrian Council for the Coordination of Joint Business Councils. The Ministry of Economy and Industry published the decisions on its Telegram channel and tasked the coordination council with organizing operations to maintain consistency with national economic priorities and approved procedures.
Al-Shaar’s ministry stated that the establishment of the Syrian-UAE and Syrian-Jordanian councils forms part of broader initiatives to reinforce cooperation with friendly countries while expanding economic and investment connections. The ministry added that the bodies aim to develop trade relations and generate wider partnership prospects for Syrian enterprises and their overseas counterparts. SANA reported that both councils will adhere strictly to the procedural framework set by the ministry.
The restructuring follows the inaugural Syrian-Emirati Investment Forum held in Damascus in May 2026 that drew a large delegation of Emirati officials and executives, The National newspaper reported. UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi told the gathering that the sides sought to crystallize joint projects based on shared interests across investment and commercial fields. Al Zeyoudi later addressed prospects for expanded bilateral trade in remarks covered by Reuters.
Reuters data shows non-oil trade between the UAE and Syria attained a record $1.4 billion in 2025, an increase of 132 percent from the year before. The news service reported that the two sides reached preliminary understandings on dozens of investment projects in tourism, construction, infrastructure, agriculture, aviation and logistics during the May forum. Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, said the company was examining Damascus projects valued at up to $12 billion and coastal initiatives worth as much as $7 billion.
Al-Shaar’s announcement designated the restructured council as the primary channel for Syrian businesses to engage with Emirati partners under a unified national approach. The Syrian Council for the Coordination of Joint Business Councils will oversee implementation to align activities with Syria’s reconstruction and development objectives. The ministry’s statement underlined the councils’ role in creating structured mechanisms for sustained economic collaboration.
Similar joint councils have operated in Syria’s economic diplomacy for years, though the latest decisions adapt the model to current regional conditions following political transitions in Damascus. Trade and investment flows have accelerated since the lifting of certain international sanctions, according to multiple economic assessments. The restructured UAE-Syria Business Council is positioned to address regulatory harmonization, technology transfer and market access issues between the two economies.
