Damascus witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Monday between the Syrian Ministry of Information and Al-Maha International Company to launch the "Damascus Gate" project, the country's first integrated city for media, film, and tourism production. The signing was attended by President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
The project, with an investment cost of approximately $1.5 billion, is one of the largest development projects in the media and culture sector in Syria. It will be built on an area of approximately two million square meters distributed between the Damascus and Rural Damascus governorates.
Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa explained that the project falls within the state's strategic direction to support qualitative investments with developmental and cultural dimensions. He noted that it aims to reposition Syria as a regional center for media and drama production and a lever for strengthening national identity during the reconstruction phase.
The "Damascus Gate" project includes indoor and outdoor studios that mimic the historical architecture of Arab and Islamic cities, along with training and rehabilitation centers, operational facilities, and integrated tourism and entertainment facilities, making it a multi-functional project covering media, culture, and tourism simultaneously.
Al-Mustafa pointed out that the project is expected to provide more than 13,000 job opportunities, including approximately 4,000 direct jobs and 9,000 seasonal opportunities. He explained that the goal goes beyond temporary employment to include building sustainable career paths for Syrian youth and supporting social stability.
Mohammed Al-Anzi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Maha International Company, emphasized that "Damascus Gate" is not merely a real estate or tourism investment, but rather an integrated cultural project that draws its meaning from Syria's cultural identity and its rich cultural history. He explained that the city will be implemented in phases spanning 5 to 7 years, in cooperation with a group of international companies specializing in infrastructure and modern technologies.
Al-Anzi added that the project aims to transform Syria into a major destination for artistic production in the region, calling on Gulf and regional companies to invest in the country, emphasizing that Syria is a "promising country" that offers significant facilities to serious investors.
The signing ceremony concluded with a joint press conference, in which both sides emphasized the importance of the project as a platform for launching a new Syrian media renaissance, enhancing the country's cultural standing and opening up broad economic and investment horizons in the post-war era.
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