In an exclusive statement to Al Arabiya English, Syria’s Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salhani hailed a landmark redevelopment deal with Saudi Arabia as “a major step forward in our efforts to revitalize Syria’s tourism industry and unlock its true, full potential.”
A Saudi hospitality group will redevelop one of Damascus’s best-known hotels into a five-star destination, in what officials are calling a milestone for Syria’s post-war tourism recovery and growing economic ties with Riyadh.
The Syrian Ministry of Tourism said Friday that Le Park Concord, a Saudi company, has started work on the former Sheraton Damascus Hotel, which will reopen under the name Seven Gates Hotel. The project is expected to be completed in three years and will include luxury rooms, restaurants, retail, and leisure facilities.
The Syrian minister also urged international investors to “explore the wealth of opportunities Syria has to offer … Together, we can build a tourism sector that generates sustainable growth, creates jobs, and showcases the beauty and heritage of our country to the world.”
For his part, Le Park Concord CEO Fiaz Talal al-Enezi said: “Our partnership with the Ministry of Tourism aligns perfectly with our vision of developing landmark hospitality projects that blend cultural heritage with modern standards. Through this agreement, we aim to bring our operational expertise and regional presence to Syria, ensuring the Seven Gates Hotel becomes a premier destination.”
The redevelopment marks Le Park Concord’s first investment in Syria and highlights the country’s efforts to attract Gulf capital as it rebuilds its war-damaged economy.
The tourism minister told Al Arabiya English that the estimated budget for rehabilitating the Seven Gates Hotel, following detailed studies and preparation of the project’s bills of quantities, ranges between $60 million to $65 million.
He highlighted that total investments signed for tourism projects – including the development of tourist facilities and routes through memoranda of understanding and contracts – amount to nearly $1.5 billion.
He added that work has already commenced on drafting executive plans and final contracts for many of these projects, which cover the restoration of historical areas, as well as the construction of hotels, integrated resorts, and entertainment cities. Some contracts have already been finalized, while others are still being prepared and are close to signing.
The “Seven Gates” name pays homage to the historic entrances of Damascus – Bab Sharqi, Bab al-Jabiya, Bab Kisan, Bab al-Saghir, Bab al-Salam, Bab Touma, and Bab al-Faradis – reflecting the city’s identity as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capitals.
The ministry said the project is part of a wider plan to modernize the tourism sector, which it hopes can become a key driver of jobs and growth.
Warming Saudi-Syrian ties
The announcement comes amid rapidly warming ties between Syria and Saudi Arabia. In July, both countries signed more than $6 billion in investment agreements spanning real estate, telecom, and infrastructure, including tourism projects.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia pledged nearly $3 billion for Syrian infrastructure, while Riyadh and Damascus ratified an “investment protection” agreement in August. Saudi aid projects have also included rubble-clearing operations around Damascus.
The deals follow the lifting of most US sanctions on Syria in May and the European Union’s suspension of restrictions in key sectors. Analysts say Saudi Arabia sees economic engagement as a way to counterbalance Iranian and Turkish influence in Syria.
By Tamara Abueish, Al Arabiya English
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