Saudis Announce New Investments in Syria, a Sign of Deepening Ties

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Christina GoldbaumFebruary 7, 2026 at 04:59 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

In February 2026, Saudi Arabia announced significant investments in Syria's telecommunications, energy, and aviation sectors, signaling closer ties between the two nations. The deals, announced in Damascus, include a joint airline, rehabilitation of Aleppo's international airport, and a $1 billion investment in Syria's telecommunication network. These investments aim to boost Syria's economy, which has been struggling after years of civil war and sanctions, under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who ousted Bashar al-Assad. The shift reflects a change in Syria's alliances, moving away from Iran and towards Gulf countries, with Saudi Arabia becoming a key supporter. These deals build upon Saudi Arabia's previous pledge of $6.4 billion in investments in Syria last year.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Gulf countries 40% Damascus 40% Iran ×240% Talal al-Hilali 50% Khalid al-Falih 50% Bashar al-Assad 60% Aleppo ×260% Ahmed al-Sharaa ×370% Saudi Arabia ×490% Syria ×10100%

Keywords

syria 100% investments 90% saudi arabia 90% telecommunications 70% economic boost 70% rebuilding 60% aviation 60% international airport 50% geopolitical landscape 50% joint airline 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.30

Source Transparency

Source

New York Times - World

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.30)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Syria

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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syria investments saudi arabia telecommunications economic boost rebuilding aviation international airport geopolitical landscape joint airline

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