Talal al-Hilali

Talal al-Hilali is the chief of the Syrian Investment Authority. He is newsworthy due to his central role in announcing and facilitating major investment deals between Syria and Saudi Arabia. These deals, signed in February 2026, span various sectors including aviation, telecommunications, energy, and real estate. Specifically, the deals include a joint airline venture, a US$1 billion telecommunications project, and a $2 billion investment from the Elaf fund for two airports in Aleppo. These investments are significant as they represent a substantial boost to Syria's economy, which has been severely damaged by a 14-year civil war. The deals also signify deepening ties between Saudi Arabia and Syria under its new Islamist authorities, who took power in December 2024 after toppling Bashar al-Assad. Al-Hilali's position makes him a key figure in Syria's efforts to attract foreign investment and rebuild its infrastructure.