During a working visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, prominent Emirati businessman Khalaf al-Habtoor viewed the city’s architectural landmarks and rich cultural heritage. He toured the old city, the Great Umayyad Mosque, and its historic neighborhoods. He also expressed interest in evaluating investment opportunities in the heart of the Syrian capital.
Habtoor and his accompanying delegation’s visit came within the framework of growing Arab interest in the economic opportunities offered by Syria, especially during the reconstruction phase. This reflects the deep fraternal ties between the two peoples and the eagerness of Arab businessmen to participate in advancing development and construction.
A Humanitarian Goal Before an Economic Goal
In a special statement to SANA during the tour, Habtoor emphasized that the purpose of his visit was to cooperate with Syrians on development projects that serve the community, explaining that the motive was not financial gain.
He said, “We came to explore how we can cooperate with our brothers. Our goal is not profit, but rather to join hands with them and see how they can live in dignity, respect, and appreciation. This is the essence of investment for us.”
Sustainable Service Projects Provide Thousands of Jobs
Habtoor expressed his initial willingness to invest in vital service projects, such as the transportation sector, by investing in hundreds of buses in cooperation with relevant government agencies, in addition to opening car showrooms. He emphasized that these projects will contribute to providing thousands of job opportunities for Syrians.
He emphasized his vision for investment, saying, “We are not looking for temporary projects. Rather, we want sustainability and real benefit for Syrian society, and this is the idea we are currently working on.”
Confidence in the Syrian Capability
“Syrians are distinguished by their intelligence and ability to succeed wherever they are,” Habtoor notes, highlighting his confidence in the people’s ability to make any project benefiting their country successful. He also expressed his hope that Syria would enjoy security, stability, and economic prosperity, considering the participation of Arab investors a step towards achieving this goal.
