Syria and the UAE are moving to strengthen a strategic partnership in the transport sector, with plans focused on road and railway development, digital transformation, and the modernization of vehicle and freight transport services. The cooperation aims to support infrastructure rehabilitation and broader development efforts during the country’s recovery phase.
Discussions occurred during a meeting between Syrian Transport Minister Dr. Yarab Badr and UAE Ambassador to Damascus Hamad al-Habsi. The two sides reviewed opportunities to expand technical and investment cooperation, assessed the current state of Syria’s transport sector, and discussed ways to benefit from the UAE’s expertise in smart transport systems and digital services.
Major Road Projects Underway
Badr said the Ministry of Transport is implementing a comprehensive program developing Syria’s road network across multiple provinces. The initiative follows presidential directives allocating funding in the 2026 state budget for the rehabilitation and expansion of several key transportation corridors under a three-year plan.
According to Badr, the ministry is preparing to launch a series of strategic projects to rehabilitate and expand major roadways. Among the most significant are the Damascus-Palmyra-Deir Ezzor route and the Aleppo-Hama-Homs-Damascus corridor extending to the Jordanian border.
At the same time, authorities are accelerating the tendering process for international contracts related to road expansion and maintenance. Officials expect these projects to improve transportation and trade, strengthen connectivity between regions, and contribute to economic activity in areas benefiting from the upgrades.
Digital Transformation and Technical Cooperation
During the meeting, Habsi reaffirmed the UAE’s readiness to share technical expertise in digital transformation. Areas of cooperation include vehicle registration systems, technical inspections, driving examinations, and electronic services related to transport transactions.
Officials said these initiatives could support efforts to modernize government operations and improve the efficiency and accessibility of public services. Badr also encouraged Emirati companies specializing in transport and infrastructure to expand their investments and partnerships in Syria. He highlighted the value of the UAE’s experience in developing road networks, modern transportation systems, digital services, and smart applications.
Expanding Development Partnerships
Both sides emphasized the importance of accelerating joint development plans and deepening technical and investment cooperation in the transport sector. They said stronger collaboration could contribute to infrastructure development while allowing Syria to benefit from advanced Emirati expertise and experience.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport Muhammad Rahhal, Minister’s Adviser for Digital Transformation Ria Arafat, Director of International Cooperation Iyad al-Asaad, Director of Government Communication Hussein Haj Abdullah, and Director of the Minister’s Office Abdulaziz Mustafa.
Developments come amid growing Syrian-Emirati cooperation across several service and development sectors. Both countries continue to explore new partnership opportunities and knowledge-sharing initiatives, particularly in areas related to government modernization, digital transformation, and infrastructure development. These efforts align with broader goals of reconstruction and economic recovery in Syria.
