Syria Signs Agreement with "Eagle Hills" to Develop Urban and Tourist Complexes

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The Ministries of Public Works and Housing and Tourism in Syria signed a framework agreement with the UAE's "Eagle Hills" company to develop and establish urban and tourist complexes during the "Investment in Syria and Emerging Projects" event held at the People's Palace in Damascus, in the presence of Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara.

The framework agreement includes the development of the "Damascus Hills Real Estate" and "Lattakia Tourism" projects, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency "SANA."

Public Works and Housing Minister Mustafa Abdul-Razzaq stated that the agreement represents an important milestone in the path of rebuilding a new Syria, surpassing the signing of an agreement and launching two projects, and reflects a real transition from the stage of vision and planning to the stage of partnership and implementation.

He explained that housing and urban development are among the biggest challenges facing Syria in the coming years, noting that the ministry's estimates indicate that the housing deficit could exceed two million units by 2030 if immediate responses are not made, which requires integrated pathways that balance development and growth needs.

He added that work is underway to build a comprehensive national housing strategy, transitioning from dealing with housing units in isolation to managing a complete system, starting with land, planning, and legislation, and including the provision of infrastructure, financing, and investment, leading to implementation and the construction of viable urban communities.

He pointed out that this system includes social, affordable, medium, and investment housing, and that the strategic projects being launched today form integrated links within a unified national policy, contributing to expanding supply, stimulating the economy, and enabling the state to direct its resources and tools more towards the most needy segments.

He confirmed that the goal is to transform the housing sector from a pressing challenge for the state and citizens into one of the drivers of economic growth and social stability in Syria, relying on the private sector to provide the largest contribution in the upcoming phase.

He stated that the importance of the agreement lies in the urban projects that will result from it, in addition to the two projects that will begin implementation immediately, explaining that initial estimates for the current projects entering implementation indicate the possibility of providing more than 95,000 job opportunities during the construction and operation phases, and more than 23,000 permanent job opportunities, in addition to its impact on the construction, industry, services, tourism, supply chains, and the national economy.

He noted that these projects will provide wide opportunities for contracting companies, consulting firms, suppliers, and Syrian talents, and that the partnership with international expertise will contribute to transferring experience and localizing knowledge, and raising planning and implementation standards in Syria.

The Minister of Tourism, Mazen Al-Salhani, stated that the agreement aims to establish a model for cooperation in developing integrated and sustainable urban and tourist complexes, which go beyond the value of buildings and facilities to provide job opportunities, stimulate the local economy, and improve the lives of the communities that host them.

He added that tourism projects represent areas for work and production, and are a source of economic activity in the hospitality, entrepreneurship, restaurant, entertainment, and other service sectors, emphasizing the importance of allowing participation for the residents of the concerned areas, and developing their capabilities and skills.

He pointed out that the Syrian coast possesses important natural and tourist components, and that a comprehensive project that includes tourist facilities, residential areas, and services can enhance the region's presence on the global map and support its economy, indicating that initial estimates for the Latakia tourism project suggest the potential to provide more than 40,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, including more than 10,000 permanent jobs.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eagle Hills, Mohamed Al-Abbar, stated that the company is working on the 'Solidarity Towers' project in Damascus and the 'Eco Life' project in Latakia, expressing hope that these projects will create communities where people find suitable housing, good services, job opportunities, and a decent life.