Finance & Capital Market

Saudi Fund signs $403m loans for Syria infrastructure projects

RIYADH
Saudi Fund signs $403m loans for Syria infrastructure projects

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed six concessional development loan agreements worth over $403 million with the Syrian government marking a significant step in supporting the country’s recovery through the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure, restoration of vital public services and improvement of living conditions for communities affected by years of conflict.

The deals, signed under the directives of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, reflect the kingdom’s continued commitment to supporting Syria’s development priorities. 

Spanning six development areas, the financing will address pressing needs while strengthening the resilience of communities and public institutions across Syria, said a statement from SFD.

A $90 million loan will rehabilitate generating units at the Aleppo Thermal Power Plant, helping restore reliable electricity supplies for 5 million people and supporting economic activity, while a $30 million water project will install 300,000 smart meters to improve water service efficiency for approximately 1.5 million people.

A further $105 million will finance the construction, rehabilitation and equipping of 25 civil defence centres, strengthening emergency response and disaster management capabilities for more than 7 million people. In the housing sector, $60 million will support the rehabilitation of up to 10,000 damaged homes, improving living conditions and community stability.

The agreements also include $100 million to rehabilitate, construct and equip hospitals and health centres, restoring essential healthcare services and expanding access to care, alongside $18 million to support digital transformation and institutional development at Syria’s Ministry of Finance, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of government financial services.

Together, these projects will contribute to restoring essential services, strengthening community resilience and supporting sustainable development, building on Saudi Arabia’s continued assistance to Syria, including two grants provided through SFD in September 2025 to supply crude oil and cover part of public employees’ salaries over three months.

These deals were signed by SFD Chief Executive Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al Marshad and Syrian Minister of Finance Mohammed Yusr Barniyeh in the presence of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa.-TradeArabia News Service