Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Syria, which the world and the media once viewed as a major problem, has become a major opportunity from which everyone can benefit and has returned to its regional and international role.

Syria is witnessing “a shift from a system resembling socialism, dominated by corruption and bureaucracy, to a more liberalized system based on a free market economy,” according to al-Sharaa.

Speaking during the Arab Media Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, September 15, al-Sharaa added that Syria had transformed from a Captagon-exporting country and a conflict zone into an area of stability. He said Syria is also increasingly being viewed as a safe trade corridor for supply chains between East and West.

The Syrian president said Syria’s geographic location serves the entire region, making its stability a shared interest for everyone. He praised the United Arab Emirates as one of the first countries to “seize opportunities in Syria” when DP World invested in the Port of Tartous.

Syria’s current phase has its own particular circumstances, and the country is seeking to draw on different experiences despite the challenges, according to al-Sharaa. He said Syria had gone through 60 years of administrative corruption and poor planning and is now rebuilding itself and its institutions.

Al-Sharaa said the liberation of Damascus restored Syrians’ confidence in the state and renewed hope not only for Syrians but for the entire region. He said the country had quickly succeeded in overcoming threats of internal division, sectarian wars, infrastructure and energy challenges, and sanctions.

He noted that the sanctions imposed on Syria had been extensive, with some dating back to 1979. He said entire generations had never become familiar with financial transaction mechanisms and bank guarantees, describing the lifting of sanctions as “Syria’s new birth.”

Syria’s Economic Advantages

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said the Syrian economy stood at about $20 billion at the time of the liberation in late 2024, before rising to $32 billion in 2025, with expectations that it will reach $50 billion this year.

He added that Syria offers “major opportunities” for Gulf countries, neighboring states, and Europe. He said the government is working on projects involving major investments while focusing on clear principles, foremost among them credibility, to attract countries seeking to build relations with Syria.

Al-Sharaa also highlighted the importance of the agricultural sector, saying Syria has production capacity sufficient to feed 70 million people. He said that figure could rise to 100 million if modern technologies become available, helping achieve food security for a large part of the region.

Al-Sharaa also addressed Syria’s transitional phase and the shocks beyond its control that accompany it, saying the period requires important decisions whose positive effects will become apparent over time.

Focus on Openness and Stability

Syria is open to everyone and relies heavily on support from fellow Arab countries, according to al-Sharaa. He said Damascus has managed to build relations with multiple parties and is working to achieve stability in the region amid concerns that wars could expand further.

He said Syria is working with its Arab partners to find ways to reduce the effects of war and avoid risks expected in the future. Amid numerous challenges, he said Damascus is focusing on “continuous and serious work to serve the Syrian people.”

Al-Sharaa said he expects Syria to become a strong country in the future, relying on economic and scientific growth across all areas of life in a way that preserves citizens’ dignity, independence, and pride.

The Syrian president concluded his remarks by discussing the role of the media, saying he believes the media’s mission “represents a heavy responsibility that requires accuracy, reliable information, and avoiding the politicization of the media because of its significant impact on society.”

Arab Media Summit

The summit is the largest media gathering in the Middle East. It is organized by the Dubai Press Club under the patronage of UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The 24th edition is being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from September 15 to 17, with 400 speakers and 10,000 media professionals and specialists from 23 countries.

The summit includes eight specialized forums, more than 175 panel discussions, and three awards for media excellence.

It discusses a range of topics focusing on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, emerging technologies, and the future of the content industry.