Market snapshot
Syria is moving from recovery plans to mobilisation. The repeal of the US Caesar Act in December 2025 and the lifting of EU economic sanctions in 2026 have opened the door to Gulf, Turkish and Qatari investment, and the first master-planned communities, airport, port and power projects are now staffing up.
The scale of the task is huge. The World Bank estimates that rebuilding the country will cost around $216bn, and billions of dollars of investment agreements have been signed since the start of 2025. Damascus is the centre of early activity, with large mixed-use communities moving into design and enabling works. That is the stage when developers build their in-country design, development and project management teams.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Estimated reconstruction cost | Around $216bn (World Bank) |
| Sanctions | US Caesar Act repealed December 2025; EU economic sanctions lifted 2026 |
| Main investors | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye |
| Banking | Reconnected to the SWIFT network |
| Stage of market | Early: major schemes in design and enabling works |
Major projects driving hiring
| Project | Value | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| New Damascus | $7bn | A 4m sq m mixed-use district in west Damascus with 11,000 homes, hotels, schools, a 300-bed hospital and a 700,000 sq m park; construction due to start in 2027 |
| Damascus and Latakia developments | Up to $18–20bn pledged | Residential towers in Damascus, plus waterfront tourism, a marina and hotels on the Mediterranean coast |
| Damascus International Airport | $4bn+ | A phased redevelopment to grow capacity from 6m to around 17m passengers a year |
| Sham View, Qudsaya | Not disclosed | A 178 ha community with 10,000+ units for more than 22,000 residents |
| Damascus Financial Center | $600m | A new office district, with a 72,000 sq m first phase due in late 2028 |
| The Beaumont Damascus | $250–300m | A hotel, residential, retail and business centre on the Barada River |
| Tartous Port and power | $800m port; ~5GW power | Port expansion plus new gas and solar generation |
In-demand roles
- Development Directors and Managers: to lead master-planned communities from feasibility to delivery
- Design Managers and Senior Architects: to manage consultants and design quality on large mixed-use schemes
- Project Directors and Project Managers: client-side and PMC roles across residential, hospitality and infrastructure
- Authority Approvals and Stakeholder Managers: Arabic speakers who understand local regulations and government entities
- Commercial and Contracts Managers: FIDIC-experienced professionals to control investor-funded budgets
- Infrastructure and MEP Engineers: for new-city utilities, power and transport
Fluent Arabic is essential for most in-country roles. Developers are especially keen to hear from Syrian professionals working in the Gulf, Europe and beyond who want to return home and help rebuild.
Working and living in Syria
Safety and travel advice. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Syria, which can affect personal travel insurance. Advice changes often. Employers typically provide security support, secure accommodation and medical cover, so confirm the arrangements before accepting an offer.
Packages. Senior roles are usually paid monthly in US dollars, with medical insurance and security support. Housing, transport and flights are often included, and some employers offer rotation from the Gulf.
Pay and banking. Syria has reconnected to SWIFT, but many diaspora and expatriate hires are paid offshore. Clarify which entity employs you and how you will be paid.
Tax. Tax treatment depends on the employing entity and your residency, so take advice for your situation.
Returning home. If you hold refugee or protected status in Europe, check how working in Syria could affect your status before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Are there construction jobs in Syria in 2026?
Yes. Gulf and Turkish developers are building in-country teams for master-planned communities, the airport redevelopment and power projects, and senior design, development and project management roles are now being advertised in Damascus.
What are the biggest construction projects in Syria?
They include New Damascus, the Damascus International Airport redevelopment, large residential and tourism schemes in Damascus and Latakia, Sham View in Qudsaya, the Damascus Financial Center and around 5GW of new power generation.
Do I need to speak Arabic?
For most in-country leadership roles, yes. Fluent Arabic and English are usually essential, especially for authority approvals and stakeholder management.
Is it safe to work in Syria?
Conditions vary by location and change quickly. Check the latest government travel advice and make sure your employer provides security support, secure accommodation and comprehensive medical cover.
Are salaries paid in US dollars?
Most senior packages we see are quoted monthly in US dollars, plus medical insurance and security support. Always confirm the currency and payment arrangements in your offer.
Considering a move back to Syria?
One95 Global supports construction and infrastructure professionals and employers across the Middle East. Talk to us about opportunities in Syria and what a move could mean for you and your family.
Speak to our team or browse our latest roles.
Sources: World Bank; MEED; The National; Al-Monitor; SANA; Enab Baladi; AGBI; UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Figures are indicative and change often.