Syria has signed a memorandum of understanding worth more than $4 billion (about QAR 14.5 billion) in foreign investment with a five-company consortium headed by Qatar’s UCC Holding to redevelop and expand Damascus International Airport.Under the patronage of Ahmad Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, the signing ceremony took place in Damascus on Wednesday.“The project represents a cornerstone of the nation’s reconstruction initiatives, aimed at enhancing global connectivity and contributing to the growth of the economy, trade, and tourism,” UCC Holding said in a statement.“It is considered a pivotal milestone in a series of major developments implemented in vital sectors such as energy, reconstruction, and infrastructure.”The project is a part of a package of strategic initiatives directed by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the aim of supporting Syria’s economic recovery and fostering a long-term partnership between the two nations, the statement added.It is also one of the largest investments in Syria’s infrastructure in decades, reflecting the country’s drive to restore its regional and international air routes.The consortium – UCC Concessions Investments LLC (Qatar), Assets Investments USA LLC (United States), Cengiz İnşaat, Kalyon İnşaat and TAV Tepe Akfen (all Turkey) – will run the build-operate-transfer venture in five stages, to reach an annual capacity of 31 million passengers.Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, representatives of the Qatari Embassy in Syria, senior official delegations, and a number of diplomats attended the signing ceremony.The agreement was signed by Omar Al-Husari, Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation — representing the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic — along with Mohammad Moataz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of UCC Holding, Sani Şener, Chairman of TAV, Anthony Salter, CEO of Assets Investments USA, Murat Ergonul, Board Member of Cengiz İnşaat, and Murathan Kalyoncu, Chairman of Kalyon İnşaat.“This project embodies the outcome of a strategic partnership bringing together a select group of leading international companies with a unified goal: rebuilding one of Syria’s most vital facilities in a way that reflects its future ambitions,” said UCC Holding’s Chairman, Al-Khayyat.The project will be executed in five successive phases: increasing capacity to 6 million passengers in the first year, 16 million upon completion of the second phase, and ultimately reaching 31 million passengers annually at full capacity.The airport will be built to the highest international standards approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).It will feature up to 32 gates equipped with modern passenger boarding bridges, a fully integrated air navigation service system, and a world-class duty-free area housing a wide selection of international restaurants, upscale cafés, and leading fashion brands, making it one of the most modern and advanced airports in the region.The project will also include the development of the main access road to the airport, stretching up to 50 km, in addition to USD 250 million in financing to purchase up to 10 Airbus A320 aircraft for Syrian Airlines, aimed at enhancing the fleet and increasing the competitiveness of the national carrier.Ramez Al-Khayyat, President and Group CEO of UCC Holding, added: “This project is not just about redeveloping Damascus International Airport; it is a strategic bridge carrying Syria toward a future of recovery and prosperity.“We are investing in a sustainable development vision that enhances trade and tourism, connects Syria to the world at the highest standards, and stimulates economic growth and investment across all sectors.“Leveraging Syria’s strategic location and our extensive local and regional partnerships, Damascus International Airport will become a model for advanced, smart transportation projects in the region.”The project is expected to create more than 90,000 direct and indirect jobs, strengthen the local economy across multiple sectors, and enable Syria to return as an active player in the regional and international aviation network, becoming a leading strategic hub in the region.“We view this project as a strategic investment opportunity that goes beyond infrastructure development,” said TAV Chairman, Şener.  (ICE Doha)

Fonte notizia: DOHA NEWS