Dubai (PlantAndEquipment.com) - Emaar Properties, based in Dubai, is contemplating investing $16 billion to $17 billion in real estate and tourist initiatives in Syria, according to Mohamed Alabbar, the company's founder and managing director.

Speaking at the RISE Summit 2026 in Dubai, Alabbar discussed intentions to investigate large-scale development options in Syria, noting the country's land resources, infrastructural requirements, and potential for long-term economic recovery.

The projected investments might include substantial residential, commercial, and tourist projects, opening prospects for construction contractors, engineering businesses, and building materials suppliers.

Alabbar stated that investment selections will be based on commercial feasibility, economic circumstances, and the projects' capacity to promote local employment and business activity. He said that big changes may take up to 20 years to complete.

There have been no announcements on projects, construction contracts, locations, or implementation timetables, and the proposed investment is still being evaluated.

Separately, Alabbar said that Emaar's real estate sales backlog is roughly AED150 billion ($40.8 billion). The developer continues to sell around 4,000 homes each month, but property cancelations have dropped below 600 after briefly peaking amid regional tensions.

The projected Syria investment would mark a huge expansion of UAE-backed real estate development in the nation; however the size and timing of any building activities are unknown.