From rubble to recovery: Saudi Arabia steps up in Syria’s reconstruction

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday a new package of humanitarian and reconstruction projects in Syria, reinforcing its support for the transitional government that took power following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

At an event held in Damascus, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) unveiled a program to remove more than 75,000 cubic meters of rubble from the capital and surrounding areas, with plans to recycle at least 30,000 cubic meters of debris from destroyed buildings. 

The agreement was signed by KSrelief president Abdallah al-Rabiah and Syria’s Minister for Emergency and Disaster Affairs Raed al-Saleh, who stressed that debris is blocking humanitarian efforts and that unexploded remnants of war continue to threaten civilians.

Targeted Projects Across Key Provinces

In addition to clearing debris, the new agreements include:

• Rehabilitation of 34 schools in the provinces of Aleppo, Idlib, and Homs,
• Provision of equipment to 17 hospitals nationwide,
• Reconstruction of around 60 bakeries,
• Restoration of water and sanitation networks in Damascus.

These initiatives form part of Riyadh’s broader strategy to support Syria’s transition and restore essential infrastructure after nearly 15 years of civil war.

Expanding Saudi Investment in Syria

The announcement follows Saudi Arabia’s July pledge of $6.4 billion in investments and partnerships with Syria, underscoring the kingdom’s growing role in the country’s reconstruction.

Syria remains devastated, with the United Nations estimating the total cost of rebuilding at more than $400 billion. The transitional authorities are now looking to Gulf nations and other international partners to help rebuild the country and stabilize its institutions.