Telecoms Gulf companies compete for Syrian fibre optic project By Reuters June 5, 2025, 11:54 AM Reuters Workers at a fibre optic cable production facility. Syria plans to spend up to $300 million to improve its communications network Syrian internet connectivity is poor SilkLink project aims to improve it US sanctions lifted Syria’s government is in talks with regional telecoms companies Zain, Etisalat, STC and Ooredoo for a $300 million project to develop the country’s fibre optic communications network, two Syrian officials have said. The talks with the Gulf Arab companies are part of growing global investor interest in Syria’s economy following US President Donald Trump’s announcement last month that Washington would lift Syria sanctions. The Syrian project, dubbed SilkLink, aims to rapidly overhaul outdated communications infrastructure and set the country up as a potential “north-south and west-east digital corridor,” the telecommunications ministry said. Saudi Arabia’s STC declined to comment. Qatar’s Ooreedo, the UAE’s Etisalat and Kuwait’s Zain did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. The deadline to submit proposals for the project is June 10. The two officials declined to be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly on the talks. After 14 years of civil war and decades of Western sanctions, Syria’s infrastructure shortfalls include some of the world’s worst internet connectivity. It means many users are forced to use costly mobile data instead of a wireless connection to get basic tasks done online. Syria’s new rulers aim to make rapid progress in improving public services almost six months after they ousted former strongman Bashar al-Assad. Syria says foreign partners vital to modernise telecoms Dubai airlines lead GCC bid to revive Syrian economy Syria signs $7bn power deal with Qatari-led consortium Their efforts have included last week signing a $7 billion memorandum of understanding with a consortium of companies led by Qatar’s UCC Holding to develop 5,000 megawatts of electricity. Syria also signed an $800 million MoU in May with DP World to develop Tartous port, two weeks after signing a 30-year deal with French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM that includes building a new berth at Latakia port. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
