United Arab Emirates businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor said Syria holds “promising and attractive investment opportunities” in a range of economic sectors, emphasizing that “Syrians today are fully capable of rebuilding their country and economy through their great abilities, willpower and resolve.”
In an exclusive interview Tuesday with SANA during his visit to Damascus, Al Habtoor explained that the aim of his trip is to support the Syrian people by launching projects with long-term impact that create job opportunities for the younger generation.
He stressed, “I am determined to invest in Syria not only for profit, but to establish sustainable ventures that benefit Syrians.”
Al-Habtoor also expressed his wish to do maintenance work on Souk Alhamidiyah’s roof after his visit to the old city, and to extend various forms of developmental and service-related support “in ways that directly benefit the Syrian people.”
Al Habtoor said that if Syria follows an approach similar to Dubai’s—particularly in the fields of security, rule of law, efficient decision-making and citizen services—it will achieve major progress on the economic aspect.
“Dubai has become a global destination due to its administrative and organizational system,” he said.
He also addressed the younger generation, urging them to believe in hard work and discipline, to begin with entry-level positions before moving into business ventures, and to learn from Syrians who started small in the UAE and became successful entrepreneurs.
Al-Habtoor signed an agreement earlier with the Ministry of Education to provide 100,000 school desks to help strengthen the education sector.
Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor is one of the UAE’s most prominent businessmen. He chairs Al Habtoor Group, founded in 1970, which grew from a small contracting firm into a diversified conglomerate spanning hospitality, real estate, automotive, education and publishing, providing thousands of jobs inside and outside the UAE.
Throughout his career, Al Habtoor has held several public and private posts, including membership of the UAE Federal National Council, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the chairmanship of the Commercial Bank of Dubai.He currently heads the Dubai National Insurance and Reinsurance Company.
