Digital infrastructure in Syria set for enhancement through partnership between Salam and the Communications Ministry.
Saudi Arabia and Syria have taken a significant step forward in their collaboration in telecommunications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Etihad Salam Telecom Company (Salam) and the Syrian Ministry of Communications and Technology.
The MoU was formalized during the Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum held in Damascus, under the patronage of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Salam's participation in the forum underscores its commitment to enhancing regional digital and knowledge integration and applying global best practices in telecommunications and ICT.
The collaboration is centred on a major strategic digital infrastructure partnership announced in July 2025, valued at $6.4 billion overall, with $1.07 billion specifically allocated for telecommunications development. This partnership aims to modernize Syria's digital infrastructure post-conflict and integrate it into the regional digital economy, leveraging Saudi expertise and investment.
One of the key elements of this collaboration is the establishment of IP Points of Presence (PoPs) in Damascus and Aleppo. These PoPs will provide reliable Tier-1 connectivity, enabling high-speed, secure local and international data transmission, which is fundamental for advancing Syria's digital transformation.
The focus areas under the partnership include upgrading 5G networks, cybersecurity enhancements, and incorporating educational technology platforms in collaboration with firms such as Saudi Telecom Co. (STC), GO Telecom, and Classera.
His Excellency Abdulsalam Haykal, Minister of Communications and Technology in Syria, was thanked by His Excellency Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih for maintaining close dialogue with Saudi companies. Eng. Al-Falih, the Saudi Minister of Investment, expressed gratitude to his Syrian counterpart during the forum.
The investment agreement linked to Salam's role is valued at approximately SAR 4 billion (about $1.07 billion). Salam aims to leverage its successful Saudi business model to empower Syria's economic growth through scalable digital infrastructure and regional cooperation.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s GO Telecom has separately signed agreements to modernize Syria’s communications network and support building national data centers, promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), and develop cloud computing services—all complementing the overall digital infrastructure goals and tied to easing of Western sanctions on Syria.
This initiative reflects the leadership's commitment to fostering deeper cooperation with the Syrian Arab Republic. It is aligned with the Kingdom's broader vision to promote regional digital integration and drive sustainable technological advancement. The joint efforts involve strengthening cybersecurity capabilities and developing advanced systems in programming, AI, data centres, and educational academies in Syria.
The Saudi-Syrian telecom and ICT partnership is a significant step in Syria's post-conflict recovery and regional integration, combining financial investment, technology transfer, and institutional cooperation focused on telecommunications infrastructure, digital government, cybersecurity, AI, and education technology.
References:
- Gulf Business
- Arab News
- Reuters
- The National
- The technology transfer and institutional cooperation, emphasized in the Saudi-Syrian partnership, is aimed at modernizing Syria's infrastructure, especially its telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT).
- In line with the collaboration, Saudi Arabia and Syria are planning to integrate Syria's digital infrastructure into the regional digital economy by focusing on upgrading 5G networks, enhancing cybersecurity capabilities, and implementing educational technology platforms.
- The partnership also extends to the domain of politics, as Saudi Arabia's GO Telecom has signed separate agreements to develop cloud computing services, AI, IoT, and national data centers in Syria—initiatives that align with the Kingdom's vision for regional digital integration and sustainable technological advancement.
- The partnership between Etihad Salam Telecom Company (Salam) and the Syrian Ministry of Communications and Technology, formalized in 2025, represents a major step forward in the realm of general-news, as it is a significant contribution to Syria's post-conflict recovery and regional integration.
