Saudi Arabia boosts aid and investments in Syria to expand regional influence

Sunday 21 September 2025 - 07:16

By: Sahili Aya

Saudi Arabia boosts aid and investments in Syria to expand regional influence

Saudi Arabia has stepped up its efforts to expand its influence in Syria by pledging significant financial and humanitarian support. In July, Riyadh announced $6.4 billion in investments aimed at rehabilitating the country’s war-ravaged infrastructure, along with commitments to rebuild schools and hospitals, clear debris, and supply 1.65 million barrels of crude oil.

The initiative comes as Syria seeks to rebuild after years of conflict and the fall of the Assad dynasty. While former allies such as Russia and Iran scale back their involvement, Saudi Arabia is using its financial power to fill the vacuum and consolidate ties with Syria’s new Islamist leadership. Analysts suggest the strategy is also part of a wider competition with Qatar and Turkey for regional influence.

Saudi humanitarian agency KSrelief has been leading numerous projects across Syria, including medical support and the delivery of ambulances and demining equipment. Syrian officials have praised Riyadh for its role in political, economic, and humanitarian support, describing it as a vital partner in reconstruction.

At the same time, Riyadh is seeking to address the growing threat of the captagon trade, a synthetic drug that became one of Syria’s main exports during the war. By offering economic alternatives, Saudi Arabia hopes to curb trafficking networks that directly impact its domestic security.

For many Syrians, Saudi investments are seen as a source of hope after 14 years of devastation. Yet others remain cautious, warning against potential political interference. Experts underline that Riyadh’s long-term goal is to create a defensive buffer for the Gulf and prevent Syria from aligning with destabilizing regional powers.