U.S. President Donald Trump meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 14, 2025. (Credit: Saudi news agency via Reuters)
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is expected in the Saudi capital to speak at the Future Investment Initiative, an annual government-organized event in Riyadh, according to several media sources.
Sharaa is expected to deliver a speech on Tuesday on reconstruction, innovation, renewable energy, digital transformation and human capital development.
This underscores Damascus' desire to attract investment and launch the country's reconstruction project after more than a decade of war.
On Oct. 21, the World Bank estimated the cost of reconstruction at at least $216 billion.
Saudi Arabia plays a key role in this issue, having been at the forefront of efforts to lift the remaining U.S. sanctions on Syria.
It was in the kingdom that Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) hosted a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Syrian counterpart last May.
In addition to the senior officials who will be in Riyadh for the investment conference, this year titled "The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Growth Opportunities," Sharaa will have the opportunity to meet with Saudi officials, including, first and foremost, Crown Prince and Prime Minister MBS.
He will lead a delegation comprising his Ministers of Economy and Industry, Finance, Energy and Communications.
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