Saudi Arabia and Qatar to jointly fund Syrian state salaries to boost recovery
Move comes as part of broader Gulf-led effort to stabilize Syria’s economy and reintegrate it into global financial institutions
DAMASCUS, Syria (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia and Qatar have announced a joint initiative to finance salaries for Syria’s public sector employees, in a significant step toward reviving the war-torn country’s economy and infrastructure.
The announcement was made by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud who said both countries would provide coordinated support to help cover wage payments in Syria’s civilian public sector, reported local news sources.
While exact figures were not disclosed during the conference, Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yosr Barnieh previously stated that Qatar would contribute $29 million per month over an initial three-month period. The arrangement may be extended depending on progress made in economic stabilization.
The funding marks the latest Gulf-backed move to support Syria’s new leadership, which assumed power in December after the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
The initiative also follows Saudi and Qatari efforts earlier in May to clear Syria’s $15.5 million debt to the World Bank, paving the way for the resumption of financial operations by the institution after a 14-year hiatus.
In a statement following the debt clearance, the World Bank confirmed it had resumed activities in Syria and is preparing a new project focused on expanding access to electricity, a critical component for restoring healthcare, education, and water services.
Syria’s re-emergence on the international financial stage has also been buoyed by policy shifts from Western powers.
On May 13, U.S. President Donald Trump formally lifted sanctions imposed on Syria during the al-Assad era. Shortly after, the European Union followed suit, removing economic restrictive measures and delisting 24 entities, including the Central Bank of Syria.
Despite these positive signals, major challenges remain. According to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report released in February, nine out of ten Syrians now live in poverty, and the country’s GDP has fallen to less than half of its 2011 value.
The report warned that, without accelerated investment, it could take Syria more than 50 years to return to pre-war economic levels.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has continued to court international partners and Gulf allies, emphasizing reconciliation and long-term development.
His administration has received praise for distancing itself from extremist groups and prioritizing minority rights, although sporadic violence continues to cast a shadow over the country’s recovery.
The joint Saudi-Qatari salary funding is expected to bring short-term relief to millions of Syrian families while also signaling a broader regional commitment to Syria’s economic and political rehabilitation.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
