Syria sets 2026 budget at around $10.5bn

Syria’s President Ahmed Al-Sharaa said on Friday the 2026 budget was set at around $10.5 billion, nearly triple last year’s level, state TV reported.

He said GDP is estimated to reach $60 billion-$65 billion this year, adding the economy could return to 2010 levels and improve services.

Speaking after Eid al-Fitr prayers in Damascus, Al-Sharaa said the government will prioritise ending displacement camps and enabling returns, with funds allocated to rebuilding infrastructure in hard-hit areas including Idlib and Aleppo, where rival armed factions have clashed in recent months.

He said government spending rose to about $3.5 billion in 2025, while GDP reached around $32 billion after growth of 30-35 percent, with the budget recording a surplus for the first time.

A dedicated infrastructure fund of at least $3 billion would be financed from government spending, he added.

Al-Sharaa said additional funds would go to eastern regions such as Deir al-Zor, Hasaka and Raqqa — areas heavily damaged during the war against Islamic State — focusing on services, while about 40 percent of the 2026 budget will be spent on health and education.

He said territory retaken by the government had returned key resources to state control, supporting the economy, but acknowledged rebuilding will take time.

He also said Syria is seeking stability and balanced ties abroad after years of conflict.

The country has attracted growing foreign investment as it rebuilds, with Gulf states among key backers, including Saudi Arabia’s involvement in major infrastructure projects worth billions of dollars, and the UAE’s DP World signing an $800 million ports deal.

Further reading:

• Gulf capital returns to Syria but caution persists
• Saudi Arabia to help build airports in Syria
• Syria begins to rebuild freight rail network