Council Established
Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry, Nidal al-Shaar, issued a decision on Monday, 29 June 2026, forming the Syrian-Emirati Business Council to represent the Syrian side of a bilateral body. The stated purpose is to strengthen economic and investment cooperation between Syria and the United Arab Emirates.
The ministry announced the decision the same day. It takes effect from the date of its issuance, and the parties concerned were instructed to carry it out.
Sole Authorized Channel
Under the decision, the council is the only authorized entity representing the Syrian side in its relationship with the Emirati side, operating according to the procedures recognized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry.
The designation centralizes official business dealings between the two countries within a single recognized structure, rather than leaving them to scattered or informal contacts.
Leadership Named
The decision named Abdulrahman Najib Didem as chairman of the council, with Bashar Muhammad Taysir Somha, Abdel-Nasser Muhammad Sadeq, and Muhammad Maher al-Dahsh serving as vice chairs.
Adnan Muhammad Eid al-Hamli was appointed executive director, and Jamil Ahmad Aqreen was named secretary general.
Rules of Operation
The council is required to work in line with the statutes that govern Syria's joint business councils with other countries, and in accordance with the charter and procedural guide issued by the Syrian Council for the Coordination of Joint Business Councils.
That coordinating body was tasked with organizing the new council's work so that it remains consistent with the wider network of business councils and with national economic priorities.
Push for Gulf Partnerships
The step was presented as part of a broader effort to structure joint business councils with partner states, develop trade relations, and widen partnership opportunities between Syria's business community and its counterparts abroad.
It establishes a single recognized counterpart through which Emirati and Syrian firms can pursue joint ventures, and slots the new council into a system that Syria has been building with what officials describe as brotherly and friendly states.