Syria targets two million homes by 2035 to address reconstruction needs

Syria faces a massive reconstruction challenge, with the World Bank estimating the cost of rebuilding physical assets at approximately $216 billion. This includes $75 billion for residential buildings, $82 billion for infrastructure, and $59 billion for non-residential structures.

Tjada McKenna, chief executive of Prosper Global, stated that international aid is “woefully insufficient” to meet these needs and that the recovery process will span multiple decades. She noted that Syria must compete for shrinking aid budgets against other global crises such as Sudan, Yemen, Gaza, and Ukraine.

To address a severe housing shortage, the Syrian Ministry of Public Works and Housing has announced plans to build or rehabilitate roughly two million homes by 2035. The ministry estimates the housing deficit could reach 2.5 million units by 2030. The strategy involves completing stalled projects, repairing damaged homes, and constructing new developments. To fund these efforts, the government is seeking private and foreign investment, such as the UAE-based Arada project, which is developing the “New Damascus” mixed-use development.