Emaar Strengthens Syria Commitment with Full Control of Damascus’ Eighth Gate Project

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Emaar Properties has announced its transition to sole ownership and operation of the landmark Eighth Gate development in Damascus, reinforcing its long-term confidence in Syria’s future growth and urban development potential. The mixed-use project is designed to bring world-class residential, retail, hospitality, and commercial experiences to the region while reflecting Emaar’s globally recognised development standards.

Key Highlights

• Emaar Properties announced its exit from the joint venture structure for The Eighth Gate project
• The company will now independently lead the development in Damascus, Syria
• The Eighth Gate is a mixed-use master-planned community located in Yafour, Damascus
• The project is valued at approximately $500 million
• The development spans around 300,000 square metres
• The project was originally conceived in 2005 as Syria’s first master-planned community
• The Eighth Gate includes residential, retail, hospitality, and commercial components
• The development is located approximately 22 kilometres from central Damascus
• Emaar stated that the transition reflects confidence in Syria’s future growth potential
• Mohamed Alabbar highlighted Emaar’s long-term belief in Syria and its people
• The project is expected to follow the same design philosophy as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Hills Estate
• Emaar aims to deliver the development with internationally recognised quality standards
• The Eighth Gate name pays tribute to Damascus’ historic seven ancient gates
• The project is designed to combine modern urban living with Syrian cultural heritage
• Emaar continues strengthening its regional development footprint across the Middle East
• Damascus remains one of the region’s historically significant cities
• The development is expected to contribute to future commercial and residential growth in Syria
• The project reflects increasing regional interest in long-term urban investment opportunities
• Emaar continues expanding its portfolio of large-scale master-planned communities
• The UAE and Syria continue strengthening cultural and development cooperation initiatives
• The UAE recently announced support for restoration efforts at the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus
• Infrastructure and real estate developments continue supporting future growth opportunities in the region
• The Eighth Gate aims to create a modern lifestyle destination inspired by regional heritage
• Emaar’s continued expansion highlights confidence in strategic regional development projects
• The project reinforces the importance of integrated communities in future urban planning strategies