{
  "id": 10495167,
  "title": "Syria could delay investment projects to plug $1bn hole",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/syria-could-delay-investment-projects-to-plug-1bn-hole-10495167",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-28T17:03:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/09/28/syria-could-delay-investment-projects-to-plug-1bn-hole/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Syria may postpone some investment projects as it prepares to cut spending to address a $1 billion budget shortfall, according to official reports. Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh intends to trim \"unnecessary expenditure\" without reducing wages, healthcare, or education. However, approved projects will be evaluated based on necessity and progress. Gulf nations, including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have pledged billions to help Syria rebuild from a 13-year civil war. Syria has secured investments for property developments, a new airport in Damascus, and port renovations in Tartus. The government plans to prioritize spending on security, basic services, and vital infrastructure. In the first half of 2026, Syria spent $3.7 billion but collected only $2.7 billion, resulting in a $1 billion deficit. The budget cuts aim to reduce unnecessary spending, optimize available resources, and ensure the state budget can adapt to the ongoing Middle East crisis. President Ahmad Al Shara recently described Syria as a \"great opportunity\" for trade and investment.",
  "summary": "Syria could delay some of its much-heralded investment projects as it prepares spending cuts to plug a $1 billion hole in the budget. Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh plans to take an axe to “unnecessary expenditure” after the Middle East conflict pushed up costs, official Syrian media reported on Monday. Mr Barnieh has vowed not to cut wages, health care or schools. However, approved investment…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Syria could delay investment projects to plug $1bn hole",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/syria-could-delay-investment-projects-to-plug-1bn-hole",
        "published": "2026-09-28T17:03:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}