Across the Levant, companies are seeking operational efficiencies without compromising on talent or quality of work. Syria, often overlooked in conversations around startup expansion and SME operations, offers one of the most compelling cost advantages in the region today. From lower salary expectations to reduced overhead and emerging infrastructure, Syria is quietly positioning itself as a competitive hub for businesses that want to scale sustainably while building regional resilience.
The Cost Landscape: Syria vs. the Region
For startups and SMEs, every dollar saved on operations can be reinvested in growth. Let’s look at some clear comparisons:
- Software Developer Salaries: In Syria, the average monthly salary for a mid-level developer is around $300-$500, compared to $1,000-$1,400 in Jordan and $1,200-$1,600 in Lebanon (source: Bayt, local HR consultancies).
- Office Space Rental: In central Damascus, office space can be leased for as low as $5-7 per square meter, while in Amman it ranges from $15-25, and in Beirut $18-30 (source: local real estate agents, Colliers MENA reports).
- Internet & Utilities: Average monthly internet cost for business use is around $25-40 in Syria, compared to $60+ in Jordan and Lebanon (source: Syria Telecom, Ogero Lebanon).
- Administrative and Support Staff: Entry-level administrative staff salaries average $150-$250 per month in Syria, offering cost efficiency for growing teams.
These differences can add up significantly. For a 10-person technical team, a company can save over $70,000 annually on salaries alone when operating in Syria compared to Jordan or Lebanon.
Skilled, Young Talent
Syria’s youth population remains one of its strongest assets. Over 60% of the population is under 30 years old (source: UNFPA Syria), with a growing number pursuing higher education and technical skills despite challenges. Many are self-taught in programming, design, and digital marketing, often freelancing for regional and global clients to gain experience.
Notably, English proficiency among young Syrians continues to improve, driven by online learning and freelance work exposure, allowing smooth collaboration with regional and global teams.
Emerging ICT and Infrastructure Improvements
While challenges in infrastructure exist, significant steps are underway:
- Fiber-Optic Expansion: Syria is laying regional fiber-optic corridors with neighboring Jordan, improving connectivity (source: Petra News Agency).
- Mobile Connectivity: With over 17 million mobile lines in use (source: Syria Telecom), the country is nearly fully connected by mobile, aiding digital businesses and customer support operations.
- 5G Pilots: Wafa Telecom has announced plans for 5G testing in select areas, setting the stage for higher data speeds essential for tech businesses (source: local news agencies).
A Business Environment Ripe for Impact
Setting up operations in Syria does not only make financial sense; it supports impact-driven goals. Employing Syrian talent and building local teams contributes to livelihoods and skills development while giving companies access to a loyal and motivated workforce eager to prove its capabilities.
Potential Sectors for Expansion
Several sectors stand out for companies considering operations in Syria:
- Tech and Development: Ideal for building software teams, digital agencies, and backend development.
- Customer Support: Arabic-native speakers and English-proficient staff are well-suited for regional customer support operations.
- Content Creation: Syrians’ Arabic proficiency and growing content management skills are valuable for agencies and publishers.
What About the Challenges?
Syria’s challenges are real—from electricity fluctuations to regulatory complexities. However, these are gradually being addressed through targeted infrastructure investments and regional collaborations. For companies willing to work with local consultants and partners, navigating licensing and local operations is manageable.
Moreover, the cost savings often outweigh these challenges, especially for startups aiming to extend their runway without diluting equity or incurring high operational costs in saturated markets.
The Strategic Case
Syria’s geographical location is advantageous, bordering Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Turkey, offering proximity to key MENA markets. Companies can leverage this position to build a Levant hub, combining cost efficiency with regional reach.
With regional cooperation increasing, Syria may soon integrate more deeply into cross-border digital trade, making it an even more attractive choice for forward-looking businesses.
References
- Bayt, Salary Reports, 2024.
- UNFPA Syria, Population Estimates, 2024.
- Petra News Agency, Jordan-Syria Fiber Collaboration, May 2025.
- Syria Telecom Reports, 2024.
- Colliers MENA, Real Estate Market Overview, 2024.
Final Thoughts
For startups and SMEs looking to build scalable operations in the MENA region, Syria offers an often-overlooked opportunity to reduce operational costs significantly while gaining access to young, skilled talent. It is not without its complexities, but for those ready to look beyond the headlines and see potential where others see challenges, Syria presents a rare chance to align growth with impact while optimizing costs.
Setting up operations in Syria today may position your company at the forefront of a market poised for digital transformation and long-term resilience.
Anas Abbar CEO, 7awi Media Group Contributor, UgaritLabs
