Interview: Manaf Arnous, President & General Manager, Damson Energy, on how rebuilding critical infrastructure could reshape the investment landscape and unlock opportunities
What is the best way to accelerate energy sector reconstruction, restore production and strengthen long-term energy security?
MANAF ARNOUS: The immediate priority is the rehabilitation of upstream assets. Syria has thousands of oil and gas wells requiring assessment, repair and modernisation, alongside upgrades to production facilities, gathering systems and pipeline infrastructure. Restoring production capacity will require significant investment in field rehabilitation, enhanced recovery techniques and environmental improvements. At the same time, reconstruction should be viewed as an opportunity to modernise the sector. Syria has strong potential for solar and wind energy. Falling technology costs have made renewables increasingly competitive, creating opportunities to diversify the energy mix and strengthen long-term energy security. Success will also depend on rebuilding institutional and technical capabilities. Attracting experienced professionals, adopting international best practices and deploying modern technologies will be equally important.
Which reforms and market conditions are the most critical to attracting investment?
ARNOUS: International investors require clarity, predictability and efficient operating conditions. Access to international financial systems, payment mechanisms and banking services is particularly important, as energy projects are highly capital-intensive and depend on the movement of capital. Equally important is the creation of an ecosystem that allows international operators and service providers to participate in the market. Syria will need to enable experienced energy companies to enter the market, bringing advanced technologies and project management capabilities. The emphasis should be on comprehensive development plans, not short-term solutions. Investors need solid technical studies, clear development strategies and a stable operating framework.
How would you assess Syria’s investment potential relative to other regional energy markets?
ARNOUS: Syria’s greatest advantage is its strategic location at the intersection of the Levant, the Gulf and the Mediterranean, positioning it as a potential energy transit and export hub. Unlike some regional producers with limited export routes, Syria has direct Mediterranean access and infrastructure that can be rehabilitated and expanded. This creates opportunities not only in upstream production but also across storage, logistics, transport and export infrastructure. For investors, Syria’s long-term potential extends beyond resource development to a broader role in regional energy trade and connectivity.
Where can public-private partnerships and regional cooperation shape reconstruction?
ARNOUS: Public-private partnerships will be essential given the scale of investment required across the energy value chain. Private sector participation can accelerate the development of storage, terminals, pipelines and supporting infrastructure, while government institutions provide the regulatory certainty needed to support long-term investment. Successful partnerships will combine public-sector priorities such as energy security and economic development with private-sector expertise, efficiency and capital.
Regional cooperation has the potential to be a major driver of Syria’s energy recovery. The country’s strategic location positions it as a potential link between Gulf energy producers and markets in the Mediterranean and Europe. Expanded pipeline networks, transport corridors and export infrastructure could enhance regional energy security while creating new trade, investment and employment opportunities in the energy sector. Realising this potential will require sustained cooperation, infrastructure investment and a stable environment that supports long-term commitments from both public and private stakeholders.
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