UAE Developer Proposes Trump Tower in Post-War Syria

A Syrian-born UAE businessman has unveiled plans to build a 45-story Trump Tower in Damascus, signaling a bold vision for rebuilding the war-torn nation and potentially reshaping its skyline.

Walid Mohammad al-Zoubi, chairman of UAE-based Tiger Group, a $5 billion real estate conglomerate, shared his vision this week: a golden-glass skyscraper crowned with the name “Trump” rising above Syria’s capital. “This project sends a message that Syria—a country that has endured years of devastation and nearly 15 years of civil war—deserves to move toward peace,” Zoubi said.

Despite decades of U.S. sanctions on Syria, a historic policy shift by President Donald Trump during his May 13 visit to the Middle East may pave the way for such a project. Following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Syria came under a new Islamic-led government that has appealed to the U.S. to lift sanctions and normalize ties, offering oil access and security assurances for Israel.

That appeal—combined with lobbying by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—succeeded. President Trump announced the full removal of U.S. sanctions on Syria and met with interim Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa. This policy reversal opens the door for private investment, including Zoubi’s proposed Trump Tower.

The Vision and the Challenge

Zoubi traveled to Damascus this week to submit construction permit applications. “We’re evaluating a few land options. The proposal is for 45 floors, though that may change depending on planning,” he said, estimating construction costs between $100 million and $200 million.

Once permits are secured, Zoubi plans to apply for Trump branding rights. Renderings of the tower currently omit the Trump name, pending franchise approval. If the project receives green lights from both the Syrian government and the Trump Organization, Zoubi expects a three-year timeline to completion. Still, Syria’s fragile political climate and economic instability could complicate progress.

Zoubi, who holds UAE citizenship, has already hired a team member who worked on the Trump Tower Istanbul project. His firm has completed over 270 developments across the Middle East and is currently building Tiger Sky Tower in Dubai, a $1 billion high-rise boasting the world’s highest infinity pool.

He first discussed the Damascus tower with President Sharaa in January, before Sharaa officially assumed office. The idea gained momentum in December 2024 after U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson floated the concept during a session of Congress.

Attracting Trump’s Attention

“This project is meant to catch President Trump’s attention,” said Syrian writer and political insider Radwan Ziadeh, who has close ties to Syria’s interim leadership. Ziadeh met with Zoubi to discuss the proposal and joined him in pushing it forward.

President Sharaa has welcomed American investors and lawmakers to Damascus, offering tours of former Assad-era prisons and historic Christian villages near the capital. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani has also engaged with Trump allies during trips to the United Nations headquarters in New York.

In April, Ziadeh gifted a scale model of the tower to Minister Shibani, who he said was “very enthusiastic” about the project. Another model was presented to the Saudi ambassador in Damascus, in hopes it would be passed along to U.S. representatives in Riyadh.

“This is a way to connect emotionally with President Trump,” Ziadeh said.

His confidence grew after Trump posted an AI-generated video on social media in February, depicting a fictional Trump Tower in Gaza. Trump has publicly suggested relocating Palestinians and turning Gaza into a luxury resort. Many Syrians now hope a flagship real estate project like Trump Tower Damascus could similarly attract foreign investment.

A Symbol of Hope Amid Ruins

With over 90% of Syrians living in poverty, according to the United Nations, and daily life marred by electricity shortages and a lack of basic healthcare, many see such projects as more than symbolic.

Zoubi shared a digitally altered image of Damascus: a war-zone explosion replaced with a shimmering glass skyscraper.

“This project is about transforming a war-ravaged country into one filled with light and possibility,” Zoubi said. “It’s a symbol—of hope, peace, and security.”

(Sources: The Guardian, SANA)

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