Syria joins Gitex for first time with tech showcase

The 2025 edition of Gitex Global marked the first official participation of Syria in the exhibition’s history, through a Syrian Pavilion that showcased the country’s digital presence on the global stage under the theme “Syria Is Online.”

This milestone participation was the result of collaboration between SYNC, Buildup Brand experience, and the US-Syria Business Council (USSYBC), with support from a number of Syrian business leaders around the world.

It stands as a testament that Syria remains present in the global digital landscape through its innovative minds and advanced technical expertise.

The Syrian Pavilion served as a platform connecting Syrian talents worldwide, highlighting pioneering technology projects and innovative solutions that reflect the vast potential of Syrian engineers and entrepreneurs in the tech sector.

The pavilion aimed to build bridges of cooperation between global companies and Syrian talents, facilitating opportunities for knowledge exchange and tech investment, and reaffirming Syria’s position as a digital player in the region and beyond. Abdul Salam Haykal, the Syrian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, toured the participating companies’ sections and praised the level of participation and organisation, emphasising the importance of this initiative in supporting Syrian talents and strengthening their presence in the global technology sector.

The SYNC was founded by Syrian tech experts in Silicon Valley, California, with an ambitious mission to create 25,000 technology jobs in five years.

The organisation drives initiatives that connect global employers with skilled Syrian professionals both inside the country and across the diaspora, building a comprehensive Syrian talent network in the technology sector.

Basil Yassin Ojjeh, one of SYNC’s co-founders, commented on Syria’s participation: “Our participation at GITEX is more than just a pavilion; it’s a clear message that Syrian minds can compete and innovate at the heart of the global digital revolution.

“We want to put Syria back on the innovation map and show the world that Syrians are actively contributing to building the future of technology.”

Ziad Ghaloul, Founder and CEO of Buildup, a brand experience partner, and one of the initiative’s sponsors and partners, stated: “We are proud to support this historic participation of Syria at GITEX Global, which serves as a platform for the Syrian digital alphabet to appear for the first time in this global event.

“This experience reflects our belief in Syrian capabilities both inside and outside the country, and the necessity for every Syrian individual and institution to support them in every possible way.

“Such initiatives open new horizons for Syrian talent, create job opportunities, and reflect our confidence in Syria’s potential to innovate and compete internationally.”

The US-Syria Business Council emphasised that the Syrian Pavilion at Gitex “embodies what can be achieved through cooperation between the private sector and Syrian tech organisations.”

The Council affirmed its continued commitment to supporting initiatives that enable Syrian talent to access global opportunities and enhance their participation in the international tech ecosystem.

Syria’s presence at Gitex Global Dubai 2025 marks a turning point in the country’s digital trajectory, proving that Syrian talent, despite challenges, can have a strong and influential presence in the global technology scene.

The collaboration between SYNC and Buildup stands as an inspiring model for partnerships that leverage technology in service of development and open new horizons for ambitious Syrian youth towards a brighter digital future.

GITEX Global continues to pave the way for the next decade of digital transformation regionally and globally.

The event highlights the growing impact of technology in driving economic and social progress and supports key national and local strategies, including the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, the Dubai Blockchain Strategy and the UAE Vision 2031.