Saudi-Backed Seven Gates Hotel Aims to Revitalise Syrian Tourism Scene

Damascus is preparing for a major shake-up in its hospitality sector. The country’s Ministry of Tourism has confirmed the start of redevelopment works at the former Sheraton Damascus, which will now be reborn as the “Seven Gates Hotel” in partnership with Saudi-based Le Park Concord Hotels & Resorts. The project is pitched as one of the first big-ticket joint ventures between Syria and Saudi Arabia in the travel and leisure space, aiming to blend global standards with deep local heritage.

The announcement wasn’t a small affair. Government ministers from tourism, finance, culture and communications joined the unveiling, alongside diplomats, investors, and of course Faiz Talal Al-Enezi, the CEO of Le Park Concord. The symbolism matters: Syria, long known for its historical richness, is keen to tell the world it’s open again for tourism and long-term investment.

The agreement, signed in late August, grants the Saudi group full responsibility for the redesign and upgrade of the property. The vision goes beyond mere rooms and lobbies—plans include serviced apartments, luxury villas, shopping areas, restaurants, even new parking facilities. In effect, a hub meant to rival what one might expect from a five-star getaway elsewhere in the region. Three years is the timeline pencilled in for completion, though anyone who’s followed Middle Eastern megaprojects will know that deadlines can be a bit of a faff.

What’s especially telling is the name “Seven Gates Hotel,” a nod to the seven ancient gates of Damascus—Bab Sharqi, Bab Touma, Bab al-Jabiya, Bab Kisan, Bab al-Saghir, Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Faradis. For locals, these are not just doors in old stone walls but symbols of the city’s identity. By rooting the brand in that imagery, the developers are trying to make it spot on for travellers who crave authenticity.

Syria’s tourism minister, Mazen Salehani, described the deal as a “strategic step” in unlocking the country’s massive tourism potential, while inviting more investors to take a serious look. Meanwhile Al-Enezi from Le Park Concord framed it as part of his company’s ambition to create “landmark projects” that blend heritage with modern hospitality practices. I reckon the challenge will be convincing cautious travellers that Damascus is not just safe but desirable as a destination. Marketing glitz will only go so far—the proof is in the experience.

For context, Le Park Concord is already well established in Saudi Arabia, managing more than 13 hotels and with a pipeline of 13 more. They’ve even struck a 10-year deal with Wyndham Group to roll out 100 “Super 8” hotels across the Kingdom by 2035. So they’re not novices. That said, Syria is a very different playing field. Infrastructure is patchy in parts, and the task of rebuilding confidence in its hospitality sector won’t be a walk in the park.

Here at Arageek, I still remember chatting with a group of young entrepreneurs from Damascus a couple of years back who were brimming with ideas about boutique cafés and cultural hostels. They told me that bringing global-style hospitality into Damascus would breathe life into the wider startup ecosystem. Well… I mean, seeing a heavyweight like Le Park Concord move in might just prove them right.

The hotel is also expected to channel a portion of its profits into local charities—a gesture that aligns with the trend of “social impact” projects in the region. Whether that becomes a genuine contribution or just good PR is yet to be seen. But for Syria’s tourism industry, this project could be a turning point. If it lands well, it might signal that the country is back on the radar not just for adventurous backpackers but for mainstream business and leisure travellers as well.

In short, the Seven Gates Hotel is being positioned as more than bricks and mortar. It’s a statement. A bet that blending heritage with modern flair could help Syria regain its tourism crown. As one local entrepreneur put it over coffee not so long ago: “We don’t need to copy Dubai—we just need to show Damascus as it truly is.” And I was chuffed to bits hearing that, because sometimes the simplest truths are the most powerful… even if the road ahead looks definately complicated.

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