Trump Tower Damascus: Syria's attempt to win over Washington via real estate pizzazz

Trump Tower Damascus: Syria's attempt to win over Washington via real estate pizzazz

In a city that has for so long been marked by civil war, a vision is emerging—a 45-story edifice of steel and glass, emblazoned in gold with a name that has become synonymous with political daring and architectural drama: Trump Tower Damascus. The development, unveiled by UAE company Tiger Group and its chairman Walid Mohammad al-Zoubi, is not just a real estate development—Syria's message to the world that it is open for reconciliation and business, The Guardian reported.

"This project is our message," declared Zoubi. "Syria should move towards peace."

A skyscraper with a diplomatic target

The tower was not even designed as a commercial venture, but as a tactical move. With Syria's new Islamist administration clamouring for relief from decades of American sanctions and desperate to normalize relations with the West, Trump Tower emerged as the hub of a campaign aimed at winning the attention—and approval—of President Donald Trump.

The concept allegedly was born in December, when US Republican lawmaker Joe Wilson proposed a similar tower in a speech. Syrian author Radwan Ziadeh took the tinder and approached Zoubi, who soon got to work on designs for a high-end high-rise that would function as both a business centre and an emblem of Syria's makeover.

Sanctions removed, permits in abeyance

In a surprise twist, the plan worked. Trump recently declared complete relief from US sanctions on Syria, describing new Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa as "attractive" and "tough." The declaration came after a charm campaign of US entrepreneurs visiting Syria, behind-scenes diplomacy in the UN, and promises from Syria to offer access to investments and protection guarantees for Israel.

Zoubi, whose firm has done hundreds of jobs throughout the Middle East, including the soon-to-be-completed Tiger Sky Tower in Dubai, is traveling to Damascus next to seek building permits. He estimates that Trump Tower Damascus will cost between $100 million and $200 million to build and says he will be contacting the Trump Organization shortly to ask for franchising rights. The initial mock-ups do not yet bear the Trump name.

Reality vs symbolism

Despite the pageantry, the tower faces significant challenges. Syria’s economy remains crippled. Over 90% of Syrians live in poverty, and basic services like electricity and healthcare are lacking. Rebuilding efforts may require investments in infrastructure far more urgent than luxury towers.

But the symbolism of the Trump brand is still strong. Zoubi posted an edited picture of Damascus's skyline—a picture of an explosion erased and replaced with a shining high-rise building. "This project is about how the war-damaged country is turning into a source of light and beauty," he explained. "It's symbolic, adding to security and peace."

The Trump brand as foreign policy

The Trump Organization has not yet spoken of its involvement, and there are questions about ethics, security, and whether US law will allow for such a venture. But in the Middle East, where Trump was given presents such as a luxury aircraft by Qatar, the blurring of politics and business is less viewed as scandal and more viewed as strategic possibility.

Trump Tower Damascus is not yet a reality. But the signal it gives—both to Trump, to investors, and to the world at large—is unambiguous. Syria is wagering that gold letters and glass fronts might accomplish what diplomacy could not: unlock the gates of global reintegration.