Thunes Unlocks the Middle East: Six Markets, One Smart Superhighway

Thunes just made a big move. The company behind the Smart Superhighway for global money movement is now live in six new Middle East markets: Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, South Yemen, Syria, and the UAE.

That means Members can push payouts straight into bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash pickup points, all in local currency. Better still, they can plug in through direct API access or simply ride existing Swift rails.

In Bahrain, non-oil activity now drives most of the economy, and Thunes' bank payouts line up neatly with the country's digital push. Meanwhile, Oman is chasing its 2040 vision, and Thunes is helping fuel that momentum.

Over in the UAE, the story is about scale. As a regional payments hub, the UAE needs infrastructure that serves both everyday consumers and growing enterprises, and that's exactly what's now in place.

For Lebanon, South Yemen, and Syria, this expansion is personal. Remittances aren't just numbers; they're household income. Thunes now delivers mobile wallet access in Lebanon, cash and bank payouts in South Yemen, and cash pickup in Syria.

Backed by its SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, Thunes is proving that global reach and local trust can go hand in hand.

Damascus Reconnects: How One Card Swipe Signals Syria's Digital Comeback

Sometimes the biggest economic stories start with the smallest transactions. In Damascus, that's exactly what happened when QNB Group processed Syria's first international card payment in over 15 years, using Mastercard's global network. It sounds simple, but it's anything but.

A Milestone Years in the Making

For more than a decade and a half, Syria stood cut off from international card payments. So when a single point-of-sale transaction went through at an approved local merchant, it wasn't just a technical win — it was symbolic.

Meanwhile, officials were quick to highlight the significance. Central Bank of Syria Governor H.E. Mohammed Safwat Raslan called it proof that public-private collaboration can rebuild trust in a modern payments system.

Connecting Syria to the Global Economy

This transaction does more than process payments; it links Syrian businesses to global consumers. As a result, merchants gain new tools to offer choice and convenience, while the broader economy inches toward digital transformation.

QNB's Yousef Al-Neama and Mastercard's Adam Jones both emphasized that this is just the beginning, not the finish line.

What Comes Next

Ultimately, this first swipe lays groundwork for broader acceptance across Syria. Mastercard says it will keep partnering with local institutions to expand access.

So, while one transaction won't rebuild an economy overnight, it's a meaningful first step forward.

Big Bucks Building Bridges: Middle East Mega-Deal Sparks Hope!

The Game-Changing Partnership

Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) and US-based Crest Investment Company, which is already involved in Syria and Iraq through its subsidiaries, are pleased to announce the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) to establish jointly owned construction and development companies in the Syrian Arab Republic and the Republic of Iraq.  

Moreover, these power players jumped right in, so they will shake things up big time.  

Building Tomorrow Together

These newly formed companies will work closely with government and private partners to pursue opportunities for growth, jobs, and prosperity in both countries through strategic projects in the transportation, power, water, energy, oil and gas, industrial, residential, commercial, telecommunications, and public sectors.  

Therefore, expect exciting developments that boost local economies and create real opportunities for everyone involved. This dynamic duo is turning visions into thriving realities fast!  

Wings of Heritage: flydubai Sparks New Adventures to Aleppo!

The Buzz in Dubai Skies

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has announced today the resumption and expansion of its network operations into Syria with the launch of a new daily non-stop service to Aleppo International Airport (ALP). Moreover, this kicks off on 20 July 2026, making Aleppo flydubai’s second Syrian gem after Damascus. Travelers cheer as the airline actively reconnects hearts and histories.

Why Aleppo Steals the Spotlight

Historically renowned as a critical commercial crossroads, Aleppo pulses with demand for business trips, family visits, and cargo hauls. Additionally, passengers enjoy modern jets with lie-flat Business Class seats and fun inflight entertainment. Ghaith Al Ghaith and Hamad Obaidalla highlight how these flights strengthen UAE-Syria ties while offering great fares from AED 1,800. What an epic summer boost!  

Syria's Agri Revolution Sparks Hope: Tiryaki's Big Move!

From Seeds to Strength

Tiryaki Syria, operating under Tiryaki Anadolu, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tiryaki Agro, has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with the Syrian Sovereign Fund aimed at strengthening Syria's agricultural processing industry and supporting food security.  

The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Mazen Al-Salhani, Chairman of the Syrian Sovereign Fund, Mr. Basel Ayyoub, Head of the Food and Feed Sector at the Syrian Sovereign Fund, Mr. Hashem Shashaa, Country Manager of Tiryaki Syria, as well as representatives from the Fund's legal and finance departments.  

Building Tomorrow's Harvest

Moreover, the facility will process massive volumes and create jobs. Syrian nationals will make up at least 75% of the workforce. Tiryaki shares its 60+ years of expertise, so locals thrive.  

This 10-year partnership fuels food security and economic growth. Exciting times ahead! 

Revitalizing Connectivity: A New Era for Damascus International Airport

In a landmark development for Syria, under the patronage of His Excellency President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the nation has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth over US$4 billion with a consortium of five companies, led by Qatar’s UCC Holding. This ambitious project aims to redevelop and expand Damascus International Airport, which serves as a crucial gateway for international travel and commerce. Consequently, this initiative marks a pivotal advancement in Syria's reconstruction efforts and serves as a significant step towards boosting the country's economy, trade, and tourism sectors.

The memorandum not only emphasizes the importance of improving infrastructure but also illustrates Syria's commitment to enhancing global connectivity. As the airport undergoes redevelopment, it is expected to accommodate an increasing number of travelers, thereby promoting international relationships and stimulating local economic growth. Moreover, this initiative aligns with broader efforts to rejuvenate various sectors within the country, particularly energy and reconstruction, further solidifying the nation's vision for a prosperous future.

A Cornerstone of Economic Growth

Syria's partnership with Qatar’s UCC Holding and the consortium of companies reflects a shared vision for economic revitalization. The MoU signifies a commitment to modernize traditional infrastructures, ultimately facilitating trade facilitation and boosting tourism. As travelers flock to the newly redeveloped Damascus International Airport, local businesses stand to benefit considerably from increased foot traffic and international exposure.

Furthermore, this project is designed to create numerous job opportunities, providing much-needed employment in a country still recovering from years of conflict. The economic impacts will extend beyond the immediate area, promoting ancillary sectors such as hospitality, retail, and transportation. Therefore, the investment can be seen as a pivotal milestone in establishing a robust economic framework that encourages sustainable development for future generations.

In conclusion, the signing of this memorandum of understanding is a testament to Syria's resilience and determination to forge a new path. As the nation embarks on this transformative journey, the redevelopment of Damascus International Airport will play a crucial role in enhancing global connectivity and supporting the economic revival of the region. With strategic partnerships and a focus on infrastructure development, Syria is poised to reclaim its place on the world stage.

The plans for Damascus International Airport not only represent infrastructural enhancements but also embody the unity and collaborative spirit necessary for rebuilding a nation. With continued investment and unwavering commitment, the future of Syria looks increasingly promising.