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Emirati businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor, chairman of Al Habtoor Group, began a working visit to Syria on Sunday to discuss a number of economic issues with relevant Syrian authorities. Upon his arrival at Damascus International Airport, where he was received by Talal al-Hilali, director general of the Syrian Investment Authority, Al Habtoor told SANA that the goal of his visit is to cooperate in creating job opportunities for Syrian youth and to provide support that leads to positive outcomes in production and business, stressing that the UAE has always stood by the Syrian people. He noted that there are many ideas for cooperation with Syrian partners, explaining that these ideas can currently be described as “initiatives” that will later develop into practical projects of greater value than any formal agreement, with the ultimate objective of achieving tangible results on the ground. Al Habtoor expressed confidence that Syria is poised to become one of the region’s key economic hubs within a few years, noting that Syrians possess a remarkable entrepreneurial mindset and are entering “a new chapter of economic recovery and success.” He emphasized that the Syrian people are productive and creative in all fields, reaffirming that relations between the UAE and Syria remain strong and deep-rooted, and that economic cooperation must remain the cornerstone of these ties. Al Habtoor last visited Syria in September, during which he held several meetings with Syrian officials and noted that Syria’s promising potential makes it a fertile ground for investment and a destination for Arab and Gulf capital.