AJi, the MENA architecture, engineering, and project management firm, has formalized its market entry into Syria through participation in BUILDEX 2026 in Damascus and a newly signed collaboration framework with a local engineering consultancy.
Market entry via BUILDEX 2026
AJi’s entry was marked during BUILDEX 2026, the 24th International Exhibition for Construction, held from 10 to 14 June 2026 at the Damascus Fairground. The company’s stated objective is to position its engineering and advisory capabilities for opportunities connected to Syria’s ongoing rebuilding agenda.
While the company did not provide financial terms or a project pipeline in its announcement, the timing of the move reflects a broader trend in the region, where engineering and professional services are preparing for demand across infrastructure and urban development as public and private sector initiatives progress.
Collaboration agreement with Damascus-based Tala Engineering
Alongside its presence at BUILDEX 2026, AJi signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Tala Engineering Consulting and Project Management, a consultancy based in Damascus. The agreement is described as a framework for long-term cooperation, with both parties working together to pursue services including engineering consultancy, design, supervision, and project management.
AJi’s positioning in the partnership is framed around combining its international experience with Tala’s local knowledge. According to the announcement, Tala brings familiarity with the local market and regulatory environment, while AJi supports with international expertise across the full project lifecycle.
Where the partnership is expected to focus
The companies said the collaboration will target opportunities across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, urban development, hospitality, transportation, industrial projects, and public sector work.
That scope matters commercially because reconstruction projects typically require multi-disciplinary delivery, from feasibility and design to procurement support, site supervision, and project coordination. It also signals that AJi is aiming for a role that extends beyond design-only engagements, aligning with how large-scale infrastructure and development programs are commonly staffed.
Context: reconstruction demand and the financing question
AJi’s announcement cites a World Bank estimate for post-conflict reconstruction needs. The World Bank has assessed Syria’s reconstruction requirements at US$216 billion, including US$82 billion for essential infrastructure such as power grids, roads, and water networks.
For engineering and project management firms, such figures translate into a long-horizon opportunity set, but the timing and size of contracts typically depend on how projects are financed and approved, as well as how quickly procurement and regulatory processes can move. In other words, a partnership announcement can indicate strategic intent, but project awards remain contingent on funding and implementation.
Why local partners are a key part of market entry
AJi’s choice of Tala as a local counterpart fits a pattern often seen in countries rebuilding after disruptions. Local engineering firms may have better access to permitting pathways, established stakeholder relationships, and on-the-ground coordination capacity. International firms, meanwhile, may be expected to bring standardized delivery methods, broader technical capability, and cross-border experience.
From an institutional perspective, the collaboration structure can also support operational continuity, since engineering consultancy and supervision are frequently tied to regulatory steps and local supply chain realities.
Management perspective
The announcement includes remarks from Eng. Hamzeh Awwad, CEO of AJi Group, describing Syria as a market with long-term potential and emphasizing the role of coordinated expertise across engineering, construction, finance, energy, and technology in reconstruction efforts.
As with many corporate statements tied to market expansion, the emphasis is on strategic alignment rather than specific contract commitments.
What to watch next
For stakeholders monitoring Syria-related business activity, the next indicators are likely to be more operational than promotional. These include:
- Whether AJi and Tala publish project examples or contract awards in specific sectors such as transportation, power, or water.
- How quickly the partnership translates into consultancy and supervision assignments, versus design-only scope.
- Participation in additional regional procurement or bid processes linked to infrastructure and public sector initiatives.
- Updates on how sanction-related and financing conditions continue to affect project timelines and contracting structures.
AJi’s entry into Syria, supported by a local collaboration, suggests the company is positioning itself for the professional services demand that reconstruction efforts typically generate. However, the pace of implementation will depend on project selection, funding availability, and delivery conditions in-country.
About AJi
AJi is described as an architecture, engineering, project management, and consultancy group operating through 13 offices across the MENA region. The company says it has a 60-year legacy and a workforce of approximately 1,400 employees across 25 markets, delivering services through six verticals, including Urban Environment, Wellness and Healthcare, Utilities and Environment, Mobility and Transportation, Eco-Futurism and Advisory and Solutions.
