Setting up a Damascus office that works seamlessly with your UAE headquarters requires planning across multiple dimensions: legal registration, physical infrastructure, technology connectivity, HR coordination, and operational processes. This guide covers everything from finding space to establishing efficient workflows.
Table of Contents
Office Types
Serviced offices: USD 500-1,500/month. Dedicated suites: USD 1,000-3,000/month.
Connectivity
Fiber internet in Damascus business districts. Speeds up to 100 Mbps. VPN recommended.
Staffing
Damascus salaries: USD 500-2,000/month for professionals. English-speaking staff available.
Office Space Options
| Option | Location | Size | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serviced Office | Abu Rummaneh | 1-5 desks | USD 500-1,500 | Starting out |
| Dedicated Suite | Mazzeh | 5-20 desks | USD 1,000-3,000 | Full team |
| Commercial Floor | Baramkeh | 20-100 desks | USD 3,000-8,000 | Large ops |
| Virtual Office | Any | N/A | USD 100-300 | Registration only |
| Co-working | Abu Rummaneh | Hot desk | USD 150-400 | Solo operators |
Technology & Connectivity
Damascus has fiber broadband in main business districts. Speeds: 20-100 Mbps. Providers: Syrian Telecom, Syriatel. Monthly cost: USD 50-200. Mobile 4G LTE coverage excellent in Damascus.
Staffing & HR
Recruitment
Agencies available. Roles: accountant USD 800-1,500, admin USD 500-800, manager USD 1,500-3,000.
Employment Setup
Arabic contract required. Social Security registration. Health insurance mandatory. 21 days leave.
Language Skills
Many Damascus professionals speak English. Bilingual staff command 20-30% premium.
Operational Coordination
Best practices: cloud-based ERP accessible from both locations, schedule overlapping hours (UAE 1 hour ahead), weekly video calls, WhatsApp Business for daily communication.
✅ Tip: Set up UAE-based VPN for Damascus staff. UAE banking portals require UAE IP addresses. VPN: USD 20-50/month.
⚠️ Important: Internet disruptions can occur. Maintain offline backups. Consider satellite internet for time-sensitive operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register address remotely?
Yes. Serviced offices offer registration-ready addresses. Sign lease via power of attorney.
What to bring from UAE?
Specialized IT hardware, software licenses, branded supplies. Basic furniture available locally.
Payroll between Dubai and Damascus?
Multi-currency system. Pay Syrian staff in USD or SYP per contract. Transfer via SWIFT or exchange houses.
ℹ️ Note: Serviced offices with registration support are most cost-effective for the first 6-12 months.
Resources
Ready to Get Started?
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Samer Jamal (سامر جمال)
Business Consultant. Over 10 years advising UAE companies on Syrian market entry, business formation, and operations.