Exporting Syrian Stone to the Gulf and Beyond: A Practical Guide for Buyers

Exporting Syrian Stone to the Gulf and Beyond: A Practical Guide for Buyers

Syrian stone reaches many markets, and in 2022 the Gulf and neighbouring countries were among the largest destinations. This guide gathers the practical steps that make an order of natural stone from Syria clear for everyone involved, from the architect to the importer and the freight forwarder.

The trade in brief

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Syria exported about US$13 million of building stone in 2022 (partner-reported figures, OEC), and Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon were the largest destinations.¹ These are market-wide figures, not our company's sales.

The practical steps

1. Enquiry: send the stone or the look you need, the application, an approximate quantity, the destination and the project timeline.
2. Samples: request the sample in the finish you will use, and agree a reference sample that both sides keep. (See our article A Sample Is Not a Shipment.)
3. Specification: set the finish, thickness, dimensions and acceptable colour variation; our natural stone specification checklist helps.
4. Inspection before loading: agree in writing how and when the order is inspected (photographs, measurements or a visit) before the container is closed.
5. Packing: specify crates or pallets and the protection needed for polished faces and edges.
6. Documents: ask your importer and customs broker which documents your country requires; they usually include the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document and a document showing where the goods originate.

Shipping

The Port of Latakia on the Mediterranean has served as Syria's main seaport since 1950.² The route, port of loading and port of discharge for each order are agreed with the freight forwarder for the project.

Restrictions and sanctions: check before you contract

The rules concerning Syria have changed a great deal since 2025. In the United States, the economic sanctions that made up the Syria Sanctions Program have not been in effect since 1 July 2025, while sanctions targeting Bashar al-Assad and certain other actors are maintained.³ In the European Union, all sectoral restrictive measures were lifted on 28 May 2025, except those related to the Assad regime and to security.⁴

This information is taken from official sources as of 9 November 2026 and is not legal advice. Rules can change, and every country and bank has its own procedures, so check the current official guidance and confirm with your bank and adviser before you contract.

Start your order

Browse the stone collection, then send your enquiry through our contact page.