The 67th Prime Minister of Syria, Imad Khamis, held the premiership from 2016 until 2020. Educated as an engineer at the University of Damascus, he spent his career navigating the administrative structures of the Syrian state. His time in office spanned a period of severe economic volatility, which ultimately culminated in his removal from his cabinet position.
Early Career and Education
Born in Saqba near Damascus in 1961, Khamis pursued a technical education, graduating from the University of Damascus in 1981 with a degree in electrical engineering. Following his studies, he entered the Syrian energy sector, holding management roles within the General Organization for the Distribution and Investment of Power between 1987 and 2005. He later served as the Director General of the General Company for Electricity for the Damascus Governorate from 2005 to 2008, before becoming the Director-General of the Public Corporation for the distribution and investment of power.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Ministerial and Prime Ministerial Service
Khamis transitioned into national politics in 2011, serving as the Minister of Electricity until 2016. During his tenure in this role, he faced international scrutiny; the European Union imposed sanctions against him on 24 March 2012, citing his alleged use of electricity supply interruptions as a means of political repression. On 3 July 2016, following national parliamentary elections, President Bashar al-Assad appointed him Prime Minister of Syria, a position he occupied for four years.
Dismissal and Economic Crisis
On 11 June 2020, President Assad dismissed Khamis from his role as Prime Minister amid a deepening national economic crisis and widespread regional protests. While reports from Al Akhbar suggested that he faced detention and interrogation regarding corruption allegations following his departure from the cabinet, he was observed participating in the 2020 Syrian parliamentary elections shortly thereafter.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Saqba, Damascus
- Education: University of Damascus
- Profession: Electrical engineer, politician
- Minister of Electricity: 2011–2016
- Prime Minister of Syria: 2016–2020
- EU Sanctions: 24 March 2012
Questions readers ask
What was Imad Khamis's professional background before becoming Prime Minister?
He was an electrical engineer who held multiple management roles within Syria's state-run electricity distribution and power investment organizations.
Why was Imad Khamis dismissed from his role as Prime Minister?
He was dismissed by President Bashar al-Assad in June 2020 against a backdrop of severe economic instability and regional protests.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Syria (2016–2020)
- Minister of Electricity (Syria) (2011–2016)
- Educated at Damascus University
