10 August 2026. Syria expects 11.3% economic growth this year, with rising revenues from production and investment. The finance minister stated the government’s priority is to sustain high economic growth and ensure that it benefits all Syrians, through job creation and strengthening social protection networks.Read more at: SANA
10 August 2026. In Syria’s first appearance at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence, with over 500 students from 106 countries participating, Syrian students earned two medals. Syrian officials called the achievement a milestone in the nation’s AI development, demonstrating the talent of its youth.Read more at: SANA
9 August 2026. After 18 months of negotiations, Russia agreed to end its use of Hmeimem air base in Latakia and part of Tartus port as military outposts that it controlled since 2011, under the former regime. Damascus will utilize the bases for civilian purposes, plus cooperative joint training centers with Moscow.Read more at: FRANCE 24
14 August 2026. Syrian singer Wasfi Massarani performed a mix of patriotic and traditional songs at Damascus Citadel as part of the Summer of Syria Family Festival 2026, which is presenting a range of cultural and entertainment activities aimed at revitalizing Damascus’ historic spaces and providing a platform for Syrian artists and families.Read more at: SANA
13 August 2026. An exhibition titled “We Build with Mud” was held at Damascus University’s Faculty of Architecture on Thursday, showcasing traditional earthen and mud-brick building techniques and exploring their potential role in heritage preservation and reconstruction. The exhibition, attended by Culture Minister Mohammad Yassin al-Saleh, featured models, soil samples and molds produced during a practical workshop on mud brick and earthen construction.Read more at: SANA
8 August 2026. Wheat production is expected to surpass 3 million tons in 2026, a major recovery driven by improved rainfall and restored farmland in the northeastern region. New electronic devices facilitate processing and marketing, while agricultural reforms improving conditions for farmers are planned.Read more at: SANA
8 August 2026. Syria signed major renewable energy agreements with Saudi Arabia that will serve to stabilize the electricity grid and strengthen long term energy security, while supporting the nation’s infrastructure development and its broader economic recovery.Read more at: LEVANT 24
5 August 2026. The project aims to strengthen Syria’s healthcare infrastructure and raise medical services to international standards, as part of the Health Ministry’s strategy to modernize infrastructure, upgrade equipment and improve patient care nationwide.Read more at: LEVANT 24
5 August 2026. Dr. Amer Fakhoury, expert in international law and relations, sees Russia’s new ambassador to Syria as a needed shift in strategy, given Syria’s expanding network of regional and international relations. In place of military force, Russia will have to rely on diplomacy, negotiations and economic engagement.Read more at: ENAB BALADI
10 August 2026. The Damascus Citadel is hosting 23 Syrian archaeological artifacts recently returned from France as part of an exhibition held during the “Syria Summer for Families 2026” Festival. The exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to learn about Syrian heritage with pieces dating from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era and reflecting the diversity of Syrian civilization.Read more at: SANA
7 August 2026. The activities of the Syria Summer Family Festival 2026 opened at the Damascus Citadel as part of the summer program organized by the Ministry of Culture, with official and public participation. The opening follows the festival’s launch in Idlib on July 30, before moving to Latakia, where events began at al-Orouba Park on August 4. The festival will continue in other governorates in succession, with the aim of making cultural activities accessible to families in various areas.Read more at: SANA
5 August 2026. Following a 4-day mission to Syria, the IMF reported on significant improvements in the economy, forecasting robust growth into 2027. The agency will maintain financial management and monetary policy assistance, while calling for urgent international aid for the most vulnerable populations.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER
5 August 2026. Following diplomatic overtures and statements by President al-Sharaa stressing his belief in diplomacy, and that the region must move beyond decades of war, the Hezbollah leader expressed openness to a meeting, calling for strengthening “positive, brotherly relations” between Damascus and Beirut.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER
4 August 2026. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor launches the first of many planned stores to promote economic independence for women entrepreneurs and people with disabilities. The program aims to create employment opportunities, market access, and economic inclusion to develop self-respect.Read more at: SANA
3 August 2026. Syria’s growing stability is transforming its territory from a zone of conflict into an opportunity-rich environment for trade, energy and investment between the Gulf, Iraq, Türkiye, eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. It is fostering the integration of the region.Read more at: SANA
2 August 2026. In the Al-Jazeera interview, the President spoke of fundamental governing principles: serving the people, defending them, and standing against injustice. Of Syria’s 7,000 years of history and diversity he said, “I believe humanity began here… we stand before the cradle of human civilization.”Read more at: SANAWatch video at: AL JAZEERA
1 August 2026. Syria’s Tourism Ministry launched “My Syria,” a free digital service designed to help visitors meet most travel needs through a single application. Developed through a public-private partnership, the service will facilitate travel for increasing visitors while producing many new jobs.Read more at: LEVANT 24
1 August 2026. Mustafa Abdi, a presidential assistant overseeing the implementing of the Jan 29th ceasefire and integration agreement between the SDF forces and the Syrian government, says SDF’s integration into Syrian institutions is nearly complete, in military and security areas in particular.Read more at: ENAB BALADI
30 July 2026. A refugee family living in Canada for 15 years felt a call to return after the Assad regime fell. Inspired to help the recovery in some way, they opened a climbing gym in a Damascus neighbourhood to help youth build self-esteem and a sense of community, while providing a space to welcome other returnees.Read more at: AL JAZEERA
29 July 2026. The Syria Recovery Trust Fund approved two new projects: one will rebuild 250 homes and provide infrastructure for displaced families returning to their Idlib neighborhood, part of the “Syria Without Camps” initiative; the other will provide agricultural support to farmers in the Raqqa and Deir Ezzor provinces.Read more at: ENAB BALADI
2 August 2026. The Damascus International Festival of Arabic Poetry kicked off on Sunday at the Damascus Opera House, bringing together 55 poets, writers and lecturers from 16 Arab countries. The festival, that runs from Aug. 2 to Aug. 7, is a cultural event celebrating Arabic poetry, bringing together a distinguished group of poets, writers and intellectuals.Read more at: SANA
27 July 2026. The confrontation between the US-Israel and Iran has created a shift in Middle East power dynamics, with Turkey and Syria gaining prominence for the region’s security. Syria’s overland routes between oil-producing nations and the Mediterranean have also increased its strategic importance.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER
27 July 2026. Following the US decision to remove Syria from its state sponsors of terror list, based on Syria’s reforms, visits by Arab interior ministers to Damascus have furthered the country’s reintegration into regional security frameworks and enhanced prospects for regional commerce.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER
27 July 2026. The Raqqa governorate’s education directorate, with UNICEF and foundation support, aims to help thousands of students recover from lost years of learning and prepare for official exams, granting equal access to educational opportunities after years of disruption under SDF control.Read more at: ENAB BALADI
26 July 2026. In a wide-ranging interview with Al Jazeera, President al-Sharaa stated that Syria, along with several partner countries, is pursuing a security agreement with Israel. Seen as a step toward fuller resolution of the conflict, the agreement would not compromise Syria’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.Read more at: AL JAZEERAWatch video at: AL JAZEERAWatch complete interview (52 mins) at: AL JAZEERA
![Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, other ministers and officials at opening of the Hakaya [life, self-respect] store in Damascus International Airport. (SANA)](https://i0.wp.com/newfaceofsyria.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Minister-of-Social-Affairs-and-Labor-Hind-Kabawat-other-ministers-and-officials-at-opening-of-the-Hakaya-life-self-respect-store-in-Damascus-International-Airport.-SANA.webp?resize=837%2C481&ssl=1)
