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President al-Sharaa addresses attendees at the 63rd edition of Damascus International Fair. (SANA)
President al-Sharaa addresses attendees at the 63rd edition of Damascus International Fair. (SANA)

“We see the sun of Syria rising once more,” President declared at opening of Damascus International Fair

26 August 2026.  Inaugurating the 63rd Damascus International Fair, President al-Sharaa spoke to this year’s significance: “We see the sun of Syria rising once more, to become a beacon of its economy, a bridge between markets, a corridor for trade, and a center where the interests of East and West intersect.” The participation of Germany was honored.Read more at: SANA

President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomes the US decision to remove his country from the state sponsors of terrorism list. (Screengrab:Al Jazeera)
President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomes the US decision to remove his country from the state sponsors of terrorism list. (Screengrab:Al Jazeera)

U.S. lifts final sanctions on Syria, clearing path toward economic recovery

25 August 2026.  The U.S. lifted sanctions imposed in 1979, under Hafez Assad, removing the last major obstacles to private sector investment. “Today, Syria shakes off a dark stain and tears away a painful chapter of its past to embark on a path of development, reconstruction and rebuilding,” said President al-Sharaa.Read more at: AL JAZEERA

German airline Sundair (L), which launched a direct Berlin-Damascus route on August 15, and Syrian Air. (EAT Facebook:SANA)
German airline Sundair (L), which launched a direct Berlin-Damascus route on August 15, and Syrian Air. (EAT Facebook:SANA)

Direct flights between Berlin and Damascus resume after 14 years

14 August 2026.  The private German airline Sundair makes its first flight from Berlin to Damascus on August 15th, restoring an air link broken by Syria’s civil war. Part of the Syrian aviation authority’s efforts to reconnect Syrian and European airports, the direct route has special importance for Syrians living in Germany.Read more at: SANA

Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh meets with an International Monetary Fund delegation to discuss economic recovery indicators and fiscal reforms, July 26, 2026. (Ministry of Finance)
Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh meets with an International Monetary Fund delegation to discuss economic recovery indicators and fiscal reforms, July 26, 2026. (Ministry of Finance)

Syria’s economic recovery is gaining momentum, IMF affirms

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

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)
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)

Damascus airport store features products by women and disabled people in move toward economic empowerment

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

Syria unveils new digital platform to facilitate travel for visitors and businesses. (Ministry of Tourism, Syria)
Syria unveils new digital platform to facilitate travel for visitors and businesses. (Ministry of Tourism, Syria)

Tourism sector undergoes digital transformation with “My Syria”

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

Arab and regional interior ministers meet Syrian officials in Damascus to discuss security cooperation. (Regional Interior Ministries : Damascus)
Arab and regional interior ministers meet Syrian officials in Damascus to discuss security cooperation. (Regional Interior Ministries : Damascus)

Syria’s stability increasingly seen as essential to security of regional Arab states

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

Tourists visit Syria’s historic and natural landmarks as the sector experiences strong growth. (SANA)
Tourists visit Syria’s historic and natural landmarks as the sector experiences strong growth. (SANA)

Visitors to Syria increase by 111% in one year, a sign of nation’s recovery

21 July 2026.  The Ministry of Tourism announced that over 3.5 million people had visited Syria in the first half of 2026, more than double the number from the same period in 2025. Foreign tourists accounted for the largest increase, with Syrian expatriates serving as “Syria’s ambassadors around the world.”Read more at: SANA

An illustration depicting Syria’s potential role as a regional transit and energy hub. (Al-Thawra)
An illustration depicting Syria’s potential role as a regional transit and energy hub. (Al-Thawra)

Battle over Strait of Hormuz presents opportunity for Syria to reestablish historic role as regional hub

20 July 2026.  Syria’s geographic location is central to a developing regional strategy aimed at reducing dependence on the Strait of Hormuz as an energy and trade corridor. The need for alternative routes creates the potential for Syria to reemerge as a key hub for the transfer of energy and goods between the Gulf, Central Asia and Europe.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER

Souk al-Saqatiyya, one of Aleppo's historic markets in the city's UNESCO-listed Old City, after rehabilitation. (SANA)
Souk al-Saqatiyya, one of Aleppo's historic markets in the city's UNESCO-listed Old City, after rehabilitation. (SANA)

Aleppo advances restoration of Old City to preserve Syria’s heritage, revive economy

24 July 2026.  Authorities in Aleppo are moving ahead with plans to restore the city’s UNESCO-listed Old City, aiming to preserve its historic character, revive centuries-old markets and encourage residents to return as part of broader efforts to support economic recovery, a local official said on Thursday. Restoration work is currently underway on five historic markets and several landmark buildings damaged during years of war. Read more at: SANA

President Ahmad al-Sharaa speaking at the opening ceremony of the Syria International Textile Exhibition (NASTEX 2026) in Damascus. (SANA)
President Ahmad al-Sharaa speaking at the opening ceremony of the Syria International Textile Exhibition (NASTEX 2026) in Damascus. (SANA)

President hails revival of Syria’s textile industry as vital to cultural and economic renewal

18 July 2026.  Addressing the Syria International Textile Exhibition, attended by over 300 exhibitors from 25 countries, President al-Sharaa spoke of the industry’s revival as a means of restoring a heritage of creativity, expertise and skilled craftsmanship, as well as a source of job creation and economic growth.Read more at: SANA

A CMA CGM container at Latakia Port, which has handled more than 2 million tons of cargo and around 120,000 containers since January 2026. (Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs)
A CMA CGM container at Latakia Port, which has handled more than 2 million tons of cargo and around 120,000 containers since January 2026. (Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs)

French company announces largescale investment in Syria’s potential as regional transport hub

16 July 2026.  CMA CGM, one of the world’s largest container shipping and logistics companies, announced an expanded role in Syria’s reconstruction, during French President Macron’s visit to Damascus. The company will aid the development of an integrated transport system, boosting economic development and helping restore Syria’s role in regional trade.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

Syria inaugurates "Tech Town," an innovation hub in Damascus to support startups and the digital economy. (SANA)
Syria inaugurates "Tech Town," an innovation hub in Damascus to support startups and the digital economy. (SANA)

Inauguration of “Tech Town” reflects Syria’s confidence in digital future

13 July 2026.  The CEO of the new high-tech center, a public-private venture, said its goal is to connect entrepreneurs with experts and investors in an integrated environment. He said the center will incubate startups from the earliest stages, help develop prototypes, and connect entrepreneurs with partners and financial backers.Read more at: SANA

Presidents Ahmad al-Sharaa and Emmanuel Macron meeting in Damascus announce a new phase in Syria–France relations, July 7, 2026. (SANA)
Presidents Ahmad al-Sharaa and Emmanuel Macron meeting in Damascus announce a new phase in Syria–France relations, July 7, 2026. (SANA)

Syria and France commit to long-term cooperation during French president’s historic visit to Damascus

7 July 2026.  Calling Emmanuel Macron’s visit a historic milestone, President al-Sharaa said that Syria and France are “laying the foundations for a partnership built on tangible projects that serve the interests of our two peoples.”  They restored ambassadorial ties and agreed on broad political, economic and security cooperation.Read more at: SANA

Delegates attend launch of the Syria International Smart Industrial Cities Platform in Beijing. (L24)
Delegates attend launch of the Syria International Smart Industrial Cities Platform in Beijing. (L24)

China’s industrial expertise and technology will undergird Syria’s reconstruction

29 June 2026.  With the launch of the Syria Smart Industrial Cities Platform in Beijing, Syria will draw on Chinese expertise and advanced technologies in reconstruction and economic development. The platform, initiated by the Syrian-Chinese Business Council, reflects growing cooperation between the two nations.Read more at: LEVANT 24

Transport Minister, Yarub Badr, outlines new highway rehabilitation plans. (L24)
Transport Minister, Yarub Badr, outlines new highway rehabilitation plans. (L24)

Major highways being rehabilitated, easing movement throughout Syria and to neighboring countries

29 June 2026.  Syria’s Transport Minister announced that highway rehabilitation projects have begun, with modern international equipment and technical standards, funded by the state to ensure rapid completion. The first major project will extend from Syria’s border with Jordan to Turkey; the second will link Damascus and northeastern Syria, with more being planned.Read more at: LEVANT 24

A Syrian delegation joins panel, “Navigating the Hormuz Crisis- Forging a Collective Response,” at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026. (SANA)
A Syrian delegation joins panel, “Navigating the Hormuz Crisis- Forging a Collective Response,” at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026. (SANA)

Syria participates in Hamburg Sustainability Conference, fostering global alliances

29 June 2026.  The Syrian delegation, led by Social Affairs and Labor Minister, Hind Kabawat, and Syria’s envoy to Germany, Mohammad Shukri, took part in discussions on the ramifications of the Hormuz crisis and development issues, along with high level representatives of 115 countries.Read more at: SANA

Syrian Airlines resumes direct flights to Europe with Damascus-Amsterdam route. (SANA)
Syrian Airlines resumes direct flights to Europe with Damascus-Amsterdam route. (SANA)

Syrian Airlines restores direct flights to Europe after EU lifts sanctions imposed on former regime

25 June 2026.  Syrian Airlines is restoring direct service to Europe with a Damascus–Amsterdam route beginning July 2nd in a significant step toward reconnecting Syria to international markets. Along with boosting passenger travel, this route will strengthen economic and cultural exchanges with Europe.Read more at: SANA

The Cedar Waves tourist ship arrived from Lebanon to the port of Latakia on its first trip after years of suspension, June 22, 2026. (SANA)
The Cedar Waves tourist ship arrived from Lebanon to the port of Latakia on its first trip after years of suspension, June 22, 2026. (SANA)

Syria’s role as eastern Mediterranean gateway receives another boost

23 June 2026.  A tourist passenger ship arrived in Latakia from Lebanon’s Jounieh port, resuming passenger trips between the two ports after years of suspension. The trip is part of the plan for establishing regular maritime routes for travel and tourism between Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus and Turkey.Read more at: ENAB BALADI