27 August 2026. Saudi Arabia and France announced a Saudi-Syrian-French Business Council to provide an institutional framework for partnership that links companies and governments. The initiative builds on Saudi and French investments in Syria, connecting Saudi capital with French expertise and Syrian projects.Read more at: LEVANT 24
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
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
24 August 2026. Adding to a $38m package of humanitarian assistance a year ago, South Korea announced a second grant of $18.95m to be implemented with several UN agencies. The ambassador said the new grant reflects his country’s firm commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery.Read more at: SANA
23 August 2026. Launched by the Ministry of Defense, “Wounds That Forged Victory” is part of a series of forums dedicated to supporting and providing care for severely wounded soldiers, honoring their sacrifices during the revolution, and helping them transition into active participation in Syrian life.Read more at: SANA
21 August 2026. The effort to close all camps for internally displaced people by end of 2026 is progressing with 22,721 families returning to their home areas as of August 7th. Returning to sustainable lives involves removal of war debris, infrastructure rehabilitation, restoration of housing, basic services, and job creation.Read more at: LEVANT 24
25 August 2026. The National Museum in Deir Ezzor opened the province’s first heritage exhibition on Monday, under the patronage of the Directorate of Culture and supervision of the Intangible Heritage Department, with the aim of reviving local heritage and highlighting the historical identity of the capital of the Euphrates.Read more at: SANA
23 August 2026. Famous Syrian singer Assala Nasri will return to the Damascus stage after nearly 15 years, with two concerts scheduled for September 17 and 19. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and the Artists Syndicate, the concerts are organized by Ugar company under the campaign “Awdat al-Assala” (The Return of Authenticity), reflecting renewed artistic and cultural activity in Syria.Read more at: SANA
16 August 2026. Roses dropped from army helicopters onto thousands of attendees at the Summer Syria festival in Damascus, delighting the crowds. Part of a revival of public cultural celebrations after years of civil war and isolation, the gesture also reflects a new relationship between citizens and the armed forces.Watch video at: AL JAZEERA
14 August 2026. In an exclusive Al Jazeera interview, President al-Sharaa describes Syria’s shift from a broken pariah state to a nation resolving internal conflicts, forming regional and global relationships, fostering economic revival, rebuilding institutions, and gradually establishing democratic governance.Watch video at: AL JAZEERA
10 August 2026. Millions of travelers, mainly from Lebanon, Jordan and Türkiye, used Syria’s land border crossings in the first half of 2026, along with 391,000 voluntary refugee returns. Ongoing rehabilitation of border facilities expands capacity and strengthens connections with neighbouring countries.Read more at: SANA
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
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. 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
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
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
25 July 2026. The visit of Antonio Guterres to Syria, the first visit by a UN secretary-general in 17 years, marks a significant step in UN-Syria relations. Lauding the nation’s determination to rebuild and underscoring the UN’s broad support, Guterres called upon the international community to aid Syria’s recovery.Read more at: ENAB BALADI
24 July 2026. Syria and Türkiye signed an agreement to open cultural centers in each other’s country, to hold conferences, forums, festivals, exhibitions and cultural performances, establish libraries and resource centers, and sponsor exchanges of writers, scientists, researchers, academics and students.Read more at: SANA
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
16 July 2026. Ministers of interior, health, culture and religious endowments (Awqaf) met to advance a nationwide strategy to combat drug trafficking and addiction. They are cooperatively developing a national framework that includes prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration.Read more at: SANA
By Zeina Yagan After landing at Damascus International Airport, and while being transferred to the airport building, I could not hold back my tears. Am I really in Damascus? From the very first glance, I felt a deep sadness. The airport simply does not suit you, Damascus. You deserve a better one. And yet, amid this feeling of heaviness, there was warmth. The people working inside the airport were highly professional, generous, and smiling. They were doing their best to leave a warm first impression on Syrians coming back home. In that moment, longing prevailed over everything else. Read More …
26 June 2026. Sweden appointed a new ambassador to Syria and advanced plans to reopen its Damascus embassy. The appointment comes following the EU’s May 2026 agreement to renew cooperation with Syria—ending the 2011 partial suspension of cooperation with Syria due to the previous regime.Read more at: ENAB BALADI
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
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
