Recovery

Damascus ceremony launches increased Saudi humanitarian aid. (SANA)

Saudi Arabia initiates new humanitarian projects to support Syria’s recovery

8 September 2025. At a ceremony in Damascus on September 7th, Saudi Arabia’s official humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, unveiled a new wave of initiatives across vital sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom’s continuing commitment to Syria’s recovery and resilience. The projects initiated span the fields of health, food security, environmental sanitation, water, community support, rehabilitation, education, and agriculture.Read more at: LEVANT24

600,000 barrels of crude oil depart from Tartous port. (L24)

Milestone for Syria’s recovering economy marked by first oil export

3 September 2025. Syria re-entered the global oil market with its first export after a 14-year hiatus. With the shipment of 600,000 barrels of heavy oil from Tartous port, the readiness of the oil transport system was confirmed. Despite remaining obstacles, the move represents a significant boost in revitalizing the oil sector and securing needed capital. With new international partnerships, including an $800 million agreement with DP World, the groundwork is being laid for enhancing export capacities.Read more at: LEVANT24

UN General Assembly in session. (Basil D Soufi, Wikimedia Commons)

Syria rejoins world body after six decades

26 August 2025. President Ahmad al-Sharaa will be the first Syrian head of state in nearly 60 years to speak to the world assembly, marking Syria’s historic re-entry into global diplomacy. The Foreign Ministry called the UN’s invitation a major sign of the readjustment of positions on Syria, an acknowledgment of the transformation taking place. The president is expected to address Israel’s military incursions in Syria and call upon the world body to support a political solution.Read more at: LEVANT24

Sweeping campaign is waged to dismantle Assad-era drug trade. (SANA)

Syria undergoes radical shift toward rule of law

22 August 2025. Under President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s leadership, Syria launched an ambitious campaign to dismantle the Captagon drug economy, born in the shadow of war, and restore public trust in governance. Britain’s Financial Times called it a ‘radical transformation,’ noting that production and trafficking have dropped by 80%. Brigadier General Khaled Eid, Director of Drug Control, stated the crackdown began on “the first day of liberation,” signalling a new era of reform, accountability, and national renewal.Read more at: SANA

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani. (L24:Social Media)

Syria welcomes UN report and opens new chapter of accountability and international trust

14 August 2025. In a landmark letter, Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, commended Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry, for the report on March coastal events. In his open letter, al-Shaibani welcomed the UN Commission’s findings and affirmed Syria’s commitment to reform, transparency, and justice. The letter marks an historic shift toward international cooperation and accountability, and underscores Syria’s resolve to heal, rebuild, and honor victims of violence.Read more at: LEVANT 24

Crowds at 4 July Textiles Expo in the lead-up to the opening of 62nd Damascus International Fair. (Ministry of Economy and Industry - Facebook on ENAB BALADI)

Damascus International Fair returns, revitalized after six-year hiatus

13 August 25. The Damascus International Fair will open at Exhibition City on August 27th. Since its founding in 1954, this trade fair has been one of the most important in the Middle East and Arab region. It has been an historic hub for trade and culture, combining commercial activity with tourism and cultural events. Showcasing innovation, it invites international collaboration across diverse industries and sectors.Read more at: SANA

State ministries and civic groups cooperate in initiative to unite the nation. (SANA)

Syria launches “Cleanliness is Culture,” a campaign to help restore the country

9 August 2025. Syria’s Ministry of Culture launched a “Cleanliness is Culture” campaign, along with other government ministries and volunteer groups, to promote cleanliness as a daily civic value and a reflection of national pride. Culture Minister, Mohammad Yassin al-Saleh, stated that Syria has regained its vitality and now needs to preserve its beauty and resources. The campaign aims to promote cleanliness as an ethical behaviour that contributes to building a new Syria and fosters a sense of national belonging.Read more at: SANA

From out of the Rubble, Life and Hope

The White Helmets lived the meaning of sacrifice—leaving their own families to save others under fire. “It’s hard to be away from your family,” one volunteer said, “but life requires sacrifice.” In a global culture that is shaped by the desire for personal comfort and that exhibits indifference to the suffering of others, their courage stands as a quiet challenge.

Refugees with tech expertise returning from exile in Istanbul. (Tim Dunk)

Syrian tech talent returns to Damascus to spark tech-driven renewal

5 August 2025. Civil war refugees with tech expertise are returning home to rebuild Syria’s tech sector. They’re part of a growing movement to support entrepreneurs and investors in tech-driven startups and help to overhaul Syria’s digital infrastructure. Immediately after the fall of Assad, they launched a professional network in Damascus and held a tech summit to connect Syria’s emerging tech industry with Silicon Valley. They return to serve despite financial sacrifice.Read more at: RESTOFWORLD

Syria signs agreement with World Food Programme (WFP, video still, 24 July)

The World Food Programme commits to enhancing Syria’s food security

17 July 2025. A strategic partnership agreement was signed by Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry and the World Food Programme to develop Syria’s infrastructure for food production and distribution. Calling the partnership ‘an important pillar’ of support, the Syrian official said the agreement would shift the relationship with WFP from relief work to developing an integrated path for improving the efficiency and quality of food production.Read more at SANA

Syrian children return to overcrowded war-damaged schools after years of civil war. (Al Jazeerah English video still, March 2025)

Turkey to aid in rebuilding and expanding Syria’s damaged educational system

11 July 2025. Syria and Turkey signed a protocol to rehabilitate war-damaged schools, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen cultural ties. Turkey will aid in school reconstruction and technical support. The agreement includes licensing Turkish schools in Syria, mutual support for staff permits, teacher training, curriculum reform, and vocational education. A joint working group will oversee implementation, with plans for a broader education pact and bilingual programs underway.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

A Syrian family crosses back into their homeland via the Kasab border connecting Syria and Turkey. (ENAB BALADI)

Hundreds of thousands of citizens stream home to rebuild Syria

2 July 2025. More than 485,000 Syrians from neighboring countries returned home in the first half of 2025, with 275,000 returning from Turkey alone. Many thousands more from non-neighboring countries returned permanently, aided by streamlined border procedures and fee waivers. The border authority continues staff training and modernization efforts, establishing growing confidence in Syria’s return infrastructure and the nationwide movement supporting stabilization and reintegration.Read more at: ENAB BALADI

Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE and Syria to build Damascus Gateway media city. (L24:Social Media, July 2nd)

Race to overcome years of destruction with international cooperation

1 July 2025. In a period of 48 hours, Syria signed three major agreements with international firms to accelerate its recovery. The most ambitious is the “Damascus Gateway” city, intended to become a regional and global hub for media, the arts and tourism, with initial investment from the UAE. Agreements were also signed with a US company to build two solar power stations, significantly increasing the power supply, and with a French company to restore 37 bridges that will ease movement between regions. Read more at SANA

Reviving the electricity sector is crucial to improving Syrian life. (SANA)

World Bank injects millions to jumpstart Syria’s power grid and economic recovery

25 June 2025. The World Bank approved a $146 million grant to help establish reliable and affordable electricity and promote the nation’s economic recovery. The Syria Emergency Electricity Project will repair key transmission lines and substations, and support electricity sector development. The Bank’s Middle East director, Jean-Christophe Carret, called this the “first step in a planned increase in World Bank support to Syria on its path to recovery and development.”Read more at: SANA

Syria’s Youth rise with hope and purpose in Deir Ezzor’s first Empowerment Conference. (Photo: SANA)

Youth Lead the Way: Conference sparks hope for Syria’s future

21 June 2025. Over 100 young Syrians gathered in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor for the inaugural youth conference, “Youth: Rise and Construction.” Governor Ghassan Sayyed Ahmad emphasized the vital role of youth in Syria’s post-war recovery, calling them a cornerstone of national rebuilding. Workshops addressed social, political, and economic issues; participants presented ideas to restore Syria after decades of conflict, repression, and widespread destruction.Read more at: SANA

UN’s Najat Rochdi hails Syria’s move to hold parliamentary elections in briefing to Security Council. (UN TV video still on SANA website)

UN welcomes Syria’s plans for People’s Assembly elections

18 June 2025. Syria’s formation of a Supreme Electoral Committee—announced by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa—was welcomed by UN Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi who called it “the next vital step in the political transition.” She and other UN officials called for international support of the new government, coping with vast humanitarian and other challenges in this fragile but pivotal phase of recovery. Read more at: SANA

US Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, describes President Ahmad al-Sharaa as ‘a pivotal figure in the rebuilding of Syria’ (Photo: SANA)

US diplomat underscores power of hope in the face of harsh reality

11 June 2025. Ambassador Barrack praises Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa for his leadership of Syria’s reconstruction, saying the government is handling the situation “in the best way possible.” He stated that by lifting sanctions, the US hopes to remove obstacles to Syria’s economic recovery and that it seeks transparency, not control. “A drop of hope may be more powerful than a tank full of a bad reality,” the ambassador said.Read more at: SANA

EU commissioner Dubravka Suica speaks to the media at the 9th Brussels conference, “Standing with Syria,” in Belgium on 17 March 2025. (Reuters on Alarabiya English website 5 June 2025)

“I came here with a clear message that we are here to assist and help Syria on its recovery”

7 June 2025. European Commissioner Dubravka Suica announced a €175 million EU recovery package for Syria, aimed at rebuilding key sectors like energy, education, health, and agriculture. Speaking in Damascus, she emphasized that reconstruction must be Syria-led and support economic stability, institutions, and human rights. She called the initiative a “new chapter” in EU–Syria relations.Read more at: ALARABIYA ENGLISH

President al-Sharaa and Prime Minister al-Shaibani meet businessmen in UAE, April 14th (L24/Social Media)

Syria is strengthening ties with gulf states as a vital strategy for future growth

27 May 2025. “Syria’s needs are huge,” says CEO of the International Rescue Committee, “but there is a sense of possibility for the first time in 14 years.” He stressed the importance of regional partnerships to rebuild the country. See video at: CNN

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New Face of Syria