After six years of absence, the Damascus International Fair has returned in grand fashion, reaffirming its place as one of the Arab world’s oldest and most celebrated trade gatherings. The 62nd edition , held from August 27 to September 5 at the Damascus Exhibition City, brought together a remarkable blend of commerce, culture, and diplomacy—symbolizing Syria’s aspirations for revival on the regional and international stage.
A Global Gathering
This year’s fair attracted over 800 companies and delegations from more than 20 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, South Africa, Turkey, Belgium, Pakistan, and the Czech Republic. For the first time, Saudi Arabia participated as Guest of Honor, leading a high-level delegation of ministries and private firms—underscoring warming ties between Damascus and Riyadh.
Across 95,000 square meters of exhibition space, visitors explored industries ranging from construction, energy, and food production to fashion, education, and children’s attractions. Within the first three days alone, more than 440,000 visitors passed through the gates, eager to witness Syria’s re-entry into the economic and cultural spotlight.
Tourism in Focus
Among the fair’s most engaging showcases was the Syrian national pavilion, which united the efforts of 15 ministries, professional unions, and dozens of private enterprises. The Ministry of Tourism, under the leadership of Minister Mazen al-Salhani, played a particularly prominent role.
The Tourism Ministry’s section of the pavilion highlighted Syria’s rich cultural heritage and diverse destinations—from the timeless alleys of Old Damascus and Aleppo’s citadel to the ancient oasis of Palmyra and the Mediterranean charm of Latakia. Virtual reality installations transported visitors through UNESCO World Heritage sites, while interactive exhibits showcased the country’s hospitality sector and future tourism investments.
Minister al-Salhani emphasized that Syria’s tourism revival is “not only about attracting visitors, but about presenting Syria as a land of resilience, heritage, and opportunity.” He added that the fair provides a platform to engage directly with international investors and regional tour operators keen to rediscover Syria as a travel destination.
Culture Meets Commerce
Beyond trade and tourism, the fair was also a celebration of Syrian creativity. Theater performances, musical evenings, and culinary showcases brought the cultural dimension to life, reminding visitors that Damascus is more than a commercial hub—it is a historic capital where art and tradition remain deeply woven into the fabric of daily life.
A Platform for the Future
The 2025 edition of the Damascus International Fair was more than a comeback—it was a statement. By bringing together international partners, showcasing new investment opportunities, and promoting tourism as a cornerstone of economic recovery, the fair embodied Syria’s bid for stability and growth.
For the Ministry of Tourism, the event marked a turning point: a chance to reposition Syria on the global tourism map and to send a clear message that the country is open once again to visitors, partnerships, and cultural exchange.
Nawafir International – Your Trusted Partner in Damascus
At Nawafir International, we specialize in creating smooth, reliable, and stress-free experiences for visitors attending Damascus’s fairs, exhibitions, and events. Recognized as one of Syria’s leading travel and event-support companies, we provide end-to-end logistics solutions tailored to the needs of exhibitors, delegates, buyers, and media professionals alike.
Our Services at a Glance
- Personalized airport reception & transfers – ensuring a warm welcome and hassle-free arrival.
- Tailored hotel reservations – from premium stays to budget-friendly options.
- VIP transport & on-site logistics – designed for efficiency, comfort, and peace of mind.
- Multilingual support & facilitation – guiding, translation, and smooth business matchmaking.
Backed by deep local knowledge, strong partnerships across industries, and years of experience serving international delegations, Nawafir International is more than just a service provider—we are your strategic partner on the ground in Syria.
With us, your participation in Damascus’s trade and industry fairs becomes not only well-organized and productive but also rewarding and memorable.
