The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the restoration of the historic Umayyad Mosque, one of the most significant religious and cultural landmarks in Syria.
The initiative is supported by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
Sheikha Fatima affirmed the humanitarian legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, highlighting his commitment to values of development, generosity, and cultural preservation. She said the initiative reflects a continuation of those principles under the leadership of President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
UAE Diplomatic Adviser Anwar Gargash described the restoration project as a reflection of the country’s “civilizational values,” saying it serves as a bridge between the UAE and Syria while reinforcing shared Arab and Islamic heritage.
The announcement was made during a visit by Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi to the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, where she underscored Syria’s central role in Arab and Islamic civilisation and described the mosque as a symbol of enduring cultural identity.
Al Kaabi said the UAE’s restoration initiative demonstrates its commitment to preserving heritage and supporting cultural rehabilitation efforts across the Arab region, aligned with its broader humanitarian and cultural diplomacy programs.
The project will include structural and architectural rehabilitation of the mosque, as well as revitalization of the surrounding historic area, ensuring alignment with Syria’s cultural identity and social fabric.
