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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with a consortium led by Qatar's UCC Holding, valued at over USD 4 billion, is intended to revamp Damascus International Airport based on state-of-the-art global standards, Chairman of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Omar Al Hussari has said.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Hussari added that the MoU includes revamping the airport, increasing its capacity, modernising the infrastructure and ground services, in addition to deploying sophisticated operation systems.The project will constitute a paradigm shift in the Syrian airports systems and bolster the capacity of the civil aviation sector to keep up with the requirements of the upcoming phase, Al Hussari highlighted.Al Hussari stressed that the memorandum is a concrete step in strengthening the Syria-Qatar relationship, standing as a model of Arab cooperation in major strategic ventures. He affirmed that the next phase would shift from signing the memorandum to outlining a clear implementation plan, thereby ensuring that this partnership is converted into tangible projects that directly benefit travelers and the national economy.In connection with the projects undertaken by GACA, technical and economic studies are underway to convert Mezzeh Air Base into a civilian airport dedicated to private aviation and business travelers. The operational capacity of this base will be gauged not in terms of passenger numbers but by the volume of private flights and the quality of specialized services, thereby positioning it as a complementary facility to Damascus International Airport, he underlined.He further underscored that there is a strategic plan to expand the SyrianAir fleet through the modernization of existing aircraft and the acquisition of new planes, while GACA has opened the door for Arab and international carriers to operate within Syrian airspace and at its airports.Damascus International Airport currently serves 15 airlines, whereas Aleppo International Airport accommodates seven carriers. The measures broadly enhance competitiveness and elevate the level of services offered to travelers. These initiatives unfold amid a period of Arab and international engagement with Syria and the restoration of a huge portion of air traffic, contributing to reinstating the country to its natural position on the regional and global aviation map, Al Hussari underlined.As for the western sanctions, he evinced that the restrictions are still partial and hamper modernization processes, as well as securing spare parts and cutting-edge technologies.However, he said GACA has been successful in overcoming these impediments through forging cooperation with regional and global partners to secure practical alternatives in relation to maintenance, equipment, and technologies, noting that these partnerships helped proceed with the operation of aircraft and airports based on international safety standards.Al Hussari welcomed the recent decision taken by the US Department of Commerce to streamline the access of technology and spare parts to Syria, including civil aviation parts.The strategy of the upcoming period is based on making the civil aviation sector an economic driver and a major conduit, reinstating the nation to its position as a regional and global connection hub. This strategy includes modernization to have capacious airports, augmenting the national fleet, advancing air cargo services, and investing in training and qualifying manpower to ensure sustained development and keep abreast of the latest international standards, Al Hussari pointed out.Al Hussari further indicated that the projects and agreements underway represent practical steps toward advancing the Syrian civil aviation sector and reintegrating the country into the regional and global air transportation system.He affirmed that the coming period ought to witness a follow-up on the execution of these projects to ensure the achievement of GACA's objectives and the constant upgradation of this critical sector.

In line with Qatar’s commitment to supporting the brotherly Syrian people, a delegation from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) conducted a field visit to the Syrian Arab Republic. The visit aimed to assess Syria’s current developmental and humanitarian needs and to identify avenues for collaboration with local and international partners to strengthen support for the country’s key sectors and advance sustainable development. In a statement, QFFD said the three-day visit included technical meetings with several international organizations and UN agencies. Discussions focused on the current priorities and the most pressing needs, with an emphasis on impactful and sustainable projects in essential sectors such as health, water, food security, and community rehabilitation. The delegation held meetings with representatives from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), focusing on ways to advance urban recovery and essential services in affected areas, while reviewing progress on ongoing joint initiatives. The delegation also met with the World Food Programme (WFP), including a field visit to Eastern Ghouta to take a look at several on-the-ground projects. These included the Adra wastewater treatment plant, the Rihan water lifting station, and the irrigation canal, in addition to a small and medium enterprise initiative. The visit offered an opportunity to engage with local farmers and entrepreneurs, and to witness first-hand the positive impact of community recovery programs. Further meetings were held with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) to discuss potential areas of co-operation, and the Syrian Ministry of Health. Discussions with the Ministry covered health sector priorities, including support for medical centers, access to medicines, and coordination mechanisms to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of joint efforts. This field visit underscores QFFD’s dedication to promoting inclusive and sustainable development, enhancing humanitarian assistance, and reinforcing the resilience and well-being of Syrian communities. Through impactful partnerships and collaboration, QFFD continues to implement targeted initiatives that deliver meaningful and sustainable support to address the country’s most pressing needs.