UAE announces restoration of Damascus Umayyad Mosque with Sheikha Fatima support
Restoration includes architectural rehabilitation and revitalisation of surrounding historic area
DUBAI – With the support of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the UAE has announced a major initiative to restore the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.
The move underscores the country’s continued commitment to preserving Arab and Islamic heritage, rooted in the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The announcement was made during a visit by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, to the landmark mosque in Syria’s capital. It also reflects the broader vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in strengthening cultural preservation alongside development and humanitarian engagement.
Preserving heritage
The initiative places strong emphasis on safeguarding one of the most significant symbols of Islamic civilisation. Sheikha Fatima reaffirmed the enduring values of generosity and development established by the UAE’s Founding Father, highlighting how these principles continue to shape the nation’s global humanitarian approach.
The restoration effort aligns with the UAE’s wider strategy to protect cultural identity across the Arab world, ensuring that historic landmarks remain integral to shared regional heritage.
Officials noted that the Umayyad Mosque stands as a powerful testament to centuries of cultural and religious history, making its preservation a priority within ongoing cultural diplomacy efforts.
UAE-Syria ties
During her visit, Noura Al Kaabi stressed that Syria holds a distinguished place in Arab and Islamic civilisation, with the Umayyad Mosque representing one of its most important historical and cultural landmarks. She confirmed that the UAE’s support for the restoration reflects both cultural solidarity and commitment to preserving shared heritage.
The project will include structural and architectural rehabilitation of the mosque, alongside the revitalisation of the surrounding historic area. This redevelopment will be carried out in a manner consistent with Syria’s identity and its broader economic, cultural, and social fabric, reinforcing long-standing cultural ties between the two nations.