UAE to Restore Umayyad Mosque in Syria

Why this is here: The Umayyad Mosque’s site previously served as a temple to Hadad, a Roman sanctuary to Jupiter, and a Christian basilica before its current form.

The United Arab Emirates will restore the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria. Noura Al Kaabi announced the initiative during a visit to the mosque in Damascus’ Old City. The project, supported by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, intends to rehabilitate the mosque’s structure and the surrounding historic district.

The Umayyad Mosque, built in the eighth century, holds significance for both Islamic and Christian traditions. It stands on a site with layers of history, including Roman and Christian places of worship. While the mosque itself avoided major damage during the Syrian war, nearby areas suffered, and years of neglect caused deterioration to mosaics and foundations.

The restoration will use scanning technologies and focus on conserving mosaics. Emirati officials also aim to revitalize the local economy around the historic souks.

This initiative signals a deepening relationship between the UAE and Syria, but also represents an effort to preserve Syrian cultural identity after years of conflict. Work continues to assess and address the full extent of needed repairs.