Umayyad Mosque
Coverage of Umayyad Mosque in the Nexus archive.
- U.N. chief urges international community to back Syrians during visit to Damascus
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres visited Damascus, urging international support for Syrians amid ongoing recovery from conflict. He met with interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa and highlighted Syria's need for aid, as 90% of the population lives in poverty and rebuilding costs are estimated at $216 billion.
- France returns 23 Syrian treasures kept for 15 years due to severed ties
France has returned 23 Syrian artifacts, including Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic-era items, to Damascus after 15 years of custody. The artifacts were transported aboard President Macron’s aircraft and include a mosaic panel from the Umayyad Mosque.
- UAE makes major investment pledges in Damascus
The UAE has made major investment pledges in Damascus, with Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar announcing nearly $18 billion in tourism and real estate projects. The move signals Abu Dhabi's growing strategic alignment with Syria's new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, including plans to renovate the Umayyad Mosque and surrounding historic districts.