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UAE Restores Umayyad Mosque in Damascus with Sheikha Fatima’s Support

The UAE has announced the restoration of the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus with support from Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. The initiative honors the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision for heritage preservation. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, made the announcement during a visit to the mosque, emphasizing its cultural significance. The project will include structural rehabilitation and revitalization of the surrounding historical area.

Key Points: UAE to Restore Umayyad Mosque in Damascus

  • UAE announces restoration of Umayyad Mosque in Damascus
  • Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak supports the initiative
  • Restoration includes structural and architectural rehabilitation
  • Project reflects UAE’s commitment to cultural heritage
2 min read

With support from Sheikha Fatima, UAE to restore Umayyad Mosque in Damascus

UAE announces restoration of Umayyad Mosque in Damascus with Sheikha Fatima’s support, preserving Arab and Islamic heritage.

"Syria occupies a unique place at the heart of Arab and Islamic civilisation, and the Umayyad Mosque is one of its most prominent historical landmarks. - Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi"

Abu Dhabi, May 16

With the support of 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, the UAE has announced the restoration of the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.

Sheikha Fatima affirmed the humanitarian approach of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to the values of giving and development.

This is a hallmark of the UAE community and is carried forward by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose inspiring vision for development, prosperity, and the preservation of heritage drives the country's aid ecosystem. An integral part of that vision is the preservation of Arab heritage and Islamic culture.

The UAE announcement of the restoration of the Umayyad Mosque came during a visit by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, to the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria.

Al Kaabi stated, "Syria occupies a unique place at the heart of Arab and Islamic civilisation, and the Umayyad Mosque is one of its most prominent historical landmarks and enduring cultural symbols. The UAE's announcement of the restoration of this mosque, with the generous support of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 'Mother of the Nation', reflects the importance of our shared heritage and culture and the UAE's unwavering support for the Syrian people."

She emphasised the UAE's commitment to preserving history and heritage, which is evident in the launch of cultural initiatives aimed at safeguarding Arab and Islamic heritage on the one hand and rehabilitating cultural heritage in the Arab region on the other.

This is part of the UAE's leading global role and its distinguished record in cultural diplomacy and humanitarian work.

She explained that the initiative to restore the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus will include the structural and architectural rehabilitation of the mosque, as well as the broader revitalisation of the surrounding historical area, in a manner that aligns with the Syrian identity and the economic, cultural, and social fabric of the country.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Ma Sha Allah! What a wonderful initiative by Sheikha Fatima. The UAE really walks the talk when it comes to preserving Islamic history. In India we have so many mosques and monuments from Mughal times that need similar care—I wish our own government or wealthy philanthropists would step up like this. This sets a beautiful example of what Muslim-majority nations can do together for heritage. Proud of this cooperation 🤲🌙
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Sarah B
While this is certainly a positive development, I can't help but feel a bit cynical. The UAE is a country with a controversial human rights record, and this seems like an attempt to buy soft power and good PR. The Umayyad Mosque is in Syria, a country devastated by a brutal civil war that the UAE has been involved in. Restoring a mosque while the Syrian people suffer seems performative. Let's see if they also help rebuild hospitals and schools for ordinary Syrians. Just saying.
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Vikram M
Incredible news! As someone who has always admired Islamic architecture, the Umayyad Mosque is one of the wonders of the world—those mosaics and the prayer hall are just breathtaking. The UAE has done so much for heritage in places like Egypt and now Syria. This is real cultural diplomacy, not just empty speeches. I just hope the restoration team works with Syrian historians and archaeologists to get every detail right. The mosque has been through so much over the centuries—war, earthquakes, you name it. It deserves to shine again.
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Rohit P
I'm all for preserving heritage, but let's be honest—Syria needs much more than a mosque restoration right now. Millions of people are displaced, the economy is devastated, and the country is still reeling from war. Spending millions on a single building while people lack basic necessities feels off. Why not fund education or healthcare for Syrian refugees? The mosque can wait. The UAE has the resources to do both, so why focus only on this? Just

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