Syria Positions for Regional Tourism Growth with Launch of Syria Travel Show 2026 in Damascus

Damascus to host international B2B platform as visitor numbers reach 3.56 million and regional tourism growth accelerates

The Ministry of Tourism of Syria has announced the launch of the inaugural Syria Travel Show 2026, a dedicated international platform for travel trade, hospitality investment and tourism partnerships, taking place from 14–16 April 2026 at the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus.

The event is organised in strategic partnership with Mangusteen for Exhibitions and Conferences and SO Media, marking a significant step in Syria’s repositioning within the Middle East and North Africa tourism landscape.

The launch comes amid measurable sector momentum. Between January and November 2025, Syria recorded 3.56 million visitors, including Syrians, Arab nationals and international travellers, marking overall growth of 18%, with Arab and foreign arrivals rising by 80%. The figures reflect strengthening regional confidence and renewed travel demand.

Regionally, tourism continues to outperform global averages. According to UN Tourism, the Middle East recorded growth of approximately 3% in 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by nearly 39%.

Against this backdrop, Syria Travel Show 2026 is positioned as a focused B2B marketplace designed to facilitate investment, partnerships and destination reintroduction.

A Platform Designed for Structured Market Engagement

The exhibition will convene international tour operators, travel agencies, hospitality investors, cultural tourism specialists and media representatives, with a strong emphasis on:

• Cultural and heritage tourism development

• Hospitality and hotel investment

• Public-private partnerships

• Community-based tourism models

• Regulatory dialogue and sector modernisation

The event is structured to convert visitor growth into long-term capital flows and institutional partnerships, while supporting broader tourism ecosystem recovery including infrastructure, services and workforce development.

Leadership Perspective

H.E. Mazen Al Salhani, Minister of Tourism, stated: "Syria Travel Show 2026 reflects our commitment to positioning tourism as a structured economic driver. The growth in visitor numbers demonstrates tangible momentum, and our focus now is on building sustainable partnerships that translate demand into investment, employment and institutional reform. This exhibition serves as a gateway for serious stakeholders seeking long-term engagement in Syria’s tourism landscape."

Faraj Al Qashqoush, Deputy Minister for Hotel Affairs and Quality, added: "Syria offers rare depth in cultural, geographic and historical assets. As regional tourism expands, our objective is not merely to participate in that growth, but to contribute to it meaningfully. With the gradual recovery of infrastructure and sector services, Syria is steadily emerging as a diversified tourism destination within the region."

A Strategic Step in Sector Repositioning

Syria Travel Show 2026 builds on Syria’s recent international engagement, including participation at FITUR in Madrid, where renewed interest from international operators and investors was recorded.

The April exhibition will further institutionalise that momentum by creating a dedicated marketplace inside Syria — aligning visitor demand with structured investment pathways.

Registration for exhibitors, sponsors and international delegates is now open www.syriatravelshow.com

#SyriaTravelShow

Samsung raises the bar for AI-native mobile innovation with Galaxy S26 Series and Galaxy Buds4 Series

Now available for pre-order in Qatar, featuring intelligent privacy screen protection and enhanced Galaxy AI capabilities

Samsung Gulf Electronics announced the Galaxy S26 Series, powered by the most intuitive, proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI experiences yet and designed to simplify the tasks people do on their phones every day. From managing plans and finding information to capturing and refining content, Galaxy S26 reduces the effort and number of steps required to get things done. As Samsung’s third-generation AI phones, Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra handle complex tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than how the technology works. Samsung’s latest devices are now available for pre-order for customers across Qatar until March 10.

The most intuitive Galaxy AI experience yet

Built with intelligence at its core, the all-new Galaxy S26 Series is designed to anticipate intent, support everyday decision making and deliver seamless experiences, making everyday actions feel simpler. Using proactive, context-aware support through features like Now Nudge, Now Brief and an upgraded Circle to Search with Google to deliver timely suggestions, personalized reminders and enhanced multi-object recognition. The series also introduces an upgraded Bixby as a more conversational device agent that lets users navigate and adjust settings using natural language, alongside a choice of integrated agents including Gemini and Perplexity.

Privacy and security in the age of AI

As consumers increasingly use their phones in shared environments, from their daily commute on public transport to co-working and travel, the Galaxy S26 Ultra also introduces the industry’s first built-in Privacy Display, which controls how pixels disperse light to keep content clear for the user while limiting side-angle visibility for others, with customizable activation and adjustable modes like Partial Screen Privacy for notifications and Maximum Privacy Protection for added discretion. Smarter software safeguards also run quietly in the background, including AI-powered Call Screening that helps identify unknown callers and summarize intent.

Effortless pro-level photography, video, and editing

The Galaxy S26 Series makes pro-level photography, video, and editing feel effortless for everyone. Enhanced Nightography delivers clearer low-light photos and video for real-life night moments. Together with Galaxy AI tools that support faster, more natural on-device creation and editing, the Galaxy S26 Series helps users capture, refine, and share content with fewer steps.

Powerful all-day performance

Engineered for dependable all-day performance, the Galaxy S26 Series is built on the most powerful Galaxy S hardware to date and powered by a Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform chipset optimized for AI performance, power efficiency, and thermal management. Super Fast Charging 3.0 now reduces downtime by charging up to 75% in 30 minutes

Fadi Abu Shamat, Vice President and Head of the Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said: “The Galaxy S26 Series represents a meaningful shift in how users will experience mobile technology moving forward, as we move from smartphones to AI-native phones. With the unveiling of the series, we have seen tremendous interest and a very strong early response from customers and partners. We expect that momentum to translate into strong pre-order performance and meaningful business impact. Alongside new intelligent experiences powered by Galaxy AI, we’re also addressing a very real everyday concern: privacy in public spaces. With intelligent privacy screen protection, Galaxy S26 Ultra helps users feel more confident using their device wherever life happens.”

New Hi-Fi audio experience

Complementing the Galaxy S26 Series, the Galaxy Buds4 Series extends the connected Galaxy experience with audio that fits seamlessly into daily routines, from calls and commuting to content and downtime. Built for all-day wear and effortless pairing across the ecosystem, Galaxy Buds4 adds a more personal listening layer to the mobile experience, making it easier to stay connected, focused, and entertained throughout the day. Galaxy Buds4 features Hi-Fi audio, sound reproduction with rich, clear sound, deeper focus and the ultimate immersion, playing music with minimal distortion and loss of sound details.

Availability & Offers:

The Galaxy S26 Series is available for pre-order in Qatar from until March 10, 2026, via Samsung.com, Samsung stores, and select retail partners, and is available in 4 colors; Cobalt Violet, SkyBlue, Black, and White.

Pre-order offers on Galaxy S26 Series include:

·        Memory upgrade: 512GB for the price of 256GB and 1TB for the price 512GB

·        Samsung Members benefits: including a 1 year Samsung Entertainer membership, OSN+ (4 months) and Anghami Plus (3 months)

·        Trade-in: Up to QAR 2,576 saved with trade-in

·        Samsung Care+: Optional coverage for added peace of mind, backed by genuine Samsung parts

Model	Price
Galaxy S26 Ultra (1TB)	QAR 7,139
Galaxy S26 Ultra (512 GB)	QAR 5,939
Galaxy S26 Ultra (256 GB)	QAR 5,139
Galaxy S26 Plus (512 GB)	QAR 5,139
Galaxy S26 Plus (256 GB)	QAR 4,339
Galaxy S26 (512 GB)	QAR 4,439
Galaxy S26 (256 GB)	QAR 3,639

For more information about the Galaxy S26 Series and Galaxy Buds4 Series, please visit:  https://www.samsung.com/

#Samsung #SamsungElectronics

ROSEWOOD DOHA DEBUTS EMERALD NIGHTS BY BENTLEY, MARKING ITS FIRST RAMADAN WITH A LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP

Marking the property’s first Ramadan, this experience united Rosewood Doha and Bentley in an elegant open-air setting shaped by design, ritual, and gathering.

Rosewood Doha presents Emerald Nights by Bentley, an open-air Ramadan experience created in partnership with the renowned automotive brand. Set on the property’s lawn with views across the Lusail promenade, Emerald nights marks both Rosewood Doha’s first Ramadan season and Bentley’s first Ramadan collaboration in Qatar.

The setting reflects a deliberate design approach. Deep emerald tones, tailored seating, and architectural lighting establish a strong visual identity while preserving openness across the lawn. The spatial layout balances scale with exclusivity, allowing the experience to transition naturally from sunset into the later hours of the evening.

The partnership unites two brands recognized for heritage and forward vision. Drawing from Bentley’s design philosophy, the collaboration reflects a shared dedication to purposeful experience with a layout designed to support both gathering and privacy.

“Ramadan is a time that invites reflection, togetherness, and a deeper appreciation for meaningful moments. At Bentley Doha, we value experiences that bring people closer in an atmosphere of authenticity and refinement. Our partnership with Rosewood Doha for Emerald Nights reflects a shared vision — to create a setting where thoughtful design, warm hospitality, and the spirit of the season come together effortlessly. We are honored to be part of an experience that celebrates tradition while offering our guests something truly extraordinary.” SAHER BAAJ, GENERAL MANAGER, BENTLEY QATAR

Rosewood Doha, Marina District, Lusail, Qatar

Telephone +974 4030 3333 rosewoodhotels.com/doha

Guests gather for iftar at sunset before the experience shifts seamlessly into suhoor, accompanied by live entertainment throughout the night. For those seeking greater privacy, Emerald Nights introduces a tiered seating concept designed to accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger groups.

An elevated seating area presents a unique perspective of the setting, with sofas arranged throughout. A limited collection of private cabanas provides a more secluded environment, each accommodating up to seven guests and complemented by a premium appetizer selection served at the table.

“Emerald Nights marks a defining chapter for Rosewood Doha as we introduce our first Ramadan program. Partnering with Bentley enables us to deliver an experience that resonates with today’s guests while reinforcing Rosewood Doha’s role within the region’s luxury lifestyle landscape.” IBRAHIM MAIRECH, DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING, ROSEWOOD DOHA

The culinary experience is shaped by a thoughtfully curated buffet that favors intention over abundance. The offering brings together signatures from across the property, including Michelin-recommended Koo Madame, Bib Gourmand recipient Mila, and Stoke & Stoker, underscoring Rosewood Doha’s commitment to culinary distinction.

Available throughout Ramadan, Emeral Nights serves iftar from sunset to 8:00 p.m., followed by suhoor from 9:00 p.m., with extended hours on weekends. Iftar is priced at QAR 425 per guest, while suhoor is offered at QAR 485 per guest. Elevated seating is available at QAR 500 per guest for iftar and QAR 550 per guest for suhoor. Private cabanas are offered with a minimum spend of QAR 4,000.

Emerald Night anchors Rosewood Doha’s broader Ramadan program, which includes curated iftar set menus at Mila and a seasonal collection of Arabic sweets and signature creations from Butterfly Patisserie.

KEY SUMMARY

• Rosewood Doha marks its first Ramadan with Emerald Nights by Bentley, the automotive brand’s first Ramadan partnership in Qatar.

• The open-air experience is set on the lawn overlooking the Lusail promenade and shaped by a design-led approach.

• Guests are invited for iftar followed by suhoor, with live entertainment accompanying the evening.

• A tiered seating concept includes elevated seating and private cabanas for more secluded gatherings.

• The culinary offering features a thoughtfully curated buffet with signatures from Michelin-recommended Koo Madame, Bib Gourmand recipient Mila, and Stoke & Stoker.

• Iftar is priced at QAR 425 per guest, while suhoor is offered at QAR 485 per guest. Elevated seating is available at QAR 500 for iftar and QAR 550 for suhoor. Private cabanas require a minimum spend of QAR 4,000.

• Available throughout Ramadan at Rosewood Doha.

FAQ

What is Emerald Nights by Bentley at Rosewood?

Emerald Nights by Bentley is Rosewood Doha’s signature Ramadan experience, created in partnership with Bentley and set in an open-air environment overlooking the Lusail promenade.

When is Emerald Nights available?

Emerald Nights is available throughout Ramadan.

What are the iftar and suhoor timings?

Iftar: Sunset to 8:00 pm

Suhoor: 9:00 pm to 1:00 am (Saturday to Wednesday)

9:00 pm to 2:00 am (Thursday and Friday

How much does the experience cost?

Iftar: QAR 425 per guest

Suhoor: QAR 485 per guest

Elevated seating is available at QAR 500 for iftar and QAR 500 suhoor. Private cabanas are offered with a minimum spend of QAR 4,000.

What dining experience can guests expect?

Guests will enjoy thoughtfully curated buffet featuring signatures from Michelin-recommended Koo Madame, Bib Gourmand recipient Mila, and Stoke & Stoker.

Are there private seating options?

Yes, guests may reserve elevated seating or private cabanas designed for more intimate gatherings.

Where is Emerald Night located?

Emerald Nights takes place on the lawn at Rosewood Doha overlooking the Lusail promenade.

How can reservations be made?

Reservations can be made by calling +974 4030 3333 or booking directly through the website.

#ROSEWOOD #ROSEWOODDOHA #BENTLEY