The 62nd edition of the Damascus International Fair kicked off Wednesday in the Syrian capital, marking the first time the event has been held since the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad.

The fair, held at the Damascus Exhibition Grounds, was inaugurated by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and will run until September 5.

According to Mohammad Hamza, Director General of the Syrian Exhibitions and International Markets Corporation, this edition is the largest since the fair’s launch in 1954, featuring around 850 local and international companies from 22 countries.

He highlighted that 225 foreign companies and 625 local firms are taking part, including 80 from Saudi Arabia and more than 40 from Turkey. Hamza added that the fair serves as a key economic and trade platform to boost regional and international cooperation.

The exhibition aims to support Syria’s transitional economy, attract new investments, and open broader markets for national products.