The “First Syria Rally 2026” motorcycle event began on Friday in a first-of-its-kind gathering in Syria, featuring Arab participation and aiming to promote tourism while conveying messages about the country’s recovery after years of war and destruction.

The rally started in front of the Ministry of Tourism headquarters in Damascus, with the participation of 100 riders, including participants from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. The event is scheduled to continue for three days.

Syrian Cycling Federation President Maher Salim said the goal of the rally is to “showcase the beauty of Syrian nature and send a message to those who left the country for many years, as well as to the entire world, that Syria is recovering.”

Rally Routes

Vice President of the Syrian Riders Forum Qusay Jammous said the first day’s route headed toward Wadi al-Nasara in the Homs countryside, with the event continuing the following day and concluding in the coastal city of Tartous.

The Syrian Ministry of Sports and Youth highlighted participants’ appreciation of the archaeological sites visited during the first day, particularly Krak des Chevaliers and Sayyida Mountain in Homs, saying the event combines sports, tourism promotion, and community awareness campaigns.

The rally adopted the slogan “Syria Without Drugs,” part of a national campaign launched by the Syrian government on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse on June 26.

Arab Participation

Lebanese participant Ibrahim Tabshah expressed his happiness at taking part in the rally, which was supported by the Syrian Ministry of Sports and Youth and other sporting organizations in the country.

Saudi participant Ahmed Al-Anzi said such events “bring young people and Arab countries closer together and provide opportunities for interaction.”

Syrian participant Abdul Moneim Al-Thalji said attracting Arab participants alongside Syrians aims to showcase the country’s beauty, boost tourism, challenge the image of insecurity shaped by years of conflict, and return Syria to regional and international activities after a long absence.