Tourism

UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs have launched ‘My Syria’, the country's first integrated tourism and lifestyle super app, introducing cross-border digital payments and a unified platform for travel, hospitality, and lifestyle services.

Developed by 121 Living with the strategic support and supervision of Syria’s Ministry of Tourism, the platform aims to accelerate the country's digital tourism transformation by enabling residents and international visitors to discover, book, pay for, and access a wide range of services through a single application.

First Platform in Syria to Support Global Digital Payments

A key feature of My Syria is its integrated payment infrastructure, making it the first app in Syria to support secure international digital payments through globally recognised payment methods, including:

1. Apple Pay
2. Google Pay
3. Visa
4. Mastercard
5. American Express

The platform enables international visitors to use familiar payment options while allowing local tourism and hospitality businesses to reach a broader customer base and participate more effectively in Syria's growing digital economy.

Developed by UAE-Based Syrian Entrepreneurs

The application was founded by UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs Rami Kaiem, Feras Kaiem, Waseem Qudmani, and Kinan Madi through 121 Living.

The founders said the platform reflects their commitment to supporting Syria's tourism recovery through digital innovation while aligning with the Ministry of Tourism's strategy to encourage private-sector participation and improve visitor experiences.

One Platform for Tourism and Lifestyle Services

The My Syria app combines multiple services into a single digital ecosystem, allowing users to access:

1. Hotels
2. Restaurants
3. Transport services
4. Tourist attractions
5. Travel experiences
6. Food delivery
7. Lifestyle services

The platform currently offers eight integrated services and is expected to expand to include more than 40 verified tourism and hospitality providers across Syria.

Supporting Syria’s Digital Tourism Strategy

Speaking at the launch, H.E. Mazen Al-Salhani, Minister of Tourism, said digital transformation remains one of the Ministry's strategic priorities, helping build a more competitive, connected, and investment-ready tourism sector.

He noted that partnerships between government and the private sector are essential to developing innovative digital services that improve visitor experiences, strengthen businesses, and enhance Syria's competitiveness as a tourism destination.

The Ministry also invited regional and international technology companies to explore opportunities arising from Syria's broader digital transformation across tourism and other sectors.

Tourism Growth Supports Digital Expansion

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Syria's tourism sector recorded significant growth during the first half of 2026, with visitor arrivals increasing by 111% to 3.52 million, compared with 1.67 million during the same period in 2025.

The figures include Syrian expatriates, regional visitors, and international tourists, highlighting growing demand for digital services that simplify travel planning and enhance visitor experiences.

The Ministry said continued investment in technology and public-private partnerships will play an important role in supporting sustainable tourism development and strengthening Syria's long-term tourism economy.

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