Damascus Governorate, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, launched the Qasioun Journey project in the Mount Qasioun area during a ceremony on April 21 at the Damascus Opera House. The event drew several ministers, the governors of Damascus and its countryside, the presidential adviser for media affairs, and ambassadors and representatives from economic and investment sectors.
Officials presented the project as part of efforts to revitalize tourism and support development in the capital. The initiative focuses on reopening Mount Qasioun to the public after years of restricted access.
Blending Economic and Social Goals
Damascus Gov. Maher al-Idlibi said the project integrates tourism with economic, social and cultural dimensions. He described it as an initial step in a series of development initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable growth and expanding opportunities for investment.
Idlibi said the project could create about 7,000 jobs and generate hundreds of small and medium-sized investment opportunities. He added it is expected to stimulate the local market while improving confidence in the investment environment.
He also noted the plan repositions Mount Qasioun as a space for community use after years of limited access. The site, once closed to the public, will now serve as an open area designed for recreation and engagement.
Idlibi said the initiative aims at improving infrastructure and services while supporting the return of displaced residents. He pointed to ongoing efforts to upgrade roads, sanitation systems, electricity networks and schools across the governorate.
Features Designed for Public Access
According to officials, the project includes a mix of natural, cultural and commercial elements. Plans feature public seating areas, pedestrian walkways, spaces for handicrafts and an innovation boulevard aimed at youth.
The design also includes service facilities and accessible pathways for people with disabilities. Idlibi said about 70% of the project will remain free and open to the public. New electricity and sanitation systems are also part of the plan to support safety and long-term use.
Residents Recall a Changed Landscape
For many residents, the project marks a shift in how Mount Qasioun is experienced. Murad al-Ayoubi, a resident of the Sheikh Khalid district on the mountain’s slope, said the area had long been associated with fear due to its past use as a military position.
He recalled that access to the mountain was restricted for years, preventing families from visiting a place once central to daily life in Damascus. Ayoubi said he hopes the project will restore those traditions and encourage families to return. He described Mount Qasioun and the Barada River as enduring symbols of the city, expressing hope that renewed access will help reconnect residents with those landmarks.
Tourism and Identity at the Forefront
The Qasioun Journey project aims to transform the mountain into a place encouraging tourism while strengthening local identity. By combining recreational facilities with infrastructure improvements, officials say the initiative could contribute to economic activity and urban renewal. As development moves forward, the project reflects an effort to balance investment goals with community access, positioning Mount Qasioun as a central feature in Damascus’ evolving landscape.
