Syria announced on Wednesday that the United Arab Emirates and Oman will take part in the 61st annual Damascus International Fair.
The event will kick off at the end of the month.
The UAE will dispatch a 40-member delegation and Oman a 35-member delegation to the fair.
Fifteen representatives will also be present at the Oman pavilion.
This will mark the first time Gulf countries take part in the annual fair since Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011.
Several Arab countries have been seeking to restore Syria’s membership. Arab diplomatic sources revealed that some Gulf countries “do not mind” restoring relations with Damascus on condition that it abandons its ties with Iran.
The UAE had reopened its embassy in Damascus in late 2018. It appointed a charge d’affaires, but not an ambassador. Abu Dhabi has since been more cautious about opening up to Damascus given its close ties with Tehran.
Some 400 Arab and international businessmen are expected to take part in the Damascus fair.
