Damascus Industrial Base
Damascus hosts 8,997 licensed industrial and craft establishments spread across four sectors, according to figures released by the capital's industry directorate. The count offers one of the clearest recent snapshots of manufacturing activity in the city.
The director of Damascus industry, Maher Thalaja, said the licensed facilities span engineering, textiles, food, and chemical production. Each sector clusters in distinct parts of the capital and reflects the range of goods still being made locally.
Textiles Lead the Count
The textile sector is by far the largest, with 5,154 establishments producing ready-made clothing, hosiery, and printed fabric. That single sector accounts for well over half of all licensed workshops in the capital.
Engineering ranks second with 1,763 facilities engaged in metal products, metalworking, and food-preparation equipment, pointing to a durable base of light-manufacturing capacity.
Chemicals and Food
The chemical sector holds 1,476 licensed facilities, covering cleaning products, plastics, dyes, leather footwear, and paints, placing it third among the four branches by number of establishments.
The food sector is the smallest, with 604 licensed workshops making confectionery, baked goods, packaged grains, and processed coffee, everyday products tied closely to household demand.
Where Production Sits
Activity is concentrated in three main industrial zones: Al-Qaboun, Ibn Asakir, and Al-Zablatani. These districts host most of the capital's registered manufacturing and craft workshops.
To encourage idle facilities to restart, the industry directorate is offering tariff exemptions on imported production materials and production lines, a step meant to lower input costs for manufacturers rebuilding capacity.
National Picture
The Damascus figure sits within a wider national count. Official data published on 28 January 2026 put the number of industrial and craft facilities across Syria at 81,200, comprising 21,206 industrial establishments and 59,994 craft workshops.
Against that total, the capital's 8,997 licensed establishments represent a significant share of the country's registered small and medium production.