Al-Fayha Sports Hall in Damascus Rebuilt to FIBA Standards at $3 Million Cost

Syria's Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced the completion of a full-scale rehabilitation project at Al-Fayha Sports Hall in Damascus, marking one of the most significant milestones in the country's effort to rebuild its sporting infrastructure. Al-Mugheera Abdul Qader, Director of the Sports Facilities Office, confirmed that the hall now fully meets the standards set by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), qualifying it to host high-level international matches under official supervision.

The total cost of the project reached approximately three million US dollars, drawn from the ministry's investment budget allocated for 2025 and 2026. Officials described the expenditure as a genuine long-term investment in Syrian sports infrastructure, aimed at sustaining athletic activity for years to come.

Key Rehabilitation Works

• Structure and Roof: Full insulation of the hall's roof using sandwich panel boards, ensuring thermal and waterproof protection.
• Playing Floor: Complete overhaul of the parquet surface through sanding, smoothing, and polyurethane coating to meet international standards for flexibility and player safety.
• Stands and Seating: Repainting of the stands and installation of new spectator seats to approved specifications, with modern interior wall cladding.
• Technical and Climate Systems: Comprehensive upgrade of air conditioning, heating, and lighting systems to international norms, including lighting intensity suitable for television broadcasting.
• Service Facilities: Fitting of four model changing rooms and eight modern restrooms, along with fully equipped administrative offices.
• VIP Platforms: Three dedicated platforms (VIP, VVIP, and referees) fitted with the highest technological specifications.
• Digital Technology: Installation of a giant four-sided scoreboard, surrounding LED screens, an outdoor display in the public plaza, an advanced sound system, and comprehensive surveillance cameras.
• Smart Access Control: Automated entry gates for smooth crowd management, alongside full rehabilitation of external facades and the main lobby.

Official Opening

The ministry designated 20 April 2026 as the date for an exceptional inauguration ceremony, featuring a celebratory friendly match between the Syrian and Lebanese national basketball teams. The event will be attended by representatives of FIBA, lending an international dimension to the occasion. The hall has a capacity of approximately 7,000 spectators.

Future Plans

The ministry is pursuing a broader strategic plan that extends beyond Al-Fayha Hall. A contract has already been signed with a specialist firm to rehabilitate Al-Hamdaniyah Hall in Aleppo to the same FIBA standards, with works expected to conclude by the end of the current year. Plans also include completing the rehabilitation of the subsidiary halls within the Al-Fayha sports complex, as part of a national drive to expand and sustain sporting activity across Syria.