The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Organization for Standardization and Metrology (SASMO) and the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), is organizing a three-day training programme in Damascus, Syria, on Halal Tourism Services, Restaurants and Catering Services Standards, from 11 to 13 August 2026.
The training is held under COMCEC Project No. 2025-SMIIC-433, entitled “Capacity Building of Tourism Stakeholders with OIC/SMIIC Halal Restaurant and Tourism Services Standards.” The project aims to strengthen the technical capacities of stakeholders in OIC Member States and promote the implementation of OIC/SMIIC standards in the tourism, hospitality, restaurant and catering sectors.
Held at the Seven Gates Hotel in Damascus, the programme brings together around 70 trainees representing various Syrian ministries and institutions, particularly the Ministry of Tourism, SASMO and the Ministry of Industry, as well as other stakeholders involved in tourism, standards and related services.
The training is delivered by Dr. Mohammed Ali Alsheikh, Specialist at SMIIC, and covers the key requirements and practical applications of OIC/SMIIC standards related to halal tourism services, restaurants and catering activities. The sessions focus on implementation mechanisms, service quality and the importance of halal requirements in tourism and hospitality.
In his remarks, Dr. Yasser Alaiwi, Director General of SASMO, emphasized that halal requirements extend beyond religious considerations to include broader principles of quality, safety, transparency and sustainability. He highlighted the role of OIC/SMIIC standards in harmonizing requirements, facilitating trade, strengthening mutual recognition and opening new markets for national products and services.
For his part, H.E. Mr. Ihsan Övüt, Secretary General of SMIIC, highlighted the importance of supporting halal tourism and promoting the relevant standards in Syria. He expressed his hope that the programme would contribute to improving information and services for Muslim travellers visiting Syria and support a safe and suitable tourism experience.
The programme represents a further step in strengthening Syria’s engagement with the OIC/SMIIC standardization and quality infrastructure framework. Syria joined SMIIC in November 2025, and the training contributes to developing national technical capacities and supporting the implementation of harmonized halal standards.
The training in Syria is one of the activities implemented under the ongoing COMCEC-funded capacity-building project, which seeks to expand awareness and practical application of OIC/SMIIC halal tourism and restaurant standards across OIC Member States.
