Syria’s Textile Sector Targets AI Integration in Push to Rejoin Global Supply Chains
The initiative, backed by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, introduces generative AI training to bridge legacy technology gaps and attract international investment ahead of the Damascus exhibition.
The Digital Fashion Academy (DFA) and the Middle Eastern textile platform NASTEX have announced a strategic partnership designed to integrate artificial intelligence into the Syrian textile sector. Backed by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the alliance aims to modernise the regional fashion workforce by injecting generative technology into traditional manufacturing processes. The move follows a state-backed push for technological upgrades, with organisers seeking to prepare local designers for a highly digitalised global market.
At the core of the initiative is the "Fashion Design with AI" course, which teaches creative teams to integrate generative tech into their daily workflows. The curriculum requires no prior technical background and utilises live Zoom sessions and hands-on masterclasses to instruct students on advanced prompt engineering. Participants will utilise platforms such as MidJourney, ChatGPT, and Adobe Firefly to accelerate prototyping and create digital collections, aiming to enhance efficiency without replacing human artistry.
The partnership specifically targets youth, independent entrepreneurs, and small businesses, groups that often struggle to overcome legacy technology barriers and build vital international connections. According to the DFA executive team, mastering AI-driven design workflows is essential for scaling sustainable growth and optimising local margins. The initiative seeks to bridge regional skill gaps while respecting heritage crafts such as traditional damask and brocade, ensuring that modernisation does not erase historical production methods.
Joint workshops and educational showcases related to the partnership will be featured at the upcoming NASTEX International Exhibition in Damascus, scheduled for July 18 to 21. The event aims to reconnect Syria with global supply chains, leveraging the country’s historical position on the ancient Silk Road. Organisers expect more than 300 manufacturers and industry specialists to attend, alongside official and commercial delegations from over 25 countries.
NASTEX functions as an integrated platform for investment, connecting Syrian manufacturers with international companies, machinery suppliers, and industry associations. The exhibition will highlight sustainable production methods, circular economy practices, and smart manufacturing tools to meet global environmental standards. DFA, which is accredited by the UK's CPD Standards Office, plans to expand its certified curriculum beyond the exhibition to continue supporting the sector's redevelopment.
