New York first lady Rama Duwaji 'set to visit Lebanon and Syria'

Rama Duwaji, the Syrian-American wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is set to embark on a trip to the Middle East in September. The New York Post announced that the first lady will visit Syria and Lebanon. However, the exact purpose of the visit remains undisclosed. Ms Duwaji's family hails from Syria, and the couple's Syrian heritage is known to the public.

Initially, there were claims that New York City Police would provide security during the first lady's travels. However, the NYPD later denied any plans to send officers. The New York City Mayor's Office has yet to comment on the matter.

Lebanon and Syria are currently under Level 4 "do not travel" advisories due to heightened geopolitical conflicts. The US State Department warns that visiting these countries poses risks such as sudden outbreaks of violence, armed conflict, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, hostage-taking, crime, and armed conflict.

The attention surrounding Ms Duwaji and her husband, Zohran Mamdani, intensified during the New York City mayoral election last year. Prior to their marriage in 2025, wedding planner photos showed the couple celebrating their engagement in Dubai. Ms Duwaji, born in Texas, moved to Dubai with her family at the age of nine. She studied at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar before transferring to its Richmond campus to complete her degree.

As of now, Ms Duwaji has not assumed any formal role as New York City's first lady. She has maintained a low profile regarding her personal life on social media. Zohran Mamdani is the first Muslim to hold the position of mayor in New York, the most populous city in the United States. He served as a New York State assembly member before his election. Mamdani identifies himself as a democratic socialist.