Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is preparing for his first official visit to the United Arab Emirates, before heading to Turkey a few days later. For the young leader, this is another step in a large-scale tour that should consolidate support for the new administration and move the conflict-ridden country from isolation to a regional dialogue format, Reuters has reported.
Sharaa’s debut trip took place in February: then he already visited Saudi Arabia and Turkey, demonstrating his willingness to seek allies both among the Sunni monarchies of the Persian Gulf and in Ankara. Now the route begins in Abu Dhabi – the second most important partner in the region after Riyadh – and should show that Syria is seeking to reset its foreign policy while the world community looks closely at the new government in Damascus.
Saudi Arabia
During a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in February, Sharaa focused on several areas at once: humanitarian aid, energy, technology, education and medicine. According to official reports, the Saudis responded positively, as the kingdom has long viewed Syria as a potential springboard for investment in infrastructure reconstruction.
A key topic of the talks is the lifting of Western sanctions, which have stifled the Syrian economy for almost 14 years. Damascus insists that without the lifting of restrictions, the country will not be able to launch major projects, even if it receives credit lines from the Persian Gulf. In this context, Saudi Arabia can act as Syria’s “advocate” on the world stage, while at the same time strengthening its own position as a mediator between the Arab world and the West.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed
UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated The visit to Abu Dhabi will open the door for Sharjah to another player who has already declared his support for the new government: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed personally congratulated the Syrian on the formation of the cabinet and promised assistance in the five-year reconstruction plan. Similar congratulations came from Dubai Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, signaling the consolidated position of the Emirati leadership.
Immediately after the Emirates, the Syrian leader will go to Turkey. Ankara, which has long supported the opposition forces, is now demonstrating pragmatism: Turkish companies are considering the possibility of participating in the reconstruction of Syrian cities, and politicians are considering a format for cooperation with Damascus on security issues on the common border. If Sharaa manages to turn these contacts into real projects, Syria will have a chance to return to the regional game not only as an object of humanitarian programs, but as an independent partner with a specific development plan.