Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa made his first official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday since taking office earlier this year, signaling a growing push to deepen regional ties in the post-Assad transitional period.
Al-Sharaa, accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, was welcomed in Abu Dhabi by UAE President Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as regional developments and issues of mutual concern, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
In a statement issued by the Syrian presidency, al-Sharaa expressed “deep appreciation” for the UAE’s hospitality and noted the “great interest” shown by Emirati leadership in strengthening cooperation across various sectors.
The visit marks the Syrian president’s second to a Gulf nation since assuming power in January, following a trip to Saudi Arabia. It also comes amid ongoing Israeli military escalation inside Syria and regional efforts to reintegrate the country diplomatically after years of isolation under the previous regime.
During talks at Al Shati Palace, President Zayed reaffirmed the UAE’s support for Syria’s unity and sovereignty and said his country “will spare no effort” to help Syria navigate its transitional phase. “Syria’s stability and security are in the interest of the entire region,” he said.
Al-Sharaa and al-Shaibani also met with Syrian business leaders based in the UAE. The foreign minister later praised the visit’s outcomes, citing advances in investment opportunities, the resumption of air traffic, and broader diplomatic engagement. “Thanks to the efforts of President al-Sharaa, great achievements have been made today in the UAE,” Shaibani posted on social media.
The trip follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements by Syria’s new administration as it seeks to restore regional partnerships and push for international recognition. Al-Shaibani has made multiple visits to the UAE in recent months, attending events such as the World Government Summit in Dubai and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Sunday’s visit underscores the UAE’s leading role in supporting Syria’s transition following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, which ended more than six decades of Baath Party rule. WAM reported that the UAE is committed to helping Syria rebuild and meet “the aspirations of its people for a future of stability and prosperity.
