Ahmad al-Shara, the President of Syria, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, met on Tuesday on the sidelines of a summit in Dubai to discuss ways to strengthen economic relations. This dialogue is seen as a sign of improving relations between the two countries.
Economic and Development Talks
The discussion between al-Shara and Sheikh Mohammed focused on efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of economy and development. The two sides also addressed regional and international issues.
Al-Shara traveled to Dubai to participate in the annual Arab Media Summit. In his speech, he introduced Syria as "a secure trade corridor connecting East and West." He stated that Syria aims to reach an economic value of $50 billion by the end of this year, compared to $32 billion last year and $20 billion at the end of the civil war in late 2024.
Progress in UAE-Syria Relations
Relations between the UAE and Syria are steadily progressing, particularly given the UAE's interest in Syria's transport and energy potentials, as well as Damascus's desire to attract foreign investment for post-war reconstruction. In late August, the UAE-based developer, "Arada," signed a contract to develop a mixed-use project worth $7 billion in Damascus.
The UAE is particularly interested in Syria's potential as a trade corridor amid recent crises in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Syria's location in the Eastern Mediterranean and its proximity to Iraq make it a potential gateway for energy exports to Europe. Since the beginning of this year, Syria has been receiving Iraqi oil, allocated to foreign customers, via trucks.
Despite the challenges Syria faces in becoming a transport hub, the country has gradually stabilized since the end of the civil war in 2024. While clashes between government forces and local militias in the south continue, the UAE is slowly moving towards closer relations with Syria.
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