Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sunday for his first international visit since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. This trip is being seen as a significant shift in Syria’s regional alliances, potentially distancing itself from Iran and Russia while seeking economic support from Gulf nations.
Accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaiban, Sharaa landed in Riyadh on a jet reportedly provided by Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, he was greeted by top Saudi officials, according to the state broadcaster Al-Ekhbariya.
Why Is Syria Looking to the Gulf?
Rebuilding Syria after over a decade of war is estimated to cost hundreds of billions of dollars. The new government under Sharaa is actively seeking financial backing from wealthy Gulf nations to restore its war-ravaged infrastructure and revive the crippled economy.
Saudi Arabia has already shown interest in supporting Syria. Earlier in January, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Damascus, stating that Riyadh was working on lifting sanctions on Syria.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani also visited Syria last week, stressing the need for an inclusive government to ensure long-term stability and development.
A Shift Away from Iran and Russia?
For years, Syria has been deeply aligned with Iran and Russia, both of which played key roles in supporting Assad’s rule. However, the new leadership is now keeping Tehran and Moscow at arm’s length.
- Iran, a key ally of Assad, has yet to reopen its embassy in Damascus.
- Russia, which provided military aid to Assad, is reportedly struggling to maintain its access to strategic air and sea bases in Syria.
This gradual distancing from Assad’s former allies seems to be a strategic move by the new government to appease the West and seek relief from crippling sanctions imposed on Syria.
Shifting Political Image
The new Syrian leadership is also working to reshape Syria’s public image by:
✅ Appointing women to leadership positions.
✅ Engaging with minority communities, including Christians and Alawites.
✅ Promoting governance reforms to align with international expectations.
Conclusion
Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal moment for Syria’s foreign policy. By seeking Gulf-backed financial aid while distancing from Iran and Russia, Syria is signaling a major geopolitical shift. The world will be closely watching how these new alliances shape Syria’s future.