Syria’s New Leadership Seeks Gulf Nations’ Support; UAE Offers Reconstruction Aid

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially expressed its commitment to assisting Syria in its reconstruction efforts. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Abu Dhabi to discuss the path forward for Syria, following the country’s prolonged civil war. This meeting, reported by the UAE’s official WAM news agency, marks a significant step in UAE-Syria relations.

UAE’s Support for Syria’s Rebuilding Efforts

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s eagerness to help Syria confront the challenges of its transitional phase and rebuild. He emphasized that the UAE is fully committed to supporting Syria’s recovery, as the nation deals with the aftermath of over a decade of devastating conflict.

Syria’s Progress and Areas of Collaboration

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, praised the outcome of the meetings. He stated that “significant achievements have been made today” following the talks. Shaibani specifically pointed to several areas where progress had been made: these include investment opportunities, the resumption of air traffic between the two nations, and the strengthening of bilateral ties across various sectors such as trade and infrastructure.

Sharaa’s Efforts to Secure Gulf Support

Sharaa has actively sought Gulf support for Syria, especially after the rebels ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December 2021. This marked the culmination of years of civil war that left Syria devastated. In the wake of Assad’s fall, the UAE, initially cautious, began to re-engage with Syria, with the aim of stabilizing the region. Prior to the meeting, the UAE had expressed some hesitations regarding Syria’s new leadership.

UAE’s Initial Concerns Over Islamist Affiliation

Despite supporting the idea of Syrian stability, the UAE had concerns about the new Syrian leaders’ Islamist affiliations. In the immediate aftermath of Assad’s removal, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash had raised alarms about the political Islam ties of Syria’s newly established government. He said the situation was “quite worrying,” but the UAE’s position has evolved as they continue to prioritize regional stability.

Strengthening Relations Between UAE and Syria

Earlier in January 2023, Sharaa had a phone conversation with the UAE president about strengthening ties. During that call, the UAE president reiterated that Syria’s stability and security are in the interest of the entire region. Sheikh Mohamed also affirmed that the UAE would “spare no effort in providing all possible support to Syria and its brotherly people in the coming period.” This demonstrates the UAE’s strategic interest in a stable Syria for broader regional peace.

UAE’s Ongoing Caution Regarding Syrian Leadership

Though the UAE is providing support, analysts believe that the Gulf nation remains cautious about Syria’s new leadership. The UAE has long been wary of political Islam and remains concerned about the influence of Turkey in Syria. This apprehension plays a role in the UAE’s careful approach to its relationship with Syria, even as they engage in rebuilding efforts.

Background: UAE’s Historical Relationship with Syria

Syria has experienced years of conflict after a brutal civil war erupted in 2011, leaving hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. The UAE, like many countries, initially distanced itself from Syria under Bashar al-Assad’s regime. However, the shift towards engagement comes in the context of the changing political landscape in the region, where several Arab states are recalibrating their relations with Syria. Despite these complexities, the UAE’s support for Syria’s reconstruction signals a shift towards greater cooperation in the post-Assad era, marking a new chapter in UAE-Syria relations.

In the coming months, it will be important to watch how these bilateral efforts unfold, particularly as Syria continues to rebuild from the ruins of its civil war.