Interim Syrian President travels to UAE for reconstruction talks

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa traveled to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, marking his first visit since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, as the new leadership seeks Gulf financial backing to rebuild the war-torn nation.

State news agency SANA said Sharaa was accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and would hold talks on “numerous common issues” with Emirati leaders during the visit.

Sharaa’s trip comes nearly four months after Assad was toppled by rebel forces in December. In the days following the regime change, the UAE expressed concern over the Islamist leanings of Syria’s new rulers.

At the time, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called the shift “quite worrying,” citing the country's discomfort with political Islam and rising Turkish influence in Syria.

Still, in mid-January, Sharaa held a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss strengthening ties and ensuring regional stability, according to SANA.

Shaibani previously visited Abu Dhabi in January, laying the groundwork for Sunday’s official trip.

Analysts say the UAE remains cautious but pragmatic, viewing engagement as a way to shape Syria’s trajectory while safeguarding its regional interests.

Following 13 years of civil war, Syria’s new leadership is seeking international recognition and financial support to revive its economy and begin long-delayed reconstruction efforts.