UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Syria's Al Shara discuss economic ties in call

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke by telephone with Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara on Thursday to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments, state news agency WAM reported. The two leaders reviewed ways to strengthen ties in development, economic, and investment sectors. The call followed the conclusion of the inaugural UAE-Syria Investment Forum in Damascus.

What did Sheikh Mohamed and Al Shara discuss in their call?

The two presidents discussed fraternal relations and ways to deepen cooperation, particularly in development, economic, and investment sectors, to support the progress of both nations. They also exchanged views on regional and international peace and security. WAM reported that the leaders covered a number of issues of mutual interest, including developments across the Middle East.

What happened at the UAE-Syria Investment Forum?

According to The National, the inaugural UAE-Syria Investment Forum was held in Damascus from Sunday to Tuesday, bringing together ministers, senior officials, and business leaders from both countries. More than 120 Emirati companies and institutions were represented at the event. UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, who met Al Shara during the forum, said bilateral non-oil trade reached $1.4 billion in 2025, an increase of more than 130 per cent on the previous year.

Al Zeyoudi said investment opportunities in industry, agriculture, renewable energy, the digital economy, and logistics could help integrate Syrian businesses more closely into regional and global markets. The forum helped set the stage for expanded collaboration between the two nations. It also drew significant private sector interest, including a major investment announcement from one of Dubai's best-known developers.

How much is Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar planning to invest in Syria?

Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar outlined plans on Tuesday to invest as much as $18 billion in Syria across a range of projects. He said he was assessing projects worth between $5 billion and $7 billion on the Syrian coast and up to $11 billion in Damascus and its surroundings. Sky News Arabia reported that construction could begin within six months, in collaboration with Syrian investors.

How have UAE-Syria relations developed in recent months?

The telephone call between Sheikh Mohamed and Al Shara reflects a pattern of deepening engagement between the two countries. Sheikh Mohamed hosted Al Shara in Abu Dhabi last month for high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, where the two sides explored joint action to spur economic and development growth. The rapid expansion of non-oil trade, which more than doubled in 2025, underscores how quickly the relationship has evolved.