The conversation between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Ahmed al-Sharaa centred on advancing bilateral relations in ways that serve the interests of both nations while addressing recent shifts across the Middle East. The two leaders explored opportunities to intensify economic and investment partnerships that have gained momentum since Syria’s political transition at the end of 2024. They underscored the value of sustained coordination on shared priorities, according to a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency.
Bilateral non-oil trade expanded sharply in 2025, climbing 132.4 percent to $1.4 billion, a development the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade attributed to renewed diplomatic engagement and business forums. A delegation headed by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi visited Damascus in May that year for the inaugural UAE-Syria Investment Forum, where participants identified prospects in infrastructure, agriculture, energy and logistics. The meetings produced preliminary understandings on multiple projects, setting the stage for deeper private-sector involvement.
Syrian President al-Sharaa travelled to the UAE in September 2026 to participate in the Arab Media Summit, using the occasion to highlight his country’s potential as a Mediterranean trade corridor linking to Gulf markets, Al-Monitor reported. Discussions during that visit touched on reconstruction needs and investment avenues as Syria’s economy recovered from years of conflict and sanctions. UAE-based developers including Emaar and Arada have since signalled interest in tourism and mixed-use schemes valued in the billions of dollars.
The Central Bank of the UAE sealed an agreement earlier this month with Syrian authorities to collaborate on payment systems, monetary policy and financial technologies, The National reported on October 2. This step aligns with broader efforts to support Syria’s reintegration into regional commerce following the removal of Western sanctions in 2025. DP World, the UAE logistics operator, has already committed $800 million to develop the Tartous port, an initiative that began operations last year.
The latest phone call follows an official invitation extended by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for al-Sharaa to attend the United Nations Water Conference scheduled in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10. Both presidents affirmed the importance of maintaining regular communication to advance joint initiatives. Syrian officials have described the UAE as an early and consistent partner in the country’s economic reopening, with trade and investment flows continuing to accelerate.
UAE companies participated in additional coordination rounds after the May forum, including technical visits planned by Syrian delegations to finalise roadmaps for agreed projects. The growth in ties reflects a pattern of Gulf states accelerating engagement with Damascus after the lifting of the Caesar Act and European measures that had constrained the Syrian economy for more than a decade. Officials from both sides have indicated that further high-level exchanges will focus on translating these economic gains into sustainable development outcomes.
