The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged to help Syria rebuild and recover. On Sunday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Abu Dhabi, according to state media.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE wants to support Syria during its difficult transition. He also emphasized the importance of helping Syria rebuild. The official WAM news agency reported that he “affirmed the UAE’s keenness to support… Syria to confront the challenges of the transitional phase and rebuild Syria.”

Positive Outcomes From the Visit

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, who joined Sharaa during the visit, shared positive feedback after the meeting. He said, “significant achievements have been made today.”

In a post on X, Shaibani mentioned progress in many areas. He highlighted “the areas of investment, the resumption of air traffic, and the strengthening of bilateral relations in all sectors.”

Background: A New Chapter for Syria

Since overthrowing Bashar al-Assad in a surprise military offensive last December, Sharaa has been looking for help from the Gulf nations. His government is now trying to rebuild the country after more than ten years of civil war.

However, not all Gulf leaders are fully comfortable with the new leadership in Syria. Just days after Assad was removed, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash expressed concern. He said the new Syrian rulers' Islamist background was “quite worrying.”

Efforts to Strengthen Relations

In January, Sharaa and the UAE president had a phone conversation. According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, they discussed ways to improve ties between the two countries.

Now, during Sunday’s meeting, the UAE president said again that regional stability matters. He noted, “Syria’s stability and enhanced security are in the interest of the entire region.”

He also promised support for Syria, saying the UAE would “spare no effort in providing all possible support to Syria and its brotherly people in the coming period.”

UAE Remains Cautious Despite Support

While the UAE supports Syria’s rebuilding process, analysts believe it still has concerns. They say the UAE remains suspicious of Syria’s new leaders. These doubts are linked to the UAE’s distrust of political Islam and its worries about Turkey’s growing influence in Syria.