Mohammed hails Syria’s return to progress

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa in Dubai to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and Syria’s path toward economic recovery following the easing of international sanctions. The meeting highlighted increased Gulf investment interest in Syria, with projections aiming to restore its economy to pre-conflict levels by 2027 and achieve significant growth in the next decade.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa in Dubai on Monday, emphasizing the deep ties between the two countries and expressing optimism about Syria’s progress toward economic recovery and regional reintegration. The meeting occurred in conjunction with the 24th Arab Media Summit, which is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

During the reception, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the longstanding bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the UAE and Syria, describing Syria as a "cradle of civilisation" poised to regain its prominent international status. He expressed confidence in Syria’s development trajectory and hopes for strengthened fraternal relations between their peoples.

President Al Sharaa, who was attending the summit as a guest, thanked Sheikh Mohammed for the hospitality and spoke about Syria’s ongoing transformation. He characterized Syria’s recent history as a shift from being a major regional challenge to emerging as a source of stability and opportunity. Al Sharaa underscored the impact of extensive sanctions imposed over several decades and noted that the lifting of many of these restrictions has opened new avenues for Syria’s recovery.

“Syria was born again after the sanctions were lifted, and the road opened before it,” Al Sharaa said during a packed session at the summit. He emphasized that the next stages would depend on sound policy and decision-making to ensure sustainable recovery.

Outlining Syria’s economic goals, Al Sharaa noted that the country’s economy, which was valued at roughly $60 billion in 2010, declined to approximately $20 billion by 2024 due to years of conflict. However, it rebounded to an estimated $32 billion last year and is projected to reach $50 billion this year, with expectations to return to pre-conflict levels by 2027. Looking further ahead, he set an ambitious target to grow Syria’s economy to about $200 billion within five to ten years, contingent on stable international conditions.

Al Sharaa also highlighted growing investor interest from the Gulf Cooperation Council, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. He cited initiatives including significant investments by Emirati businessman Mohammad Alabbar and DP World’s involvement in the Syrian port of Tartus as examples of expanding economic engagement. He described Syria as transitioning into a zone of stability and praised the UAE as among the first countries to actively pursue investment opportunities in the country.

The Arab Media Summit continues through Tuesday, convening media professionals and industry leaders from more than 23 countries to discuss regional developments and collaborative opportunities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.