In a move that reflects the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to supporting economic recovery efforts in Syria, Syrian President Dr. Ahmad al-Shara received UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi during his official visit to Damascus. The two sides discussed partnership opportunities to support economic recovery in Syria, with several senior officials and Emirati businessmen also in attendance.
Historic Meeting Between the Two Countries
Ahmad al-Shara, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, welcomed Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, at the presidential headquarters in Al-Shahab Palace during his official visit to the capital, Damascus. Al Zeyoudi led a high-level Emirati delegation that included Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, and Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties and Eagle Hills.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During the meeting, Al Zeyoudi conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, expressing their wishes for further prosperity for the Syrian Republic and its people. In turn, President al-Shara expressed his greetings to the Emirati leadership, emphasizing the depth of the fraternal relations between the two countries and their commitment to enhancing sustainable development efforts.
Opportunities for Economic Cooperation
The two sides explored ways to enhance cooperation between the countries in the fields of trade and investment. Al Zeyoudi expressed the UAE’s support for economic recovery efforts in Syria, noting the significance of having over 140 participants in the delegation, representing the private sector and Emirati companies in various fields such as trade, infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.
Continuing to Elevate Cooperation
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi held meetings with several Syrian ministers to discuss prospects for strategic cooperation, with non-oil trade volume between the two countries reaching approximately $1.4 billion during 2025, reflecting a significant increase that indicates mutual trust between the two nations.
Al Zeyoudi affirmed that the visit represents the UAE’s commitment to supporting the economic recovery journey in Syria. He emphasized that there are promising opportunities for all parties to achieve sustainable economic gains through enhanced economic partnerships and leveraging successful experiences, laying the foundation for new strategic relations between the two countries.
The Emirati delegation also participated in the first Emirati-Syrian Business Forum, where investment opportunities and mechanisms to enhance trade relations were presented, reflecting both countries’ commitment to building a prosperous economic future and delivering tangible benefits to their peoples.