Mohammed bin Rashid to Al-Sharq: We rejoice at Syria's return to the path of development... and we look forward to its return to the global status it deserves

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, received Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani, on the sidelines of the Arab Media Summit 2026 in Dubai.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum welcomed the Syrian President, expressing his best wishes for the Syrian Arab Republic and its people for continued peace, stability, development, and prosperity. He emphasized the deep fraternal ties between the two countries and the shared commitment to further developing these relations in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both peoples.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the meeting addressed a number of issues and topics of common interest, as well as the latest developments in the current regional situation. It highlighted the importance of supporting efforts to consolidate peace and stability, and to enhance opportunities for development and regional cooperation, thereby contributing to the aspirations of peoples for a future that is safer, more stable, and more prosperous.

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that the UAE will continue to support all initiatives that contribute to enhancing stability in Syria. He stressed the importance of integrating Arab efforts and expanding the horizons of cooperation to serve shared interests and strengthen prospects for prosperity in the region.

For his part, President al-Sharaa expressed his profound appreciation for the UAE and its leadership, commending the solid fraternal relations between the two countries and the UAE’s supportive stance toward Syria and its people. He also appreciated the UAE’s commitment to enhancing joint cooperation and opening new avenues for partnership across various fields.

The Syrian President praised Dubai for hosting the Arab Media Summit 2026, describing it as a leading platform that brings together a select group of media leaders, experts, and specialists, and contributes to discussing the future of media and enhancing its role in supporting development and fostering communication among societies.

WAM reported a post by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on his official account on the X platform, in which he said: “While receiving my brother, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, guest of the Arab Media Summit in Dubai... our relations with Syria are based on love, friendship, brotherhood, and mutual respect. We rejoice in Syria’s return to the path of development. We look forward to Syria’s civilization reclaiming its rightful global standing. We also look forward to deep fraternal relations between our two friendly peoples.”