President Ahmed Al Shara Proclaims Syria a New Strategic Economic Opportunity at Dubai Summit

Syria is evolving into a significant opportunity for surrounding regional nations, according to President Ahmed Al Shara, who spoke in Dubai on Tuesday. He highlighted the emergence of alternative trade routes as regional conflicts restrict the crucial Strait of Hormuz chokepoint.

Discussions have intensified regarding Middle Eastern trade and oil rerouting, focusing on potential connections linking Mediterranean ports through Iraq to Gulf states. Speaking at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, Mr Al Shara noted that Syria has shifted from being viewed as a regional problem to a central topic of discussion among politicians and media outlets.

"Syria turned into a topic of discussion among the media and politicians, from a problem to a great opportunity that people could benefit from and could participate in the strategic security of the region and trade routes," Mr Al Shara stated. He further remarked that the nation has transitioned from an exporter of conflict, captagon, and humans into a pillar of stability functioning as an energy supply chain and trade corridor between east and west.

The UAE has emerged as a primary investor in Syria. Syrian officials have engaged with Emirati business delegations and Abu Dhabi Ports representatives to collaborate on upgrading border crossings, free zones, and port infrastructure. DP World and the Syrian government signed a preliminary $800 million agreement in May aimed at developing the port of Tartus.

Mr Al Shara commended the agreement, noting that the Emirati organization recognized the strategic value of Tartus and its connection to Jebel Ali prior to the challenges at Hormuz, acknowledging the location's historical significance for regional trade. He attributed Syria's ongoing recovery to the recent removal of US sanctions, concluding that the country has been reborn and is progressing along the correct path.