Abu Dhabi, April 14 – The United Arab Emirates is prepared to support Syria in its reconstruction efforts, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said Sunday during a meeting with Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, according to state media.

During the talks in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed affirmed the UAE's commitment to aiding Syria as it navigates the challenges of its transitional phase and begins the process of rebuilding. "The UAE is keen to support Syria to confront the challenges of the transitional phase and rebuild the country," the official WAM news agency reported.

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, who accompanied Sharaa, described the talks as highly productive. "Significant achievements have been made today," he said, later outlining key areas of cooperation in a post on social media platform X, including investment, the resumption of air travel, and broader bilateral ties.

Sharaa has been seeking Gulf support since he led a swift military campaign that ousted longtime president Bashar al-Assad in December, ending more than a decade of civil war.

Despite offering support, the UAE remains cautious. In the immediate aftermath of Assad's fall, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash expressed concern over the Islamist leanings of Syria's new leadership, calling them "quite worrying."

In January, Sharaa and Sheikh Mohamed held a phone conversation to explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties, Syrian state news agency SANA reported at the time.

On Sunday, Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE's regional vision: “Syria’s stability and enhanced security are in the interest of the entire region.” He pledged that the Gulf nation would "spare no effort in providing all possible support to Syria and its brotherly people in the coming period."

Analysts note that while the UAE is extending diplomatic and economic support, it remains wary of Syria’s new rulers, citing concerns over political Islam and Ankara’s growing influence in the region.