Speaking at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai on September 15, 2026, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said his relationship with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was marked by understanding on issues concerning the two countries and the region, describing him as “his other brother.”
Al-Sharaa explains how he first met Mohammed bin Zayed
Al-Sharaa said, during a private session with Arab newspaper editors on the sidelines of the summit, that he met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed after what he described as “the success of the Syrian revolution.”
He added that the relationship developed through multiple meetings and contacts, reaching an advanced level based on brotherhood.
Syria looks to benefit from the UAE’s experience
The Syrian president expressed hope that his country would benefit from the UAE’s economic and development experience.
Al-Sharaa also spoke about Syria and its people’s standing with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He cited a line of poetry recited by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid days after Damascus was liberated, saying that its words sincerely expressed his love for Syria and its people and quickly reached Syrians.
