Syrian president arrives in Saudi Arabia to start Gulf tour

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa landed in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a Gulf tour aimed at reinforcing regional ties, the state-run SANA news agency reported. Al-Sharaa arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah for an official visit, though no duration was provided. He is expected to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the trip, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, according to Syria’s presidency.

Regional realignment

The visit comes as Syria undergoes a dramatic political transformation. Al-Sharaa assumed the presidency after opposition forces seized full control of Damascus, following a series of victories across multiple cities. The offensive effectively ended 61 years of Baath Party rule and 53 years of Assad family governance. For Türkiye, which has long supported Syrian opposition forces and maintains a military presence in northern Syria, al-Sharaa’s engagement with Gulf capitals is being closely watched. Ankara has urged regional integration and reconstruction support for post-conflict Syria.

Gulf tour

Syria’s presidency had announced Monday that al-Sharaa would travel to Saudi Arabia as part of a broader Gulf tour, though other destinations have not been disclosed. The visit signals a potential shift in Arab relations with Damascus, which had been largely isolated during the Assad era.