Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa declared on Tuesday that Syria has been 'reborn' following the lifting of sanctions, transforming the nation from a source of instability to 'a great opportunity' on a regional level.
Speaking at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, Al-Sharaa emphasized Syria's efforts to rebuild itself and its institutions after years of warfare, indicating that the Syrian people have regained hope following the downfall of the previous regime.
He stated that Syria has shifted from being a problem and an exporter of Captagon to a zone of stability, which benefits not only Syrians but also the entire region.
Al-Sharaa remarked that Syria has evolved from 'a major problem to a great opportunity,' in light of the new government's initiatives to rebuild state institutions, attract investments, and reconnect the Syrian economy with its regional and global environment.
'New Beginning' Post-Sanctions
Al-Sharaa attributed Syria's economic and political transformations to the easing and lifting of sanctions that were previously imposed on the country, noting that their removal has afforded Syria the chance to embark on a new phase.
He noted that the country possesses significant economic opportunities and has begun attracting Gulf and European investments, capitalizing on its strategic geographic and logistical location.
President Al-Sharaa applauded the role of the UAE, highlighting it as one of the first nations to invest in Syria, with special mention of the 'Dubai Ports' investments.
His remarks follow a series of international measures that have eased restrictions on Damascus.
In July 2025, the United States ended its comprehensive sanctions program on Syria while maintaining targeted sanctions against Bashar al-Assad, his associates, those involved in rights violations and drug trafficking, and designated terrorist groups and Iranian proxies.
In August, Washington officially removed Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism after a 45-day congressional review, a move viewed by the Syrian government as the removal of a significant barrier to the return of investments and international financial interactions.
The Arab League Council also decided in September to lift the political, economic, and social sanctions that had been imposed on the Syrian state and its institutions, while retaining measures against officials of the former regime.