The Fall of Assad's Regime Puts the UAE in a Difficult Position

Less than 11 days after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime and the liberation of Syria by opposition factions, the UAE finds itself in a difficult position due to the major failure of its strategy to support the regime.

This sudden development is reshaping the political landscape in the region, as a new government led by Ahmed al-Shara emerges.

Since 2018, when the UAE normalized its relations with the Assad regime, Abu Dhabi had politically and economically invested in supporting the regime's survival and easing its international isolation. However, the fall of the regime has undermined those efforts, leaving the UAE with significant consequences, especially after the collapse of its political and investment projects linked to the regime.

Reports indicate that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed attempted to make secret deals with the Assad family to ensure the regime’s survival, in exchange for reducing Iranian influence, but the Syrian opposition managed to thwart these plans, leaving the UAE with a deep sense of disappointment after the regime's collapse.

Observers note that the UAE now finds itself forced to reassess its position in light of the new government, amid concerns over U.S. moves to open communication channels with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which could affect regional and international alliances in Syria.

The fall of Assad represents a major shift in the regional scene, especially for countries like the UAE that had supported him.

Abu Dhabi is expected to face significant challenges in adapting to the new system in Damascus, while seeking to maintain its strategic interests and rebuild its influence in the region.

The collapse of Assad's regime reflects profound transformations in the Syrian landscape, putting the countries that supported the regime in a political and strategic dilemma. As the United States moves to reshape its role in Syria, the UAE and other regional powers will find themselves forced to adapt to new realities.