Gulf states weigh Syria’s reintegration as Sharaa kicks off UAE visit

I’m Francesco Schiavi, your Al-Monitor Gulf newsletter author.

This week, Gulf capitals are seizing the reins of Syria’s post-sanctions transition. As Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa kicks off a UAE-led regional tour, the spotlight shifts to how Arab Gulf states plan to shape Damascus’ reintegration into regional diplomacy, energy flows and reconstruction funding.

Meanwhile, the Gulf’s global posture is on full display: Abu Dhabi observes its first BRICS summit, Houthis resume attacks in the Red Sea, and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal is making waves on the global football stage. Also, Gulf LNG giants are locking in multibillion-dollar deals from Texas to Darwin, with the UAE ranking third worldwide in sovereign investment power.

All that and more.