From Rebel to President: Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s Historic Visit to Saudi Arabia
Syria’s interim president, once a key opposition figure, is welcomed in Riyadh—marking a pivotal shift in regional politics and alliances.
Watan-In a historic scene laden with deep political implications, Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on his first foreign visit since assuming power following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime.
Al-Shar’a, who fled Saudi Arabia as a refugee child with his family, returns today as the President of the Syrian Arab Republic. He was received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a meeting that reflects a new phase in the relationship between Riyadh and Damascus.
Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s visit to the Kingdom is not merely a diplomatic protocol but carries a clear message of Arab states’ recognition of his new authority in Syria after years of war and regional tensions. Saudi Arabia, which was a key supporter of the Syrian opposition, has found itself facing a new reality after Assad’s fall, prompting it to adopt a pragmatic approach in dealing with the new leadership in Damascus.
The scene in Riyadh was remarkable, as Al-Sharaa was received with warmth in the Saudi royal palaces, reflecting the shifting regional stances. The Saudi media, which previously referred to Al-Jolani (Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s real name) as a terrorist and extremist, now found itself compelled to present him as Syria’s legitimate president— a step that signals major transformations in the Arab political landscape.
Only months ago, media outlets close to the Saudi regime were warning against armed factions taking control in Syria, arguing that Al-Jolani’s leadership posed a threat to regional stability. However, with Assad’s fall, Riyadh swiftly adjusted its position, raising the Syrian revolution’s flag at its embassy in Damascus in preparation for officially welcoming Al-Sharaa.
The visit comes just two days after Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani traveled to Damascus, another move that bolsters Al-Sharaa’s standing on the regional stage. As Arab leaders continue to arrive in the Syrian capital, it appears that Ahmad Al-Sharaa has cemented his position as an Arab-recognized president, despite his past association with the armed opposition.
The shift in power dynamics in Syria has forced all parties to reassess their strategies, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. After years of supporting the opposition against Assad, the Kingdom now finds itself compelled to embrace Syria’s new leadership—a scene that illustrates how political alliances evolve based on strategic interests.
