What next after Al-Sharaa’s visit to Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive and serious approach to the dramatic shifts in the Syrian Arab Republic following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime. The Kingdom is determined to play a strategic role that safeguards its national interests while ensuring stability in Syria — a key element of broader Arab security. This strategy has direct implications for the stability of neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia itself.

Rather than reacting to events, Riyadh has positioned itself as a key player from the outset, engaging in political, humanitarian and diplomatic efforts through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These initiatives include dialogue with influential nations involved in the Syrian crisis.

The withdrawal of Iran and its allied militias, coupled with the reduced military and political presence of Russia, has created a significant power vacuum. Regional powers like Turkiye are eager to fill this void, seeking influence in Damascus through soft power strategies.

In response, Saudi Arabia has not merely observed these changes, it has sought to shape them. By doing so, the Kingdom aims to maintain regional balance in the Middle East, while facilitating Syria’s return to the Arab fold, helping its gradual transition toward stability and reconstruction and building a civil state beyond ethnic and sectarian divisions.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia, as custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, carries forward an enlightenment project aimed at reviving moderate Islam based on mutual respect and the rejection of violence and fundamentalism. To counter radical groups, the Kingdom approaches extremist groups with measured wisdom, implementing direct security measures against terrorist cells while addressing ideological issues and challenging extremist rhetoric.

Thus, the Saudi interest in Syrian stability partly stems from a desire to prevent the country from becoming a haven for terrorism or a platform for violent ideologies spreading across the Arab world. Supporting Damascus aligns with reinforcing moderation and addressing extremist thought methodically.

It is also worth noting that millions of Syrians reside in Saudi Arabia, treated not as refugees but as legal residents granted free education, employment opportunities and dignified living conditions. Riyadh seeks to send positive signals that this care extends to their homeland, emphasizing that Saudi policy seeks to help Syrians rebuild their modern nation-state without interfering in its internal affairs.

Observers of Saudi Arabia note its continuous modernization of society, laws and state structures. Vision 2030 has initiated fundamental transformations that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman intends to sustain long-term. This vision’s success requires not just strong economic performance but also regional stability, making Syria’s security a strategic Saudi interest for sustaining its development and megaprojects.

Against this backdrop, Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s visit to Saudi Arabia this week and his reception by the crown prince carries significant weight. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the pair discussed Syrian developments, bilateral relations and regional issues, exploring ways to support Syria’s security and stability while strengthening cooperation across various fields.

The Kingdom aims to maintain regional balance in the Middle East, while facilitating Syria’s return to the Arab fold.

Hassan Al-Mustafa

The crown prince’s reception of Al-Sharaa signals Riyadh’s support for Damascus’ political transition and genuine desire for positive developments in security, stability and development, leading toward an inclusive national government representing all Syrian demographics.

However, this does not translate to unconditional Saudi support for every action by Syria’s new leadership. Riyadh’s policy typically avoids giving any party a blank check or acting as a guardian of other nations’ political administrations. Instead, it supports broad principles of security, stability, reconstruction, development and filling any security or political vacuums. Riyadh seeks to avoid destabilizing tremors that could unsettle the Syrian landscape, leaving the finer details and specific implementations to Syrian discretion. The Kingdom may agree or disagree with particular decisions, offering advice when requested by Damascus.

Al-Sharaa’s Saudi visit, while providing political backing and potentially opening doors to other capitals, presents a historic opportunity for Syria. Success depends on it developing credible, practical plans that engage all Syrians in political processes and state reconstruction, avoiding revenge politics and sectarian or ethnic quotas. This approach can build trust and foster sustainable cooperation between the two nations.

• Hassan Al-Mustafa is a Saudi writer and researcher interested in Islamic movements, the development of religious discourse and the relationship between the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Iran. X: @Halmustafa