UAE-Syria non-oil trade reaches $1.4 billion as officials complete government programme
Syrian executive leaders attended sessions on digital government, AI and bureaucracy reduction in September.
Non-oil trade between the United Arab Emirates and Syria has reached $1.4 billion. Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa examined the UAE's system of government work during a visit to the UAE for the Arab Media Summit 2026, the Emirates News Agency reported on 16 September 2026. The Syrian Presidency confirmed that Al-Sharaa held discussions with a ministerial delegation from the UAE. Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, headed the delegation. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani attended the meeting in Dubai.
Executive leadership programme held in September#
The meeting followed a government knowledge-exchange initiative launched in September. Syrian executive leaders attended sessions covering government services, artificial intelligence, policymaking, digital transformation, performance management and bureaucracy reduction. On 4 September, Al Gergawi met with participants in the Executive Leadership Programme for the Syrian Arab Republic. The Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs organized the programme. Syrian participants attended sessions, workshops and field visits. They received training at UAE ministries and federal government entities. Participants held discussions with Emirati officials and specialists on the implementation of government policies and programs.
Programme covered AI, digital transformation and zero bureaucracy#
The programme included modules on government services, government accelerators, artificial intelligence, policies, legislation, human resources, government communications, strategies, data and digital transformation. Sessions also covered the UAE's Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme and the redesign of government procedures. The programme linked each area to existing applications inside UAE government entities. Participants received examples of how policies are implemented. Al Gergawi said the areas of focus are government services, policies and legislation, artificial intelligence and performance development. The cooperation focuses on supporting government systems, according to Al Gergawi.
Government Experience Exchange Programme launched in 2018#
The Syrian initiative sits within the UAE's Government Experience Exchange Programme, which was launched in 2018. The programme shares public-sector practices and expertise with partner governments. It has established government modernization partnerships with dozens of countries. Areas covered include strategic planning, government services and government performance. The programme forms part of UAE–Syria cooperation focused on institutional development and government capacity building, according to WAM.
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- economymiddleeast.comEconomy Middle EastNon-oil trade between UAE and Syria at $1.4 billion, Syrian President reviewed UAE government system on 16 September 2026, Executive Leadership Programme held in September covering AI and digital transformation
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