Saudi Arabia expands economic influence in Syria amid retreating Russian presence

Today, global media focused on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to expand its influence in Syria amid a declining Russian role.

Why is Saudi Arabia investing in Syria?

The US magazine New Lines noted in an analysis that Saudi Arabia has become the most prominent economic player in Syria, relying on a soft-power approach to boost its regional influence following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the decline of Iranian influence.

The magazine explained that Riyadh has pushed strongly to lift US and European sanctions on Syria, culminating in a meeting in Riyadh between US President Donald Trump and Syria’s transitional government head Ahmed Al-Sharaa, during which Trump announced the lifting of sanctions.

The report added that Saudi investments in Syria carry strategic dimensions beyond reconstruction, most notably preventing Iran’s return to the Syrian arena and mitigating the risk of a resurgence in the Captagon trade, which has posed a growing crisis inside the Kingdom.

The magazine noted that Syria, whose reconstruction costs are estimated between $250 and $400 billion, has become more receptive to Saudi influence due to its urgent need for investment. The Saudi presence fits within a new, bolder, and riskier strategy compared to its previous experiences in Yemen and Iraq.

It also pointed out that regional competition with Turkey and Qatar will push Saudi Arabia to increase its investments, making Syria a central arena for economic and political influence in the coming period.

Russia has not left Syria yet

The US magazine Foreign Affairs reported in an analysis that the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime late last year did not lead to the end of Russian influence in Syria, as many had expected. Moscow managed to maintain its main bases in Tartus and Hmeimim and strengthened its presence in northern and eastern Syria.

According to the magazine, Russian diplomats quickly engaged with the transitional government, which dealt "pragmatically with Moscow," seeking energy, wheat, support at the UN Security Council, and possibly arms. In return, Al-Sharaa’s government seeks to use Russia as a balancing tool with Western powers, to deter Assad loyalists, and to limit Israeli strikes.

The analysis also noted that other regional actors, including Israel and Turkey, consider the Russian presence as a “useful bet” to limit the influence of their rivals.

Israel prefers Russia’s continued presence to deter Turkey and keep Syria fragmented, while Ankara hopes Moscow will support its position against the Kurds.

Despite this presence, the magazine argued that Russia is not in a position to shape Syria’s future due to its deep engagement in the Ukraine war and limited financial and military capabilities. Nevertheless, maintaining a military foothold on Syria’s coast could allow Russia to continue playing a secondary role in the Syrian conflict and the wider regional dynamics.

A-H 

ANHA