Saudi Arabia Signs Energy and Infrastructure Pacts with UAE and Syria
Saudi Arabia signed agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Syria to expand regional power grids, rail connectivity, and oil and gas production.
The Government of Saudi Arabia expanded its regional economic influence on October 8, 2026, by signing strategic energy and infrastructure agreements with both the United Arab Emirates and Syria.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in transport and energy. The pact focuses on power grid interconnection, the sale of electricity, and the development of rail links to improve the transit of goods. Both nations will conduct feasibility studies and coordinate with other Gulf Cooperation Council members to expand the existing GCC Interconnection Grid.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia and Syria agreed to expand economic cooperation following talks in Riyadh between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The partnership targets the reconstruction of Syria's energy infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of refineries and the development of oil and gas fields. The Syrian Petroleum Company signed agreements with Saudi firms such as ADES, TAQA, ARGAS, and Arabian Drilling to provide technical surveys and drilling services.
One specific project with ADES aims to increase Syrian gas production to 4 million cubic meters per day. Syrian Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir noted that current production of 8 million cubic meters per day remains far below the 24 million cubic meters required for domestic demand. Syria is also working with Iraq to revive the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline.
