Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa sparked widespread public attention this week after revealing intimate details about his marriage during a meeting with a delegation of Syrian women in Damascus. His heartfelt remarks cast a rare light on the endurance and sacrifices of his wife, Latifa al-Droubi, over more than a decade of conflict and upheaval.
Speaking during celebrations for Eid al-Adha 2025, al-Sharaa reflected on the hardships the couple faced throughout their 14-year marriage. In a video released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), which quickly went viral on social media, the president recounted how the ongoing war forced them into a life of constant relocation.
“My wife lived with me in caves for 14 years… we moved through 49 different houses,” he said. Since their marriage in 2012, he explained, the couple never stayed long in one place due to the persistent threats to their safety. “One house every three months… It’s not easy for any woman,” he added.
The president painted a vivid picture of their shared life, describing stints in chicken coops, caves, and remote shelters. Despite repeated offers to send his wife and children to safer areas, Latifa refused to leave his side. “Before sitting here today, we went through incredibly difficult circumstances,” he told the audience. “At every step, she was with me. I pray that God rewards her and gives her strength.”
Al-Sharaa used the moment to honor not just his wife but the broader resilience of Syrian women, portraying Latifa al-Droubi as a symbol of unwavering loyalty and strength.
“Her example reflects the vital role women play—not only within the family but also in shaping society and the future of the nation,” he emphasized.
Who is Latifa al-Droubi?
Although Latifa al-Droubi has remained largely out of the spotlight, her recent appearance alongside President al-Sharaa has sparked curiosity both inside Syria and abroad. Reportedly born in 1984, according to Arabic media outlets, she holds a master’s degree in Arabic Language and Literature and is believed to be the mother of three boys. In some circles, she is also referred to as Latifa al-Sharaa.
Her family, the al-Droubi clan, traces its roots to Al-Qaryatayn in the Homs region, with the al-Droubi name having a documented presence in Syria dating back to at least the era of the Ottoman Empire.
