Assad's Family Enjoys Luxury Life in Russia After Fall of Syrian Government

The family of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia after the change of power in Syria, is living a luxurious life in Moscow, according to The New York Times, citing relatives of the Assads, family friends, and former Syrian officials.

Photo: kremlin.ru

Bashar Assad

From Luxury Hotel to Elite Real Estate

According to the report, the Assads initially stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel in central Moscow, where weekly apartment rentals can reach 13,000 US dollars. They later moved into a two-level penthouse in the Federation Tower in Moscow City before relocating again to a private residence on Rublyovka, one of Russia's most exclusive residential areas.

A Syrian эмигрант interviewed by the newspaper said he once encountered Bashar al-Assad dining at the Sixty restaurant on the 62nd floor of the Federation Tower, a venue frequented by members of Russia's political elite and international celebrities. Assad was reportedly among the VIP guests.

Security and Restricted Movement

Sources told the newspaper that Russian security services continue to guard Assad and monitor his movements. Previous reports by Die Zeit and The Guardian also stated that the former Syrian leader lived in Moscow City before moving to Rublyovka. One of those reports noted that Assad attends ophthalmology classes, reflecting his original medical education in Damascus and London.

Other Family Members Abroad

The report adds that Assad's younger brother Maher al-Assad, the former commander of Syria's Fourth Armored Division, also resides in Moscow. Witnesses said they had seen him near the Capital Towers residential complex close to Moscow City. During the summer, Maher al-Assad appeared in a video filmed at a hookah lounge in the Afimall shopping center.

According to the newspaper, Maher al-Assad's daughter Sham lives in the United Arab Emirates, as does Bashar al-Assad's daughter Zain, under a special arrangement with UAE authorities. Zain studies at the Sorbonne University campus in Abu Dhabi and previously graduated from MGIMO in Moscow.

Fall of the Syrian Government

The government of Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December 2024 by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is designated as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia. Its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, assumed control of the country. Assad later received asylum in Russia.

According to Reuters, Assad managed to remove 500,000 US dollars in cash, valuables, documents, laptops, and hard drives containing sensitive information before fleeing Syria.

The Kremlin has stated that it cannot disclose any information regarding Assad's whereabouts or conditions of stay in Russia.