DP World UAE signs $800m deal to redevelop Syria’s Tartus Port
Strategic location to enhance links with Europe, MENA and the Levant
DUBAI: DP World has inked a 30-year concession agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to develop and operate the Port of Tartus.
The deal, signed in Damascus, will see the global trade enabler invest $800 million to transform the ageing port into a pivotal trade hub for Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The agreement was formalised in the presence of Ahmed Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic. It was signed by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and Group CEO of DP World, and Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports.
The project, structured under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, will be fully owned by DP World. The long-term initiative comes after years of conflict and chronic underinvestment in Syrian trade infrastructure.
What’s changing?
The redevelopment will introduce new port infrastructure, state-of-the-art cargo-handling systems, and integrated digital technology aimed at improving operational efficiency across container and general cargo terminals. The plan also includes the introduction of breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off traffic capabilities, and wider handling capacity.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem stated: “This agreement reflects our long-term commitment to enabling global trade and creating resilient supply chains. We see strong potential in Tartus to serve as a vital trade gateway and look forward to strengthening regional connectivity and economic opportunity through this investment.”
He further emphasised DP World’s belief in trade as a lever for long-term stability and prosperity in Syria and the broader region.
Why Tartus?
Located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, Tartus is the country’s second-largest port. Its strategic location offers vital access to maritime routes connecting the Levant with Europe and North Africa, while also complementing flows through the Bosporus and Suez corridors.
Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi remarked, “This agreement marks an important step forward for the Port of Tartus and Syria’s maritime sector. Partnering with DP World will allow us to modernise and strengthen the efficiency of our trade infrastructure.”
DP World will also explore opportunities for developing inland logistics hubs, free zones, and transit corridors in collaboration with Syrian partners. These efforts align with broader goals to diversify the economy and facilitate regional trade reintegration.
The Tartus deal adds to DP World’s global footprint, which spans over 75 countries and accounts for 9.2% of worldwide container traffic.