DP World has signed a 30‑year concession agreement worth $800 million with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to redevelop and operate the Port of Tartus.
The agreement will see DP World assume full responsibility for financing, developing and operating the port, with the funds used to modernise its infrastructure. Planned upgrades include new cargo-handling equipment, digital systems to streamline operations and improvements to both the container and general cargo terminals.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been holding talks with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in development and economic cooperation.
Tartus is Syria’s second-largest port and plays a strategic role in regional trade, offering access to routes linking Europe, the Levant and North Africa. It has seen significant deterioration following more than a decade of conflict and economic sanctions.
Once redeveloped, the port will handle a mix of general cargo, containers, breakbulk and roll-on/roll-off traffic.
"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. We believe in the power of trade to help drive long-term stability and prosperity for Syria and the region," said DP World Chairman and Chief Executive Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.
DP World said it would also explore the potential for developing free zones, inland logistics hubs and transit corridors in coordination with Syrian stakeholders. Such initiatives could support wider economic diversification and trade facilitation if the security and regulatory environment permits.
"This agreement marks an important step for the Port of Tartus and Syria’s maritime sector,” said Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria’s port authority.
The project is one of the most significant foreign investments in Syria since the civil war began in 2011.
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