DP World Invests $800M to Transform Syria’s Tartus Port into Major Regional Trade Hub
DP World has announced a landmark investment of $800 million to redevelop and operate the Port of Tartus in Syria, aiming to transform it into a key trade hub connecting Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The investment forms part of a 30-year concession agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports (Galsp).
The deal was signed by DP World’s Chairman and Group CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, and Galsp Chairman, Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, during a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Damascus.
This major redevelopment comes after years of conflict and underinvestment in Syria’s infrastructure and marks a significant step toward the country’s economic recovery and reintegration into global trade networks.
Structured as a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project and fully funded by DP World, the initiative will include:
Construction of new port infrastructure
Installation of modern cargo-handling equipment
Implementation of digital systems to improve operational efficiency
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem emphasized DP World’s commitment to enabling global trade and building resilient supply chains.
“We see strong potential in Tartus to become a vital trade gateway. Through this investment, we aim to enhance regional connectivity and unlock economic opportunities.
Trade has the power to promote long-term stability and prosperity for Syria and the wider region,” he said.
Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi called the agreement a crucial advancement for Syria’s maritime sector.
“Partnering with DP World allows us to modernize and improve the efficiency of our trade infrastructure.
This agreement supports our efforts to rebuild essential trade routes, grow the national economy, and create new opportunities for the Syrian people,” Badawi stated.
“Our shared vision is to transform Tartus into a strategic port that links Syria with regional and global markets, paving the way for sustainable development.”
Strategically located on Syria’s Mediterranean coastline, Tartus is the country’s second-largest port.
It holds a pivotal position for maritime routes that traverse Europe, the Levant, and North Africa, complementing existing corridors such as the Bosporus and Suez Canal.
The upgraded port will be equipped to handle containers, general cargo, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) traffic, significantly expanding Syria’s trade capacity.
DP World also announced plans to explore the development of inland logistics hubs and regional transit corridors in collaboration with local partners.
These efforts aim to support broader economic diversification and enhance Syria’s trade facilitation capabilities.
