DP World Chairman Essa Kazim met Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, head of Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs (GABC), on Wednesday to review progress on the redevelopment of the Port of Tartous and discuss ways to bring implementation forward.
The port project stems from a 30-year concession agreement signed with the Syrian government in July 2025. Under that deal, DP World committed $800 million to upgrade infrastructure, expand cargo capacity and introduce modern digital systems. The planned investment covers a wide range of cargo types, including containers, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off traffic.
“DP World is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the development of Syria’s maritime sector through the modernisation of Tartous port in line with the highest international operational standards. Our discussions focused on accelerating implementation, boosting the Port’s role in driving trade and strengthening Syria’s trade links with regional and markets,” Essa Kazim said in a statement.
“The Port of Tartous redevelopment is seen as a strategic step to restoring key trade corridors and stimulating economic activity. Modernisation of port operations is expected to improve efficiency, facilitate trade flows and support Syria’s reconstruction efforts.”
“The Port of Tartous development marks a defining moment in Syria’s journey of economic recovery and modernisation of its trade infrastructure. We are proud to contribute to this vital phase of growth. At DP World, we believe that meaningful infrastructure development is built on long-term collaboration and foresight. Our partnership with Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs presents a significant opportunity to reshape the future of trade in Syria and the wider region, while rebuilding a logistics ecosystem that supports the country’s economic growth,” Rizwan Soomar, CEO & MD Subcontinent, Central Asia, Levant and Egypt, DP World added.
Tartous is Syria’s second-largest port, sitting on the Mediterranean coast with access to trade routes across Europe, the Levant and North Africa. Its position complements existing shipping corridors through the Bosporus and Suez Canal.
Beyond the port itself, DP World is also exploring logistics zones, inland freight hubs and transit corridors as part of a wider plan to connect Tartous to regional and global supply chains.
The development sits within a broader strengthening of UAE-Syria trade ties. Non-oil trade between the two countries reached a record $1.4 billion in 2025, a 132 percent year-on-year rise, according to the announcement.
DP World operates in more than 80 countries and handles around 10 percent of global container traffic. The Tartous concession adds to its Middle East portfolio and reflects the company’s focus on emerging trade corridors as long-term growth drivers.
