In one of the largest foreign investments in the war-torn country since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, DP World has secured an $800 million, 30-year concession to redevelop Syria’s Port of Tartus.
The Dubai-based ports operator signed the build-operate-transfer agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports in Damascus, representing a significant vote of confidence in Syria’s economic prospects following more than a decade of civil war that devastated the country’s infrastructure and isolated it from international markets.
Tartus, Syria’s second-largest port on the Mediterranean coast, will be transformed into a modern cargo hub with upgraded infrastructure, advanced handling equipment, and digital systems. The redevelopment aims to position the facility as a trade gateway linking southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
“Amidst the current chaotic geopolitical and economic landscape, characterised by the invasion of Ukraine, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and President Donald Trump’s arrogant actions, there are glimmers of hope and positive developments,” said Pablo Rodas-Martini, Former Chief Economist and international trade and maritime expert.
“What has taken place in Syria in recent months has been admirable, and the bold steps adopted by the new regime deserve nothing but praise,” he continued. “The recent agreement between DP World and the government is just one more important step towards a better future for Syria.”
The port’s Mediterranean location provides access to key shipping routes through the Bosporus and Suez Canal, offering potential for Syria to rebuild its role as a regional trade hub. The expanded facility will handle containers, general cargo, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off traffic.
“This agreement reflects our long-term commitment to enabling global trade and creating resilient supply chains,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World’s chairman and group chief executive. “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.”
DP World also plans to explore additional logistics projects in Syria, including free zones, in partnership with local stakeholders.
The DP World contract follows the interim Syrian government terminating Russian conglomerate Stroytransgaz’s existing port management agreement in January. Damascus intends to diversify away from Assad-era partnerships and form closer alliances with Western and Gulf investors as part of a broader realignment; the DP World contract is emblematic of this.
Russia’s retreat from commercial operations at Tartus has coincided with uncertainty over Moscow’s continued military presence at the naval base, where Russian warships departed in December following the regime’s collapse.
