Syria has signed a strategic $800mn agreement with UAE logistics major DP World in a major investment move aimed at revitalising the country’s maritime infrastructure, SANA reported on July 13.
The agreement was signed in Damascus by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and Group CEO of DP World, and Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, in the presence of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. the deal marks one of the most significant foreign investment ventures in Syria’s transport sector in recent years. The implementation phase of the agreement is expected to begin within months, with work scheduled to proceed in phases over several years.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and Group CEO of DP World, said, “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.”
The agreement seeks to modernise and expand several Syrian ports, while also improving logistics services and operational systems. It forms part of Syria’s broader economic strategy to rebuild critical infrastructure and boost trade efficiency.
Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, stated, “Partnering with DP World will allow us to modernise and strengthen the efficiency of our trade infrastructure as we continue to rebuild key trade lanes, support the national economy and provide more opportunities for the Syrian people.
“The agreement reflects our shared vision to transform Tartus into a strategic gateway linking Syria with regional and international markets and it will pave the way for sustainable growth for years to come.”
Al-Sharaa said the initiative will not only upgrade Syria’s logistical capacity but also attract future investments and create new job opportunities.
The agreement includes comprehensive development projects across multiple port facilities, covering structural upgrades, modernisation of terminal operations, and the implementation of advanced logistics technologies. The improvements will streamline cargo handling, enhance port throughput, and facilitate smoother trade flows.
Tartus, situated on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, is the country’s second-largest port and serves as a vital gateway to regional and international shipping lanes, including routes through the Bosporus and the Suez Canal.
The redevelopment project will increase the port’s capacity to handle general cargo, container shipments, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic.
DP World, headquartered in Dubai, plans to explore additional logistics projects in Syria, including the development of free zones, inland logistics centres, and transit corridors in collaboration with local stakeholders.