DP World has signed a 30-year concession agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to develop and operate the Port of Tartus, marking a major step in regional maritime trade expansion.
The Dubai-based global logistics giant plans to invest $800 million over the course of the concession to modernize and upgrade the port’s infrastructure. The goal is to transform Tartus into a key trade gateway linking Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Situated on Syria’s Mediterranean coastline, Tartus is the country’s second-largest port and a critical maritime entry point. Its strategic location is expected to enhance regional connectivity and complement major shipping lanes, including routes through the Bosporus Strait and the Suez Canal.
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. The ceremony was attended by Syria’s President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, underscoring the deal’s national significance.
“This agreement reflects our long-term vision to enable smarter trade flows and promote sustainable development in strategically important regions,” said bin Sulayem. “Tartus has the potential to become a regional hub for commerce and logistics.”
