DP World Accelerates Upgrade of Tartous Port to Enhance Trade in Syria

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Chairman of DP World, recently met with His Excellency Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs (GABC), to assess progress on the Tartous Port development project.

The discussions revolved around bolstering the port's infrastructure and logistics to accommodate a surge in cargo and trade. This initiative is pivotal for Syria’s economic recovery and enhances regional trade connections.

Under a 30-year concession agreement finalized in July 2025 with the Syrian government, DP World will invest $800 million in modernizing the port, expanding its capacity, and introducing advanced cargo handling and digital technologies.

This redevelopment aims to enhance the port's capability to manage various cargo types, including containers and breakbulk shipments. The improvements are anticipated to solidify Syria’s trade ties with Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

H.E. Essa Kazim emphasized DP World’s commitment to elevate Syria’s maritime sector by aligning the Tartous Port with international standards. The focus of discussions was on accelerating the port's development to enhance trade and connect Syria with global markets.

Kazim referred to the upgrade as a crucial step to reclaim vital trade routes and stimulate economic activities. The modernization of port operations is expected to bolster efficiency, support trade flow, and facilitate Syria’s reconstruction efforts.

Rizwan Soomar, CEO and Managing Director for Subcontinent, Central Asia, Levant, and Egypt at DP World, highlighted the project as a significant milestone in Syria’s economic rehabilitation and modernization of trade practices.

He noted that the partnership with Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs represents a major opportunity to revitalize the nation's logistics network and foster sustainable economic growth.

Pertinent to Syria’s Mediterranean coast, the Port of Tartous stands as the second-largest port, crucial for connecting trade routes across Europe, the Levant, and North Africa, thereby enhancing regional logistics through routes like the Bosporus and the Suez Canal.

In addition to the port enhancements, DP World is investigating the establishment of logistics zones, inland freight hubs, and transit corridors in collaboration with local partners. These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to integrate the Port of Tartous into regional and international supply chains.

DP World operates in over 80 countries, managing around 10 percent of global container traffic. The Tartous initiative is set to further fortify the company’s growing portfolio in the Middle East while focusing on developing emerging trade corridors.

UAE-Syria trade relations are also seeing remarkable growth, with non-oil trade between the two nations reaching an all-time high of $1.4 billion in 2025, reflecting a 132.4 percent annual increase. This significant growth exemplifies the strengthening economic collaboration and expanding business relationships between the two countries.