Syria signed a landmark $800 million agreement with Dubai-based logistics giant DP World to redevelop and modernize the port of Tartous, in what officials described as the largest international maritime investment in the country in recent years.
The deal, formalized Sunday, July 13, in the presence of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, signals a long-term partnership aimed at transforming Tartous into a key regional transit hub. The 30-year agreement, with an option for renewal, focuses on raising the port’s operational efficiency and aligning it with global standards in maritime transport.
Qutaiba Badawi, chairman of the General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports, called the project “a new phase of field and maritime work in Syria” and emphasized its significance for the national economy.
“This is not just a technical agreement,” Badawi said during the signing ceremony. “We are repositioning Syria on the regional and international economic map.”
Focused Negotiations With a Strategic Vision
According to Badawi, the negotiations leading up to the deal took several months and involved extensive review and oversight. He noted that the government prioritized transparency and balance throughout the process.
“Under the guidance of the leadership, we ensured that this agreement is tight, fair and transparent—safeguarding both Syrian interests and the rights of the investor,” Badawi said.
The UAE’s DP World brings global expertise to the table, with a track record in managing and operating major ports worldwide. Its chairman and CEO, Sultan bin Sulayem, described Tartous as a “vital opportunity” for exporting Syrian goods and pledged to transform the port into a world-class facility.
“The port of Tartous will be one of the best in the world, particularly in transport and cargo handling services,” Sulayem said.
Anchoring Regional Trade and Development
The redevelopment initiative aims to position Tartous as a central node in regional logistics and commerce. DP World’s $800 million commitment includes infrastructure upgrades, technological enhancements and expanded logistics capabilities. The plan also supports broader efforts to revitalize Syria’s industrial and commercial sectors, according to the General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports.
The authority noted that the agreement reflects Syria’s wider push to attract foreign investment following years of internal reform. “This is the result of sustained efforts to stimulate the investment environment and implement structural reforms,” the agency said in a statement.
Additional Partnership With France’s CMA
In May of this year the General Authority also signed a separate strategic partnership with French shipping and logistics company CMA. The 30-year agreement, is expected to bring in €230 million euros in investment. CMA will help develop and operate Latakia port.
Together, the agreements with DP World and CMA modernize Syrian ports and support job creation across the sector while representing a significant shift in Syria’s maritime strategy, pairing national oversight with international collaboration to revive critical infrastructure and re-integrate the country into global trade networks.
