On May 14, 2026, Essa Kazim, Chairman of DP World, met with Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Ports and Customs, to discuss progress in the Tartus Port Development Project, which aims to strengthen the port’s role as a key maritime trade gateway while also contributing to Syria’s economic recovery and trade revitalisation efforts.

During the meeting, opportunities were reviewed to enhance the efficiency of Tartus Port’s infrastructure and logistics services, aiming to accommodate expected growth in trade and shipping, thereby reinforcing its status as a key regional trade hub connecting Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

DP World aims to develop Tartus Port as part of a 30-year concession signed in July 2025 with the Syrian government, committing US$800 million to enhance infrastructure, capacity, cargo handling systems, and digital solutions.

Moreover, DP World is centralising its skills and resources to rejuvenate the Syrian maritime sector and overall economy by fast-tracking development plans for the Port of Tartus. This initiative aims to improve operational efficiency and increase the port’s capacity for diverse cargo types, such as general cargo, containers, bulk cargo, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo. As a result, it is expected to bolster Syria’s trade capabilities.

Expanding the Maritime Sector

Essa Kazim stated that DP World aims to enhance the Syrian maritime sector by modernising the Port of Tartus to meet international operational standards. The discussions emphasised expediting project implementation and boosting the port’s trade role, thereby connecting Syria to regional and global markets.

Further, he stated: “The redevelopment of the Port of Tartus is a strategic step towards restoring vital trade routes, stimulating economic activity, and improving operational efficiency, thereby facilitating trade and supporting reconstruction and development efforts in Syria.”

Logistics Framework

Ridwan Soumer, Regional CEO and Managing Director of DP World for the Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, the Levant, and Egypt, emphasised the importance of the Port of Tartus development as a crucial step in aiding Syria’s economic recovery and enhancing its trade infrastructure, expressing pride in the company’s role in this significant initiative.

He stressed the importance of sustainable infrastructure development at DP World, which hinges on long-term partnerships and a progressive vision. Furthermore, he noted that the partnership with the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs is pivotal for transforming trade in Syria and the surrounding region, rebuilding a logistics framework that fosters economic growth in Syria.

Essential Spot

The Port of Tartus is strategically located on the Syrian coast, facing the Mediterranean Sea, making it the country’s second-largest port and an important maritime gateway connecting trade routes in Europe, the Levant, and North Africa.

Besides, this advantageous location complements current commercial routes via the Suez Canal and the Bosphorus Strait, greatly improving regional connectivity. As part of a larger plan to include the port of Tartus into regional and international supply chains, DP World is investigating possibilities to build logistics zones, inland shipping hubs, and transit routes in collaboration with regional partners.

DP World, active in over 80 countries and managing about 10% of global container traffic, excels in building large logistical networks. Its focus on developing trade corridors as long-term economic engines is exemplified by the Tartous project, a key addition to its growing portfolio in the Middle East.

In a nutshell, trade relations between the UAE and Syria are experiencing significant growth, with non-oil trade projected to reach approximately US$1.4 billion in 2025. This represents a remarkable increase of 132.4% from the previous year, showcasing mutual trust and a dedication to fostering a more interconnected and prosperous economic partnership.