DP World chairman Essa Kazim met Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs, in Damascus to push progress on the $800m redevelopment of the Port of Tartous, according to DP World.
The project is tied to a 30-year concession agreement signed in July 2025 between DP World and the Syrian government.
The Dubai-based ports and logistics group has committed $800m to upgrade infrastructure, expand capacity and install cargo-handling and digital systems at the Mediterranean port.
DP World said the talks focused on improving infrastructure and logistics efficiency to handle expected growth in trade and cargo volumes.
The redevelopment is aimed at increasing Tartous’ capacity for general cargo, containers, breakbulk and /roll-off traffic. DP World is also exploring logistics zones, inland freight hubs and transit corridors with local stakeholders.
Kazim said DP World was committed to contributing to the development of Syria’s maritime sector through the modernisation of Tartous port “in line with the highest international operational standards”.
Rizwan Soomar, DP World’s chief executive and managing director for Subcontinent, Central Asia, Levant and Egypt, said the project marked “a defining moment in Syria’s journey of economic recovery and modernisation of its trade infrastructure”.
DP World is a Dubai-based ports and logistics operator active in marine terminals, logistics services, economic zones and trade infrastructure in more than 80 countries. The company says it handles around 10% of global container traffic.
Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs is a state authority responsible for border and customs administration.
