Dubai Ports Signs 30-Year Concession to Operate Syria’s Tartous Port in $800M Deal

Dubai Ports World (DP World) has signed a 30-year concession agreement with the Syrian government to operate and manage Tartous Port, one of the country's most strategic seaports.

The deal, announced during a formal signing ceremony in Damascus, was overseen by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, and marks Syria’s most ambitious international infrastructure partnership since the onset of the country’s conflict more than a decade ago.

“This is a strategic vision to reposition Syria on the regional and global maritime map,” said Adnan Haj Omar, Director General of Syrian Ports, in an exclusive interview with Erem Business.

According to Haj Omar, the agreement gives DP World full responsibility over port operations—including cargo handling, logistics, refueling, storage, and vessel movement—while retaining full security, customs, and sovereign authority under Syrian control. “The state remains the sole entity responsible for port security and access permissions. DP World’s role is purely operational.”

Investment and Revenue Model

The project will see $800 million in phased investments across three stages:

Phase 1: $200 million over four years ($50M annually)

Phase 2: $200 million

Phase 3: $400 million

The Syrian government will receive 45% of total monthly revenues, paid either in Syrian pounds or foreign currencies, with no equity transfer or ownership relinquished. DP World receives exclusive usage rights for the duration of the contract but does not gain ownership of port infrastructure or surrounding land.

Local Labor, Global Integration

A cornerstone of the deal is the requirement that 90% of the workforce must be Syrian, a condition enshrined in the agreement to boost local employment. DP World is obligated to provide ongoing training, both domestically and abroad, with no more than 10% of staff permitted to be foreign nationals.

DP World also commits to integrating Tartous into its global network of 78 ports across 60 countries, directly linking Syria to shipping hubs in Jebel Ali, Jeddah, Aqaba, Sokhna, and others. This move is expected to attract top global shipping lines including Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM, according to Haj Omar.

“There are no sovereign concessions. The port remains fully under Syrian law and control. The company receives operational rights only,” stressed Haj Omar.

No land acquisition is involved. Instead, DP World receives exclusive usage rights for specific zones, identified in collaboration with Syrian authorities for port expansion or logistics operations.

Omar believes the deal is a turning point for the region’s economic recovery. “This project will restore confidence in the coastal economy by boosting capacity, improving service quality, increasing cargo diversity, and creating thousands of jobs.”

He also highlighted expected consumer benefits, such as reduced shipping costs, increased import variety, and lower commodity prices, particularly for residents in the Tartous area.

“It’s not just about a port,” he concluded. “It’s about reintegrating Syria into the global economy—and rebuilding the backbone of national development.”