Syria has officially transferred the operational control of Tartus Port, its second-largest port, to DP World, a leading logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates. The transition marks a significant milestone in Syria’s efforts to revitalize its logistics sector after years of conflict. The move follows a 30-year concession agreement valued at $800 million, signed between DP World and Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports earlier this year. The deal is among the largest foreign investments in Syria’s infrastructure in recent history, aiming to transform Tartus into a modern, efficient trading hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. Fahad al-Banna, the newly appointed CEO of DP World Tartus, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging its global expertise to modernize the port, enhance trade opportunities, and establish Tartus as a pivotal regional trade center. DP World plans to upgrade the port’s infrastructure, expand its handling and storage capacity, and invest in advanced bulk handling systems. This development comes after Syria’s government terminated a 2019 agreement with Russian company Stroytransgaz, citing contractual breaches and insufficient investment. The new administration, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been actively seeking to rebuild economic ties with Western and regional powers, including a separate 30-year deal with French shipping giant CMA CGM to operate Latakia Port. The easing of U.S., EU, and UK sanctions has further supported Syria’s economic recovery efforts. Notably, President Sharaa’s recent visit to the White House marked a historic moment in Syrian-U.S. relations, underscoring the country’s push for international reintegration.