The two sides also agreed to cooperate in establishing industrial zones and free zones, as well as dry ports and freight transit stations, in several strategic areas within Syria. This reflects both parties’ commitment to supporting economic development and facilitating trade and transportation. The initial agreement includes a comprehensive investment in the development, management, and operation of a multipurpose terminal at Tartus Port.

When finished, the project will contribute to raising the port’s efficiency, increasing its operational capacity, and will enhance its role as a hub for regional and international trade. DP World confirmed the agreement in a statement, saying it is “committed to responsible investment to make trade flow around the world… aligned with the evolving regulatory framework in the light of recent positive developments and signals of renewed international engagement with Syria”.

In March 2025, Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World’s group chairman and chief executive, said that the company plans to expand into new locations as part of its long-term strategy and maintains a “positive medium-term outlook.” The venture’s revenue for 2024 grew 9.7% to a record USD 20 billion on improved ports and terminals performance as well as contributions from new acquisitions and concessions. However, profit for the year was down 2% at USD 1.5 billion due to higher finance costs.

In January 2025, DP World said it was considering additional investments in its port operations in Peru, after expanding the Port of Callao in the Andean country in 2024. With port operations spanning from Canada to Australia, DP World has passed 100 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container-handling capacity across its global operations. Its global gross container handling capacity increased by 5% in 2024.

“Despite global uncertainties, DP World is well-positioned for long-term growth, leveraging its integrated supply chain solutions and strategic investments,” it said in March 2025.

The Syrian sanctions were put during the reign of President Bashar al-Assad to harass his regime but ended up delivering devastating economic fallout for Syrian civilians. Assad governed the country from 1971 to 2024.

Donald Trump claimed that after consulting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose administrations have both adamantly supported the lifting of sanctions, he decided to lift the sanctions. He also said that the sanctions had served an important function and that it was time for the Middle East country to move forward.

Ahead of the GCC summit in Riyadh, Donald Trump also had a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump plans to grant waivers under the “Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act,” which Washington used to impose severe sanctions on the government of former President Bashar al-Assad and secondary sanctions on foreign governments or corporations that collaborated with it. Rubio made this announcement.

In addition to facilitating increased involvement by humanitarian organisations operating in Syria, lifting American sanctions that isolate the country from the international financial system will facilitate international trade and investment as it recovers.

Meanwhile, Syrians hoped for relief after years of poverty brought on by civil war and restrictions, and celebrations broke out in the capital, Damascus, as Donald Trump announced from Saudi Arabia that the US would be lifting broad sanctions on Syria. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria, praised Trump’s “brave” action and declared that his administration can now “start the real work, with which modern Syria will be reborn.”

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DP World, which was formed in 2005 by the union of Dubai Ports Authority and Dubai Ports International, handles 70 million containers every year that are delivered by over 70,000 vessels. Their 82 maritime and inland ports, which are spread across more than 40 countries, account for almost 10% of the world’s container traffic.

Prior to 2016, DP World largely operated ports around the world. Since then, it has purchased businesses at all points along the value chain.

In 1999, Dubai Ports International (DPI) was established. Its first project was with a local partner on the South Container Terminal (SCT) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Then, in 2000, DPI started operating at the ports of Djibouti, Vizag (India) and (Constanta) Romania. DPI purchased CSX World Terminals (CSX WT) in January 2005, and later in September 2005, Dubai Ports International and the Dubai Ports Authority formally combined to establish DP World. In March 2006, DP World paid 3.9 billion pounds to acquire P&O, the fourth-largest port operator in the world, continuing the company’s rapid expansion through acquisition.

Back then, many Americans found it to be highly contentious since DP World owned a number of US ports (which had been bought as part of the P&O agreement), even though the then President George W. Bush backed it. Major US ports in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans, and Miami were operated by P&O.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which is chaired by the US Treasury Department and includes the Departments of State, Commerce, and Homeland Security, assessed the agreement before it was finalized.

Recently, DP World has emerged as a solo player in the cargo logistics industry. The company raised USD 3.25 billion in Islamic and conventional bond sales to refinance existing debt and fund expansion, and it had repurchased P&O Ferries from Dubai World in a 322 million pound deal.

The brain behind this successful venture is a 67-year-old Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who is the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the company.

Who is Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem?
• Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem was born and brought up in Dubai, UAE to the most prominent political family. His father was a key advisor to Dubai’s ruling Maktoum family
• He completed his bachelor’s degree in economics from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1970
• After graduating from college, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem worked as a customs officer at Dubai port
• In 1985, he was appointed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to become the chairman of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
• Later, in 2007 Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem was made DP World chairman and was appointed CEO in 2016
• In 2009, he was appointed as a board member of the Dubai Executive Council and the UAE Federal Tax Authority
• In 2011, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem helped establish and headed the DP World subsidiary private equity fund Istithmar World
• He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University in Dubai
• Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem owns hotels on Nakheel’s Palm Islands, and a stake in a real estate brokerage company
• According to Forbes Middle East, as of January 2023, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem’s net worth is around USD 7.5 billion

‘Technologies are improving supply chain’

In an interview with Oxford Business Group, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem talked about how new technologies are improving the efficiency and security of the maritime sector’s supply chain.

“By 2027 blockchain could store up to 10% of global GDP. However, it is only part of a much bigger picture in which technology will address future trends in the sector through innovation like artificial intelligence, 3D printing, automation, internet of things, big data and driverless vehicles and robotics are evolving rapidly to meet the evolution of on-demand logistics. By 2050 global freight transport will have quadrupled, with express delivery for high-priority shipments reaching USD 516 billion by 2025. E-commerce is set to grow to USD 4 trillion globally by 2030, driving a dramatic shift in both consumer and business behaviour. Demand for air-freighted high-priority goods is set to double over the next 20 years, straining already overburdened air, road and rail infrastructure,” he said.

“Taking these trends into account, we began to invest in Hyperloop technology, which we believe has the potential to revolutionise the supply chain in manufacturing. Our vision for DP World Cargospeed systems is to deliver on-demand freight at the speed of flight and at the cost of trucking. A four-day truck journey could be reduced to 16 hours and connect to other modes of transport, including ships, planes and autonomous vehicles. Hyperloop-enabled supply chains could dramatically impact bottom lines by reducing both finished goods inventory and required warehouse space by 25%. This would add up to far more than savings in transportation costs, especially for high-value and time-sensitive products,” Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem concluded.

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The port in Congo, to be developed by DP World, will have a container handling capacity of about 450 000 TEU per year, and a 30-hectare yard to store containers. Initially, DP World will develop an 600m quay with an 18m draft which will have the capacity to handle the largest vessels in operation.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World told the media, “This agreement represents the vision of His Excellency, President Tshisekedi, and DP World, to provide the DRC with a modern, world-class port and logistics infrastructure to support the tremendous opportunities for trade in this country. The port will enhance the country’s export capabilities and give it affordable access to international markets.”

Earlier this year, it was reported that DP World is partnering with UK-based state-owned CDC Group to invest $1.7 billion to develop ports in Africa. DP World will invest around $1 billion in facilities at Dakar in Senegal, Ain Sokhna in Egypt, and Berbera.

CDC Group will commit $320 million initially and an additional $400 million over the next few years.

In this regard, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem told the media, “DP World views Africa as a long-term growth market and the opportunity landscape remains significant.

“This partnership with CDC offers us greater flexibility to accelerate and capitalise on these opportunities, and will enable us to increase our investment in ports and logistics infrastructure across Africa.”

The post DP World signs agreement for the development of deepsea port in Congo appeared first on International Finance.

It was also reported that Israel’s Ministry of Finance has decided not to approve a joint bid from DP Word with Israel Shipyards for security reasons.

In a statement, DP World said, “Although we have decided not to participate further in the privatisation of the Port of Haifa, we remain interested in investing in Israel as a key trade hub.”

In October, it was reported that DP World is partnering with UK-based state-owned CDC Group to invest $1.7 billion to develop ports in Africa. DP World will invest around $1 billion in facilities at Dakar in Senegal, Ain Sokhna in Egypt, and Berbera.

CDC Group will commit $320 million initially and an additional $400 million over the next few years.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World told the media, “DP World views Africa as a long-term growth market and the opportunity landscape remains significant.

“This partnership with CDC offers us greater flexibility to accelerate and capitalise on these opportunities, and will enable us to increase our investment in ports and logistics infrastructure across Africa.”

Last month, DP World announced the launch of its global wholesale e-commerce platform DUBUY.com in Kenya. The launch in Kenya marks the six-month milestone since DUBUY.com first began trading operations in Rwanda.

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Mahmood Al Bastaki, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Trade World, said during the launch, “With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) now in effect, the eyes of the world will be on the continent. African businesses are increasingly using digital channels and technologies to engage with suppliers and distributors to create agile supply chains, and digital platforms like DUBUY.com will be key to this shift.

“Our technology allows homegrown businesses to transform into international enterprises by providing access to new markets in Africa, the Middle East and the rest of the world.”

Last month, DP World announced the launch of its new digital cargo logistics platform called Cargoes Logistics. The digital platform will provide customers with a single-window solution for seamless and secure movement of cargoes.

During the same period, DP World also opened a new 11.5 acres empty container park at Southampton to increase storage capacity during the upcoming festive season. The new container park was developed with an investment of around £3 million.

The new park is part of DP World’s ongoing £40 million investment to take the port at Southampton to the next level as a smart logistics hub – which will provide customers with speed, security, reliability and flexibility.

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Rizwan Soomar, the CEO and MD, Subcontinent, DP World told the media, “This announcement is a testament of our commitment towards enabling smart logistics globally. With Cargoes Logistics, our aim is to build and offer highly efficient, seamless and end-to-end transparent supply chains.”

“The new digital solution will simplify the container shipping experience providing visibility across all modes of transportation through smart enablement of IoT based solutions. We will continue to invest in technology and work with our customers to drive innovation, continually add new products and features and provide solutions to meet their global logistics needs.”

Earlier this month, DP World opened a new 11.5 acres empty container park at Southampton to increase storage capacity during the upcoming festive season. The new container park was developed with an investment of around £3 million.

The new park is part of DP World’s ongoing £40 million investment to take the port at Southampton to the next level as a smart logistics hub – which will provide customers with speed, security, reliability and flexibility.

Recently, it was also reported that the firm is partnering with UK-based state-owned CDC Group to invest $1.7 billion to develop ports in Africa. DP World will invest around $1 billion in facilities at Dakar in Senegal, Ain Sokhna in Egypt, and Berbera.

The post DP World launches Cargoes Logistics, its new digital cargo logistics platform appeared first on International Finance.

CDC Group will commit $320 million initially and an additional $400 million over the next few years.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World told the media, “DP World views Africa as a long-term growth market and the opportunity landscape remains significant.

“This partnership with CDC offers us greater flexibility to accelerate and capitalise on these opportunities, and will enable us to increase our investment in ports and logistics infrastructure across Africa.”

Earlier this month, DP World opened a new 11.5 acres empty container park at Southampton to increase storage capacity during the upcoming festive season. The new container park was developed with an investment of around £3 million.

The new park is part of DP World’s ongoing £40 million investment to take the port at Southampton to the next level as a smart logistics hub – which will provide customers with speed, security, reliability and flexibility.

Ernst Schulze, UK chief executive of DP World told the media, “We now have 25 percent more storage capacity at Southampton than before which will enable us to maintain productivity and service levels for the vital next few months and beyond.”

The post DP World, CDC Group pledge $1.7 bn to develop ports in Africa appeared first on International Finance.

The new park is part of DP World’s ongoing £40 million investment to take the port at Southampton to the next level as a smart logistics hub – which will provide customers with speed, security, reliability and flexibility.

Ernst Schulze, UK chief executive of DP World told the media, “We now have 25 percent more storage capacity at Southampton than before which will enable us to maintain productivity and service levels for the vital next few months and beyond.

“Operating two ports at Southampton and London Gateway means that we offer unrivalled flexibility and choice to customers. Volumes can be switched quickly and easily between locations, giving customers more control over their supply chains and increasing security of supply for critical goods coming into the UK. No other logistics business can offer this level of flexibility and certainty.”

DP World’s plan to invest around £40 million to improve its container terminal at Southampton, which is Britain’s second-largest container terminal, was announced earlier this year.

The funding will be used for dredging and widening of the berths to accommodate the world’s biggest ships in the world. The deep-water port was awarded Freeport status by the UK government in March.

The post DP World opens 11.5 acres container park at Southampton to increase storage capacity appeared first on International Finance.

If DP World and Fesco do develop a container terminal at Vladivostok, it would become a transshipment hub on the eastern end of Russia’s Northern Sea Route. It would handle trains and feeder ships from China and elsewhere and transport the goods to Europe, cutting about two weeks from the Suez Canal route.

In July, it was reported that DP World is planning to develop a container shipping line across the Arctic. DP World signed an agreement with Russia-based Rosatom. Both parties will set up a joint venture to invest in, build and operate transport and logistics capacity along the route.

DP World said in a press release, “The northern route cuts up to 19 days [off] the journey time between Southeast Asia and Northwest Europe. One third of the world’s trade flows between the two continents and saving shipping time will significantly reduce CO2 emissions.”

DP World group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem told the media, “The Northern Transit Corridor holds out the prospect of shorter transit times between East and West.”

“DP World has already committed to invest $2 billion with the Russian Direct Investment fund, and we will continue to work with our partners in Russia to find solutions that allow the Northern Transit Corridor to develop sustainably.”

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DP World said in a press release, “The northern route cuts up to 19 days [off] the journey time between Southeast Asia and Northwest Europe. One third of the world’s trade flows between the two continents and saving shipping time will significantly reduce CO2 emissions.”

DP World group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem told the media, “The Northern Transit Corridor holds out the prospect of shorter transit times between East and West.”

“DP World has already committed to invest $2 billion with the Russian Direct Investment fund, and we will continue to work with our partners in Russia to find solutions that allow the Northern Transit Corridor to develop sustainably.”

DP World is planning to acquire Imperial Logistics for $890 million and expand its footprint in Africa. Clifford Chance is acting for DP World on the transaction. The acquisition is said to be DP World’s most significant in Africa so far.

The acquisition of Imperial Logistics, which has operations in Africa and Europe, will help DP World to expand the infrastructure of its ports, economic zones and terminals into Africa.

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