Tartus port finds new lease of life as Syria reopens for business

Lorries shuttle back and forth as cargo ships unload their wares at the port of Tartus on Syria's Mediterranean coast: the scene was unthinkable only months ago as Syria remained a pariah in international business. Now, the quayside is a hive of activity as foreign firms seek opportunities after the fall of Bashar Al Assad.

The city of Tartus is home to Syria's second-largest seaport, a strategic hub on international transit routes through the Mediterranean Sea. But the port fell into disuse under the Assad regime due to western sanctions on Syria and high customs fees.

During a recent visit, workers told The National the port had previously been so neglected that they could not even find basic supplies such as stationery. Now, they say they are working non-stop to repair machinery, as business booms.

Ayman Hamawiye, president of the Syrian government's Investment Authority, told The National: “The port almost came to a halt due to the sanctions: international shipping companies didn’t dare deal with Syrian ports, except for a few companies that weren’t very significant – those tied to or complicit with the former regime.”

Activity began to gather pace again after former president Mr Al Assad was toppled by rebels in December. Under the long-time dictator, Syria was left largely isolated from the international economy as the regime fought a 13-year civil war.

The game-changer for the economy since the change of power were announcements by the US and EU that they would lift the sanctions imposed during Mr Al Assad's presidency.

Tartus port, where business is now booming. AFP

The move has reignited the appetite of overseas businesses, with the Investment Authority reporting it has received hundreds of letters in recent weeks expressing interest.

“There’s now a real need to develop the ports – not just Tartus but also Latakia, along with the dry ports – because transit traffic, commercial activity and overall movement are expected to dramatically increase,“ Mr Hamawiye said.

Early this month, Syria renewed a deal with French shipping giant CMA CGM to develop and operate Tartus for another 30 years. DP World, the Dubai-based port operator, signed an agreement for a multipurpose terminal at the port worth $800 million. The Emirati company was selected from several international firms that sent proposals.

“This is one of the most important deals signed since the announcement of the lifting of western sanctions,” Mr Hamawiye said. While the deal is so far non-binding, he said there was no doubt it will be implemented.

Under the Assad regime, the port was run by a Russian company, STG Stroytransgaz, which was granted a 49-year lease in 2019. In January this year, the new authorities cancelled the contract in a sign of Russia's waning influence in Syria. Moscow was a primary backer of Mr Al Assad.

All revenue from the port now goes to the Syrian state, said Riad Joudi, head of customs for the wider Tartous governorate.

The Tartus seaport also houses Russia’s only overseas naval base, which serves as a repair and replenishment point for the Russian navy in the Mediterranean.

The cancellation of Russia's port management deal is not related to the military facility. However, it has cast doubt on the base's future amid signs that Moscow's sway is fading.

Port employees told The National the naval base has been largely emptied out since Mr Al Assad was deposed. Satellite images show most military equipment has been withdrawn.

In addition to the Tartus base, Russia also maintains an airbase at Hmeimim in Latakia governorate.

After the fall of the Assad regime, The National reported that communication was taking place between Russia and the new Syrian authorities, with Moscow hoping to maintain its military presence.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

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What is Folia?

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.

Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."

Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.

In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".

There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.

While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."

What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.

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