logo
Syria and DP World ink $800 million deal for port development

Syria and DP World ink $800 million deal for port development

LBCI16-05-2025

The Syrian government and DP World signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth $800 million to develop Syria's port of Tartus, Syrian state news agency SANA said on Friday, after the lifting of U.S sanctions cleared the way for the deal.
The deal to develop, manage, and operate a multi-purpose terminal at Tartus includes cooperation in establishing industrial and free trade zones. DP World is a subsidiary of the United Arab Emirates investment company Dubai World.
Reuters

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lebanese Energy Minister refutes predecessor's claims over Iraqi oil deal
Lebanese Energy Minister refutes predecessor's claims over Iraqi oil deal

LBCI

timea day ago

  • LBCI

Lebanese Energy Minister refutes predecessor's claims over Iraqi oil deal

Lebanese Energy Minister Joe Saddi issued a strongly worded statement on Friday, rejecting what he described as "a series of inaccuracies" made by former Minister Walid Fayad regarding the Iraqi oil agreement. He accused Fayad of misleading the public over financial and procedural matters. The statement, released by Saddi's media office, emphasized that successive energy ministers have been importing fuel from Iraq since 2021, with only the first contract officially ratified by Parliament. The second and third contracts, though approved by the Cabinet, remain unendorsed by lawmakers. Saddi also clarified that the fourth contract, at the center of the latest dispute, had its tendering process initiated by Fayad before the deal was signed. According to the statement, Fayad awarded the initial bid to a company he referenced in recent remarks. While Saddi confirmed that he had finalized the contract, he stated that this was done strictly in accordance with the principle of maintaining continuity of public services without launching a new tender or incurring further obligations outside of the existing framework. He insisted that no new financial burden was imposed on Lebanese taxpayers before receiving parliamentary approval, countering Fayad's assertions. The statement added that both Finance Minister Yassine Jaber and Minister Saddi informed Parliament about the status of the contract during the latest joint committee session. On the financial front, Saddi challenged Fayad's claim that the agreement amounted to just $600 million, stating the actual value was approximately $1.28 billion, with $753 million already due and the remaining balance to mature through the next year. "In the end, every official owes it to the Lebanese people to speak with honesty and transparency," the statement concluded.

In crisis-hit Lebanon, fashion education and Elie Saab partnership fuel hope for a brighter future
In crisis-hit Lebanon, fashion education and Elie Saab partnership fuel hope for a brighter future

LBCI

time2 days ago

  • LBCI

In crisis-hit Lebanon, fashion education and Elie Saab partnership fuel hope for a brighter future

Report by Petra Abou Haydar, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian On every red carpet and at every major festival, celebrities shine in stunning gowns designed by world-renowned Lebanese designers, including Elie Saab. This comes as no surprise—Lebanon has long been considered the second capital of fashion after France, thanks to its creative talent. In recent years, however, that success has faded locally and now shines abroad, driven away by ongoing crises. So, what is the current state of Lebanon's fashion sector? Universities are well-equipped and continue to graduate dozens of fashion design students each year. Among them is the Lebanese American University, which 12 years ago launched a fashion design program in partnership with Elie Saab. The program has grown rapidly. This year, as in previous years, LAU celebrated its ninth graduating class—15 young men and women who showcased their work in a fashion show that concluded with four standout students being recognized for their exceptional designs. The show was titled Panorama—a name that carried a message of its own. After graduation, many of these students are offered opportunities abroad through collaborations with Elie Saab and Elie Saab Jr. Although Lebanon's market has become saturated with designers—most of whom are now investing their talent locally—there is renewed hope that their creations will once again shine at home. Many in the industry remain optimistic that Lebanon will reclaim its role as a hub for major events, top celebrities, and a beacon of art, fashion, and beauty.

Coalition on the edge: Netanyahu battles crisis over draft law and Gaza war
Coalition on the edge: Netanyahu battles crisis over draft law and Gaza war

LBCI

time2 days ago

  • LBCI

Coalition on the edge: Netanyahu battles crisis over draft law and Gaza war

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Racing against time and facing mounting pressure ahead of a potential no-confidence motion and a bid to dissolve the Knesset, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working to reach understandings with his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners—United Torah Judaism and Shas—to prevent them from moving forward with a proposal to dissolve the Knesset and call early elections. Calls for early elections have been a central demand of the opposition, the families of Israeli hostages, and protest leaders, who continue to voice discontent over the ongoing war in Gaza. The coalition crisis erupted after Netanyahu failed to meet the ultra-Orthodox parties' demand to pass legislation exempting yeshiva students from mandatory military service before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which fell last Sunday. As a result, thousands of yeshiva students have become draft dodgers and are now at risk of arrest, while the government failed to enact the law by the agreed deadline. Together, the two parties hold 18 seats in the Knesset. Should they withdraw from the coalition, the government would likely collapse, bringing early elections—possibly in October—closer than ever. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues to face a reservist crisis, with a significant number of reservists refusing to report for duty in the Gaza war. At the same time, new units are being recruited for possible deployment in Syria. Protests are expected to intensify in an effort to block any concessions Netanyahu might offer to the ultra-Orthodox parties.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store