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Global port concessions, Southeast Asian trade agreements, and post-conflict hospitality investments lead regional business updates. Dubai-based port operator DP World signed a 15-year public-private partnership concession to operate and maintain the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chittagong Port, Bangladesh's largest maritime trade gateway. In international trade, the UAE and Thailand concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement after bilateral non-oil trade surged 75% to $10.2 billion in the first half of 2026. Meanwhile, major hospitality brands, including Eagle Hills, Emaar, and Accor, are evaluating hotel developments across Syria following a record 3.52 million tourist arrivals in the first half of 2026.

Markets

DP World Secures 15-Year Concession to Operate Bangladesh’s Largest Container Terminal

🔹 What Is It About 

Dubai state-owned port operator DP World signed a 15-year public-private partnership agreement with the Chittagong Port Authority to manage and upgrade Bangladesh’s New Mooring Container Terminal. The deal expands on a 2019 inter-governmental framework between Dubai and Bangladesh, focusing on upgrading civil infrastructure, berth planning, and yard equipment while leaving terminal ownership with state authorities. The concession follows DP World extending its Luanda, Angola port operations through 2051 with a $90 million expansion commitment.

• Managing Key Port Infrastructure: DP World secured a 15-year concession to run Bangladesh's primary import-export terminal.

• Upgrading Terminal Equipment: Operational plans target civil works, safety systems, yard management, and berth planning.

• Expanding Global Footprint: The concession follows port investments in the UK, India, Saudi Arabia, Angola, and the DRC.

🔹 Why It Matters 

Managing terminal operations at Chittagong Port connects DP World directly to South Asian manufacturing supply chains and garment export routes. Modernizing port equipment reduces vessel turnaround times and lowers shipping delays for international logistics providers. Capital deployments into emerging market logistics hubs allow DP World to capture steady handling fees while expanding its global terminal network.

🔹 What’s Next 

DP World engineering teams will deploy modern cargo-handling equipment and implement digital management systems across the terminal yard. Port authorities will monitor container throughput volumes as civil upgrades begin.

• Deploying Yard Equipment: Operations leads will install automated container handling hardware and software.

• Monitoring Cargo Volumes: Port directors will track container turnaround speeds following initial system upgrades.

UAE and Thailand Conclude Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Talks

🔹 What Is It About 

The UAE and Thailand concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at removing trade tariffs and expanding bilateral investments. Foreign Trade Minister Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi confirmed that bilateral non-oil trade rose 75.4% year-on-year to $10.2 billion during the first half of 2026, building on $12.3 billion recorded in 2025. Technical teams from both nations are completing legal filings ahead of formal signing and implementation.

• Concluding Trade Negotiations: Both nations finalized terms to reduce tariffs and open service sectors.

• Surging Bilateral Trade: Non-oil trade reached $10.2 billion in H1 2026, up 75.4% year-on-year.

🔹 Why It Matters 

Finalizing a trade agreement with Thailand strengthens economic ties between Gulf capital markets and Southeast Asian industrial producers. Eliminating trade barriers improves access for Emirati industrial exports, including gold and aluminum, while securing agriculture and electronics imports from Thailand. Broadening trade partnerships supports the UAE's national agenda to increase total non-oil foreign trade to $1.1 trillion by 2031.

• Supporting Trade Objectives: Expanding CEPA agreements advances national goals to increase non-oil trade volume.

🔹 What’s Next 

Legal representatives in Abu Dhabi and Bangkok will complete technical language reviews before signing the agreement into law. Joint business councils will host commercial summits to connect private sector exporters across both regions.

International Hotel Chains and Gulf Developers Target Syria as Tourism Numbers Surge

🔹 What Is It About 

Global and regional hospitality groups, including Accor, Eagle Hills, and Emaar, are evaluating hotel developments and tourism projects across Syria. Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Eagle Hills and Emaar, confirmed a framework agreement covering a 10 million square meter development in Damascus and a 4.3 million square meter coastal project in Latakia. The move follows government reports showing tourist arrivals reached 3.52 million in the first half of 2026, driven by 2.13 million Syrian expatriates returning to the country alongside foreign visitors.

• Reentering Hospitality Markets: Accor, Eagle Hills, and Emaar are reviewing master plans for hotels and mixed-use resorts.

• Signing City Master Plans: Eagle Hills executed framework agreements for multi-million square meter projects in Damascus and Latakia.

• Tracking Visitor Growth: Tourism arrivals doubled year-on-year to 3.52 million visitors during H1 2026.

🔹 Why It Matters 

Private investment from Gulf developers provides capital needed to rebuild urban infrastructure, hotel capacity, and commercial districts. Attracting 3.52 million visitors highlights demand for quality hotel inventory and long-stay housing from expatriate families and regional travelers. Capital outlays into tourism infrastructure create construction and service jobs, supporting broader economic recovery across primary coastal and metropolitan cities.

🔹 What’s Next 

Eagle Hills and Emaar planning teams will complete site surveys and environmental reviews for approved Damascus and Latakia parcels. Hospitality groups will negotiate management agreements with local property owners as hotel refurbishments advance.

👨‍💻From Smashi Business’ Desk

• Dubai-born fragrance brand KAYALI will enter China on October 15.

• Saudi-born dining platform SPICE has ruled out offering cashback on shisha or alcohol at partner restaurants as it keeps its rewards model aligned with Islamic principles.

• Uber will invest $50 million in Jordan over the next three years, targeting the country’s mobility ecosystem while supporting economic opportunities, tourism and access.⁠

• Dubai Crown Prince HH Sheikh Hamdan just shared his Etihad Rail ticket on Snapchat as Dubai-Abu Dhabi passenger services prepare to launch on September 30.

🔍In other news…

• Elevator-maker Kone sees growth in Gulf’s skyscraper craze

• Audit firm fined $100,000 by Abu Dhabi's ADGM regulator

• War disruption hits Taaleem’s nursery numbers

• UAE and Thailand conclude Cepa talks to boost trade and investment

• Hotel groups target Syria for tourism as it rebuilds from rubble of civil war

• DFSA fines Vault Wealth Dh401,000 for providing unauthorised transactions

• Egypt and South Korea begin official free trade talks

• DP World to operate terminal at Bangladesh’s largest port

🦄 World of Startups

• Echelon: Riyadh AI firm Echelon names East40, RAED Ventures, Avra and Ben Horowitz as backers.

• MNT-Halan: MNT-Halan prices its EGX IPO at EGP 24.50 per share, valuing the 20% stake at EGP 7.84 billion.

• Project Suppliers: Saudi platform Project Suppliers raises $1 million in pre-seed funding to develop AI cash-flow tools.

• MoneyHash × VaultsPay: MoneyHash merchants can now accept VaultsPay’s UAE card and wallet payments without separate integration.

• TiE Women MENA: Five startups win regional TiE Women MENA tracks and advance to the GITEX Global final.

• Sheraa × Nestlé UAE: Sheraa, Nestlé UAE, MAJRA and UAE Food Cluster launch a three-month programme for young founders.

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