Al-DUQM: Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Salem Al-Aufi, said on Wednesday that Al-Duqm Refinery and Petrochemicals Industries Company is one of the biggest joint investments of its kind in the Gulf. Al-Aufi affirmed in a press release, following His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq’s inauguration of the refinery, the economic significance of such a project for both nations. The refinery utilizes the latest advancements in technology to treat, refine, and produce high-quality products adhering to health and safety regulations.
The facility has achieved a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability. Al-Aufi further said that the facility will have the capacity to generate 230,000 barrels per day, with its primary output comprising sought-after commodities such as diesel, liquefied gas, naptha, kerosene, and sulfur. These products are in high demand in the worldwide market. The Special Economic Zone of Duqm has successfully laid the foundation to now receive investments assuring its capability to produce and manufacture heavy materials, petrochemicals, and logistics, he concluded.
Pioneering role
Al-Duqm refinery reflects the Arab Gulf’s pioneering role in the oil and gas industry, said Kuwait’s Oil Minister Dr. Emad Al-Atiqi, on Wednesday. A "success story” is the best way to describe the inauguration of the refinery, Al-Atiqi, also Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s Board of Directors, said. His remarks came on the sidelines of the refinery’s inauguration ceremony, held under the auspices and attendance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman.
The oil minister extended appreciation for the diligent efforts exerted over the past few years to accomplish the venture. CEO of Kuwait Petroleum International, also known as Q8, Shafi Al-Ajmi, labeled the event a turning point contributing to the strength of the "ideal partnership” between the two nations. He told KUNA that the refinery is a prestigious place for both nations in the global oil scene. Due to its geographic location, the refinery facilitates the flow of trade between the Gulf area and international markets, namely in Asia and Africa.
The refinery, an enormous nine-billion-dollar industrial edifice, is co-owned by the two Gulf States. Around 65 percent of the 230,000 barrels refined in Al-Duqm are of Kuwaiti crude oil, and 35 percent are of Omani crude oil. The refinery is designed to operate and import all it requires from Kuwaiti crude oil if necessary. On his part, Deputy CEO of Q8 Imad Al-Hadlaq said the refinery employs the latest technologies to keep pace with international standards, especially relating to environmental aspects. It produces eco-friendly oil byproducts, including liquefied gas, naphtha, kerosene, and diesel, noted Al-Hadlaq, pointing out that since operation, it has successfully lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent. Al-Duqm is a joint venture between OQ and KPC, situated in southern Oman. Its strategic location serves international markets, especially as it aims to achieve excellence in refining oil and producing high-quality byproducts.
Meanwhile, Oman’s daily newspapers highlighted the ongoing visit by His Highness the Amir. This visit marked a critical moment for bilateral relations, as His Highness the Amir and the Sultan attended the opening of the Al-Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries, one of the biggest investment projects between the two Gulf countries.
Oman‘s Al-Watan newspaper said that the visit launched a new phase of the Kuwaiti-Omani relationships, given the shared interests and perspectives the two countries share. It added that the Kuwaiti-Omani relationship, which is a regional and national model to follow, has been strengthened due to the commonality between them, like the diplomatic sense that is built on wisdom, good neighborliness, and respect for states’ sovereignty, as well as the aspiration of both countries to achieve greater prosperity and development.
Oman‘s Al-Masar newspaper reported that the official and traditional reception ceremony given to His Highness the Amir reflected the deeply rooted historical relationship. It was noted that the official talks between the two countries highlighted the close bond of kinship between Oman and Kuwait and reinforced bilateral cooperation. Al-Roya newspaper affirmed the importance of His Highness the Amir‘s official visit to the Sultanate of Oman, with Sultan Haitham bin Tareq having been at the airport to warmly welcome His Highness the Amir. It highlighted the exchange of medals between both leaders as evidence of appreciation for the distinguished achievements and efforts that bond the two countries. — KUNA