Oman

Industry News

UAE and Kuwait Expand Naphtha Exports to Asia via Offshore Transfers

The UAE and Kuwait have increased naphtha exports to Asian petrochemical producers using ship-to-ship transfer operations conducted outside the Strait of Hormuz. Between August and September, ADNOC and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation exported approximately 1.6 million metric tons of naphtha, more than doubling shipments from the March-April period. The surge reflects growing utilization of alternative loading and offshore transshipment hubs including Fujairah and waters off Oman and India.

Policy & Legal Updates

Five Gulf Nations Pursue Schengen Visa Waiver Ahead of Riyadh EU-GCC Summit

Five Gulf Cooperation Council states are seeking a Schengen visa exemption for their citizens ahead of an upcoming bilateral summit in Riyadh. The Economic Times reports that the discussions apply exclusively to national passport holders rather than foreign residents living in the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates currently remains the only GCC member country with established visa-free Schengen access.

Policy & Legal Updates

Five GCC Nations Close to Starting Schengen Visa Exemption Process, Official Says

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi stated that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait are close to beginning the official process for Schengen visa-free travel. A formal announcement is expected at the second EU-GCC Summit in Riyadh on October 24. Currently, the UAE is the only GCC member state whose citizens can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa.

Industry News

Emirates Perfumes Exhibition and Middle East Cosmetics Show Open in Sharjah

The fourth Emirates Perfumes and Oud Exhibition and second Middle East Cosmetics Show opened at Expo Centre Sharjah. Running through October 18, the event hosts over 200 companies and 700 brands, including participants from China and the Gulf.