Sheikh Mishal and Sultan Haitham Inaugurate $9 Billion Al-Duqm Refinery

In Al-Duqm, Oman, HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tareq presided over the official inauguration ceremony of the Al-Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries. The motorcade of HH the Amir and Sultan Haitham arrived at the refinery, where residents of Al-Wusta governorate greeted them with traditional folk performances.

Welcoming the dignitaries were Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Dr. Emad Al-Atiqi, Oman’s Minister of Finance Sultan bin Salem Al-Habsi, and other senior officials. A presentation was delivered, showcasing the significance of the project, touted as the largest investment venture in the refinery and petrochemicals sector. The presentation highlighted the crucial role of the Kuwait-Oman partnership in advancing the refinery’s journey.

Abdulsalam Al-Murshidi, Head of Oman’s investment authority, emphasized the historic ties between Oman and Kuwait, describing the collaboration as a legacy for future generations. The $9 billion refinery project, he noted, represents the largest investment endeavor between two Gulf nations in the refining and petrochemicals domain. Al-Murshidi underscored the refinery’s pivotal role in increasing Oman’s refining capacity from 230,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 500,000 bpd.

Despite economic and political challenges, Al-Murshidi highlighted the determination that propelled the project forward. He acknowledged the support from Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI), and Oman’s OQ, essential contributors to the project’s successful completion.

KPC CEO Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah emphasized the historic bond between Kuwait and Oman, tracing it back to the days of pearl diving. Al-Duqm refinery, he revealed, will process crude oil from both Kuwait and Oman, aligning with KPC’s strategic objectives to expand refining capacity in promising markets. Sheikh Nawaf expressed gratitude to the workforce and emphasized the importance of safe and profitable refinery operations amid the industry’s evolving landscape.

HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal and Sultan Haitham unveiled a memorial plaque, officially marking the inauguration of the refinery. Accompanied by Mulhem bin Bashir Al-Jurf, Chairman of OQ Group and Deputy Head of Oman Investment Authority, they toured the refinery’s main control room, gaining insights into its operations. HH the Amir received a token of appreciation during the visit.

In honor of HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal, Sultan Haitham hosted a lunch banquet on the Royal Yacht Fulk Al Salamah in Al-Duqm. Later, HH the Amir concluded his state visit, bidding farewell to Oman with a send-off from Sultan Haitham and senior officials at the airport.