Daqum Breaks into Global Markets with Record 20 Million Ton Exports

The Kuwait-Oman Joint Refinery Launches “Irada” Program to Develop Leadership Competencies

By Najiha Bilal

Emphasizing its operational leadership and continuous development, sources familiar with the matter told “Al-Siyasa” that the Duqm Kuwait-Oman Joint Refinery has successfully exported nearly 20 million tons of high-quality refined products to various global markets since the launch of its export operations in May 2023 through the end of 2025.

A Quantum Leap

The sources confirmed that this achievement represents a quantum leap that enhances the standing of the two brotherly countries on the international energy map. The refinery’s petroleum products have successfully penetrated key markets, including multiple countries in Europe, Southeast Asia, and emerging African markets, which are witnessing growing demand for high-quality diesel and environmentally compliant aviation fuel. This is particularly notable given that “Duqm” exports adhere to the strictest environmental standards, focusing on producing high-quality, low-sulfur diesel, naphtha, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These environmentally friendly products meet European and international specifications and contribute effectively to reducing carbon emissions.

The same sources indicated that the refinery also managed to ship nearly 305,000 metric tons of LPG during the same period, amid record performance indicators that reflect the high efficiency of the production system and the significant capacity to meet growing demand in these targeted markets. They noted that the refinery’s capacity of 255,000 barrels per day contributes to generating higher profit margins and greater financial returns for the public budgets of the two brotherly countries.

A Giant Petroleum Complex

The sources stated that these successive achievements translate the scale of the shared strategic vision upon which this giant petroleum complex was built, representing a model to be emulated in Gulf economic integration and fruitful bilateral cooperation. The refinery continues to consolidate its presence as one of the most vital economic pillars in the region, thanks to its reliance on the latest global technologies in refining and petrochemicals, and its commitment to the highest safety and environmental standards, thereby paving the way for further expansion and success in the coming stages.

Data and information revealed that the refinery’s management, headed by Kuwaiti engineer Abdullah Al-Ajmi, launched yesterday the “Irada” program, dedicated to developing executive and middle-level leadership. The program aims to empower them to direct work teams with high efficiency and confidence, in line with initiatives aimed at achieving the highest levels of operational performance in this joint regional project between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Kuwait.

The sources pointed out that the Irada program represents a comprehensive developmental journey, carefully designed to combine innovative practical learning mechanisms with the exchange of leadership experiences among participants. Its goal is to hone managerial skills and strengthen leaders’ self-capabilities to inspire their subordinates, and to foster a culture of constructive cooperation among various departments and groups within the refinery. Additionally, it aims to enable them to lead positive change and respond flexibly to challenges in global energy markets, transforming the refinery’s plans and strategic visions into tangible results and sustainable impact that serves the shared interests of the two brotherly countries.

The launch of the Irada program comes at a time when the Duqm Refinery is experiencing rapid growth in its production and export operations, necessitating the development of second and third tiers of qualified leaders to manage the complex operational system in accordance with the latest international systems and standards. The program focuses on key pillars, including strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and the management of operational and financial risks, as well as the development of effective communication skills and emotional intelligence across its various dimensions within collaborative work environments that encompass talents and human resources from diverse nationalities and cultures, reflecting the global nature of this joint venture.

Strategic Partnership

Sources clarified that the strategic partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Kuwait in the Duqm Refinery project extends beyond economic and investment aspects to include the integration of visions for human capital development and the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise, and managerial experience. The program contributes to building a robust network of communication among current and future leaders, thereby ensuring the sustainability of operational success and safeguarding the massive investments poured into the project, which exceed billions of dollars. This positions the initiative as a model for joint Gulf cooperation in the refining and petrochemical sector.