OOCL’s presence in the Middle East region comprises of the GCC Countries (Gulf Cooperation Council) and Iran. GCC comprises of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. The UAE, where OOCL’s regional office for the Middle East is located (Dubai) has seven Emirates; Abu Dhabi (capital of UAE), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.
OOCL (UAE) LLC began its operations in Dubai, UAE on the 1st of March 2005. It serves as the regional office for the Middle East and coordinates various functions for the region
OOCL is represented by Sharaf Shipping Agency in Abu Dhabi, UAE and by the Barwil-Wilhemsen Group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Dammam / Riyadh / Jeddah), Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman (Muscat), Qatar (Doha), and Iran (Tehran / Bandar Abbas).
Dubai is a major shipping hub, and it is estimated that, approximately 80% of cargo that moves on the Middle East-Asia Trade has gone through the ports of Dubai. In general the region imports all necessary goods from rest of the world and the containerized exports include resin derivatives, aluminum and petroleum bi-products. The region facilitates tax free trading activities wherein cargo is re-exported to Europe, Africa and CIS, etc.