OOCL’s presence in the Middle East and Africa region comprises of the GCC Countries (Gulf Cooperation Council), Jordan, Yemen, Iraq, Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia and South Africa. GCC comprises of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait 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 1^st of March 2005. It serves as the regional office for the Middle East and coordinates various functions for the region.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah), OOCL is represented by Orient Overseas Cargo Line Co. Barwil-Wilhemsen Group represents OOCL in Bahrain. Sharaf Shipping Agency represents OOCL in Iraq (Pioneer Marine Services Co Ltd), Djibouti (Diamond Shipping Services), Ethiopia (Champion Shipping PLC), Sudan (Sharaf Shipping Co), Oman (Star Shipping Services LLC), Qatar (Qontrac Shipping Services). In Kuwait, OOCL is represented by Kanoo Shipping c/o Al Rashed International Shipping Company Limited. Naouri Group (Jadara Shipping & Forwarding) represents OOCL in Jordan. Chinese-Tanzanian Joint Shipping Company (SINOTASHIP) represent OOCL in Tanzania while Al Rais Shipping represent OOCL in Kenya. Lastly, COSCO Shipping Lines (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd represents OOCL in South Africa. 

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, petroleum bi-products and many others. The region facilitates tax free trading activities wherein cargo is re-exported to Europe, Africa and CIS, etc.