Emirates General Petroleum Corporation 'Emarat' and Oman Oil launch regional fuelcard cross acceptance

The agreement means that Emarat fuelcards will now be accepted at OOMCO sites in Oman, and that Oman Oil customers can now use their cards at Emarat service stations throughout the UAE.

Currently there are more than 160 Emarat service stations across the UAE, with OOMCO having 79 sites throughout Oman. The new network will give cardholders access to more than 240 locations in the region with many more planned for the future.

"This is indeed a major milestone not only for Emarat and OOMCO, but also for the customer and the fleet management sector in the region as a whole," said Rashid Al Shamsi, General Manager, Emarat. "The customer now needs to use only one card whether he is in UAE or Oman. This greatly enhances time, cost efficiency and complete ease of use no matter where he is in the region."

Mr. Michael Wilson, Managing Director of OOMCO added: "This has been developed in response to the needs of our customers and the market. Transportation between Oman and the UAE is increasing significantly. In the past, companies operating across borders have had significant problems administering fuel purchasing. With the introduction of cross acceptance the whole process is now made simple. The main beneficiaries will obviously be fleets - but the simplicity delivered by cross acceptance will also be attractive to individual users."

Earlier this year both organizations launched new smart cards ranges. The Emarat range of smart cards incorporates Safeer, Atheer and Em-Cash. Safeer is a credit based fleet management tool - providing completely secure flexible payment solutions for fleets. Atheer, a pre-paid smart card has been specially tailored for small-to-medium fleet owners to offer a far higher level of control, security and convenience when it comes to motoring payments. Em-Cash was the first re-loadable smart card in Dubai and is designed to make motoring payments quicker and easier for fleet owners as well as individual drivers.

The OOMCO range of smart cards includes the Ejaba and Wayak cards catering for the fleet and individual sectors plus the unique acceptance of the OOMCO/AAA fuel credit card and the first to market Oman Arab Bank 'pre-paid' smart card.

'This cross acceptance agreement is yet another step in our journey to provide a complete fleet management solution.' commented Mr. Al Shamsi, 'Safeer is already the most advanced system available in the UAE for fleet management - and this alliance with OOMCO provides yet another unique benefit. We are listening to our customers and responding with innovative developments - and this will continue.