Oman Unveils Region's First Women in LPG National Chapter

• Oman opened the very first national chapter for the Women in LPG, WINLPG, in the Middle East
• This is an endeavor to promote women's advancement in a typically male-dominated energy industry
• The announcement came during the launch of the Middle East LPG Summit and Exhibition 2025

Oman has established the Middle East's first Women in LPG (WINLPG) National Chapter, a remarkable step towards the empowerment of women in the energy sector, during the opening of the Middle East LPG Summit and Exhibition 2025,

At the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the patronage of Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and organized by the World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA) in collaboration with the Ministry.

The establishment of the WINLPG National Chapter positions Oman as the lead country in the Middle East for advocating the entry of women into the LPG sector, highlighting the country's growing commitment to diversity, inclusivity and workforce development in the wider energy sector.

WINLPG, a global network conceived by WLGA ten years ago to elevate the role of women throughout the LPG value chain now has more than 4,000 members worldwide involving almost 15 national chapters.

The global platform has established mentorship programs, developed leadership opportunities, provided skills training and professional collaborations.

WINLPG serves as a neutral cross-company platform for women to share their experiences, showcase their successes, and discuss shared challenges to develop a more inclusive and resilient LPG sector. The Oman chapter is an important phase in the development of these opportunities for women in the Middle East.

Alison Abbott, WINLPG Co-Founder and WLGA Communications Director, added that such a national chapter allows countries to design initiatives suited to the particular needs and context of their country.

"What happens or is needed in Oman may be very different from what is needed in Nigeria, the US, South Africa, or India. The national chapters mean work can be done specifically for that country," she explained.

She said the network was created because of the lack of female representation in the industry. “We launched Women in LPG 10 years ago because we felt there weren’t enough women in our industry — and women are good for business. It’s not just because it’s nice to have; there are real business reasons,” she said.

She also praised the increasing visibility and participation of women in Oman's energy sector. "I have been impressed by the number of women I see here. I feel that women are respected, and they clearly have a voice. I think we will have a very successful group because women are given opportunities," she said, while underscoring that male support remains crucial for sustaining progress. "We need the support of men as well. Without your support, we won't succeed either."