Regional carrier United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) is set to complete the return of its head office to Kuwait by September, UASC officials have confirmed. The shipping line, owned by six Gulf states, shifted its operations to Dubai in August 1991 following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

Officials say that the company will maintain only its Middle East trade office in Dubai. It will also continue to act for the Kuwaiti Shipping Agency in Dubai.

Company officials have declined to comment on Arab press reports that UASC plans to purchase up to 10 container vessels soon, and that it is intending to open a trans-Pacific service.