GIG Gulf, one of the largest and most diversified insurance groups in the Middle East and North Africa, has launched two major initiatives to raise the standard of digital insurance innovation—one is the instant Orange Card access and the UAE PASS login integration.

GIG Gulf is now the first insurer in the region to integrate the Orange Card API for instant issuance.

What are the Orange Card and UAE PASS?

Orange Card

The Orange Card is a document that provides insurance coverage for vehicles travelling between Arab countries and members of the Orange Card Agreement, which facilitates vehicle transit across these nations. This agreement was established and endorsed by Arab leaders in 1975 in Tunisia.

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The Omani Orange Card Bureau began issuing cards and processing claims in 2008. Since then, the bureau has worked diligently to address any challenges faced by cardholders. It also receives and settles claims related to accidents covered by the card, coordinating with counterpart Arab bureaus and relevant insurance companies.

The Orange Card is a mandatory car insurance certificate for UAE motorists travelling to Oman. It is now available instantly through the MyGIG Car portal, eliminating manual requests and delays. Customers can log in using UAE PASS, further streamlining access to policies and services.

UAE PASS

UAE PASS is the first secure national digital identity for citizens, residents, and visitors in the UAE. It allows users to access many online services across various sectors and provides features such as digital document signing and verification, requesting digital versions of official documents, and applying for services with partners.

UAE PASS App

The UAE PASS app is a smartphone-based digital identity solution that enables individuals to authenticate themselves with service providers across all Emirates. It also allows users to sign documents digitally with high security. The app is available on both iTunes and Google Play.

Cross-border travel between UAE and Oman

Cross-border travel between the UAE and Oman has been increasing, particularly during peak seasons such as Eid and summer road trips to Salalah. A recent survey found that over 50 per cent of UAE residents travel more frequently during Ramadan, further increasing the demand for efficient cross-border travel solutions.

The importance of instant access

Travellers often forget the requirement for an Orange Card until they are en route or at the border. This makes instant access to this essential document even more critical.

“This initiative represents another major milestone in our journey to simplify insurance through smart technology. We want to make it easy and seamless for our customers to use their insurance. Automating the Orange Card issuance and integrating UAE PASS not only saves time for travellers but it allows our teams to dedicate more time to our customers in the moments that matter,” Paul Adamson, CEO of GIG Gulf, said commenting on the enhancements of the entity.

How GIG Gulf simplifies the insurance process

GIG Gulf has also recently introduced the two-click motor insurance renewal system, that allows customers to renew their insurance policies seamlessly and with ease via SMS, WhatsApp, and email notifications.

Now, with the UAE PASS login integration, customers can also review renewal details in one click and complete payment in a secure manner.

Tourism surge: Oman witnesses increase in Arab visitors

According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, Oman saw a substantial increase in the number of visitors last year. The number increased by 1.3 per cent in 2024, totalling 1.95 million visitors.

However, a report in the Muscat Daily said that the UAE tops the list of the six Arab nationalities visiting Oman, with 1.1 million visitors coming to the country. This was followed by Yemen (203,000), Saudi Arabia (109,900), Egypt (74,000), Kuwait (35,200), and Bahrain (33,300).

These numbers of tourists reflect Oman’s position as the preferred destination for tourists from Arab countries.

However, the total number of visitors to Oman up to November 2024 was recorded at 3.5 million, a slight decrease of 1 per cent compared with the same period in 2023.