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AW Rostamani Group
AW Rostamani Group
AW Rostamani Group
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AW Rostamani Group (AWR) is a privately held company established in 1954 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, by Al Rostamani brothers, Abdullah and Abdul Wahid. The company is headquartered in Dubai and employs over 4,000 workers. The Group operates in seven diverse sectors: automotive, real estate, logistics, retail, lighting, travel and agritech.[2]

Key Information

History

[edit]
Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani

AW Rostamani began in 1951 when Abdul Wahid and his brother Abdullah Hassan, two sons of a local pearl trader, set up a family business on the shore of the Dubai Creek. Inspired by their passion for reading, the Al Rostamani brothers opened Dubai's first bookshop, Al Ahliya Library, in 1954[3], importing sought-after books from Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon by Gulf Air through Bahrain.

AW Rostamani Bookstore

Milestones

[edit]
  • 1957 General Trading company is established.[4]
  • 2011 AW Rostamani Arabian Automobiles is the first automotive company in the region to implement a Customer Loyalty Program (Nissan Road Miles). AW Rostamani Trading appointed as the sole distributor of ZNA cars and genuine ZNA parts in Oman.[5]
  • 2015 GE Lighting signs a partnership agreement with AW Rostamani Lumina.[6]
  • 2016 AW Rostamani Lifestyle expands retail stores with the launch of Georg Jensen, Graffiti Fashion Zone and Apartment 51.[7]
  • 2017 AW Rostamani sets up shop for multi brand secondhand cars.[8]
  • 2019 Hilton signs an agreement with AW Rostamani Group to develop a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Bur Dubai.[9]

Key People

[edit]

Khalid Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani is the Chairman of AW Rostamani.

Amina Al Rustamani is the Director and Board Member of AW Rostamani Group, and the Chief Executive Officer of AWR Properties.[10]

Since 1990 Michel Ayat heads the Automotive division of AW Rostamani that consists of Arabian Automobiles, AW Rostamani Trading, Certified Pre-owned and Shift Car Rental.[11]

Group Companies

[edit]
AW Rostamani Head Office

AWR Properties

[edit]
AW Rostamani Real Estate

AWR Properties has developed a portfolio of property since 1982. The real estate arm of the Group is split into Property Development, Leasing and Facilities Management of both commercial and residential units alongside retail. It handles over 2.5 million sq. ft. of residential and commercial space in the UAE. It is responsible for the development of the 21st Century Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road and the AW Rostamani head office building in Deira.[citation needed]

Mankhool AWR Properties comprises 327 hotel rooms, ten floors of commercial offices and 182 units of residential rooms.[citation needed] Established properties in the commercial division include vehicle sales showrooms for Nissan, Infiniti and Renault.[12]

Arabian Automobiles

[edit]

Established in 1968, they are the exclusive distributors of Nissan, INFINITI,[13] and Renault, in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The company operates a large network of showrooms, service centers, spare parts outlets, and a "certified pre-owned division" across Dubai.[citation needed]

Prime Honda

[edit]

A wholly owned subsidiary of the AW Rostamani Group, Prime Honda is the authorised Honda dealer in India.[citation needed]

AW Rostamani Trading

[edit]

AW Rostamani Trading, an ISO 9001:2008 certified company, with brands such as TOTAL lubricants, Ceat Tyres, Sava Tyres, Amaron batteries, Fortron Automotive Treatments and XCool heat control films in the UAE.[14]

Shift Car Rental

[edit]

The fleet currently stands at 13,000 vehicles, supplies Nissan, INFINITI and Renault models on short and long-term lease.[15]

AUTOTRUST

[edit]

AUTOTRUST is a multi-brand car service company in the UAE that provides repair, service, and sales of certified pre-owned cars. The company operates three workshops, located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.[16]

AW Rostamani Lifestyle

[edit]
American Rag Cie Store

AW Rostamani Lifestyle, started in the year 2012. AW Rostamani Lifestyle are into fashion, jewelry and homeware sectors regionally, with a portfolio that includes international and regional brands such as Georg Jensen, Graffiti, Vhernier, Angels, Apartment 51 and American Rag.[17]

AW Rostamani Lifestyle is the Vhernier brand agent in the UAE. Vhernier is an Italian jewellery store.[18]

Launched in Dubai Mall in 2015, Graffiti is a kid's fashion store.[19]

Angels is a designer children's-wear chain with 4 stores in Dubai. They are a multi-brand kids wear concept specializing in luxury garments and accessories for boys and girls.[20]

Georg Jensen A/S (originally Georg Jensens Sølvsmedie A/S) is a Danish designer company with focus on silverware. It was founded by famed silversmith Georg Jensen in 1904. Georg Jensen first store in the UAE was opened in April 2016 at City Walk, Dubai.[21]

American lifestyle multi-brand retail American Rag Cie opened in Dubai Mall in September 2018. The brand's Dubai venture is in partnership with AW Rostamani Lifestyle, exclusive licensee for the MENA region.[22]

The Apartment 51 brand is a concept store in Dubai.[23]

KAR Freight, Forwarding & Transport

[edit]

KAR Transport is a land transportation service provider based in Dubai that manages the national and regional supply chain operations for Arabian Automobiles and AW Rostamani Trading. Operating principally in the UAE and the GCC, KAR Transport maintains a network of international partners across the Middle Eastern countries.[24]

AWR Lumina

[edit]

Incorporated in 1999, AWR Lumina is a provider of lighting products in UAE. AW Rostamani Lumina delivers lighting products to largescale hospitality, retail and commercial developments with presence in 22 countries across Africa, Middle East, and Asia.[25]

CSR

[edit]

AW Rostamani launched its corporate social responsibility platform, Enriching Communities, in 2018. Employees have volunteered to a range of causes, including a visit to Dubai Autism Center and collaborating with Zayed University to support students of determination.[26][27]

Awards and honors

[edit]
Year Name of Award Awarding organization
2015 AW Rostamani awarded ‘Editor Choice of the Year'[28] ICT Achievement Awards
2016 Part's excellence & best inventory management[29] Prime Honda
2018 Dubai Quality Gold Award [30] Dubai's Department of Economic Development's (DED) Business Excellence Awards
2018 World After Sales Progress Club Award[31] Nissan Motor Company
2018 Dubai Human Development Award[32] The Department of Economic Development (DED)

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

AW Rostamani Group

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The AW Rostamani Group (AWR) is a privately held, family-owned conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 1954 by Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani as a small bookstore, and now operating across diverse sectors including automotive distribution, real estate development, logistics, retail, and lighting solutions. With approximately 3,300 employees (as of 2025) and an annual turnover surpassing $2 billion (as of 2023), the group maintains a significant presence in the UAE, India, and the United Kingdom, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and customer enrichment through its 14 subsidiaries. Its flagship automotive arm, Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC), serves as the exclusive distributor for brands such as Nissan, Infiniti, and Renault in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, supported by a network of showrooms, service centers, and mobility services like car rentals and subscriptions. In real estate, AWR Properties manages high-end residential, commercial, and retail assets, including the prominent M Square development featuring hotel rooms and apartments. The group's logistics division, encompassing KAR Freight & Forwarding and AWR Logistics, provides global freight solutions in partnership with entities like Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, while its retail and lifestyle segments offer fashion, homeware, jewelry, and travel services through BCD Travel across 108 countries. Lighting operations under Frater Lighting have distributed over 1.6 million units to date, focusing on innovative and energy-efficient products. Led by Chairman and Group CEO Khalid Al Rostamani, alongside board members including Dr. Amina Al Rostamani and Huda Al Rostamani, the company upholds core values of integrity, commitment, and innovation, continuing the legacy established by its founder who passed away in 2016.

History

Founding and Early Development

The AW Rostamani Group traces its origins to 1954, when Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani, along with his brother Abdullah Hassan Al Rostamani, established Al-Ahliya Library as Dubai's first bookstore. This modest venture marked the beginning of the family's entrepreneurial endeavors in the region. The library served as more than a retail outlet; it symbolized the brothers' commitment to cultural and educational access in a burgeoning trading hub. In its early years, the business concentrated on general trading, encompassing books, stationery, and essential imports that catered to Dubai's growing community during the pre-oil boom era of the 1950s. This period was characterized by Dubai's reliance on commerce and pearl trading, with limited infrastructure, allowing small family operations like Al-Ahliya Library to thrive through personal networks and modest imports from abroad. The brothers' focus on quality goods and reliable service helped build a foundation for sustainable growth amid economic uncertainties. By 1957, the Al Rostamani brothers expanded their operations beyond retail by founding a general , known as the Central Trading Company, which broadened their scope into diverse activities. This step represented a pivotal shift toward more comprehensive , enabling the handling of varied imports and fostering stronger links. Throughout these formative years, Abdul Wahid and Abdullah Hassan Al Rostamani instilled core business principles rooted in family values, integrity, and deep community ties, which guided the venture's evolution as a family-owned enterprise dedicated to local enrichment. These principles laid the groundwork for future diversification, including early forays into sectors like automotive partnerships.

Expansion and Key Milestones

In 1968, the AW Rostamani Group forged a strategic partnership with Motor Company, leading to the creation of Arabian Automobiles Company as the exclusive distributor for in and the Northern Emirates, thereby diversifying from its trading origins into the . Building on this foundation, AAC achieved operational excellence by receiving the Dubai Quality Award in 2014, recognizing its superior business practices and standards. Following this milestone, the group accelerated diversification into logistics through AW Rostamani Logistics, via its arm rebranded as AWR Properties in 2019 (with activities dating back decades), and lighting solutions under AW Rostamani Lighting, contributing to a expansion to over 3,000 employees as of 2025. In a recent leadership transition, the automotive division saw the appointment of Tom Fux as CEO of AWR Automotive, announced on November 17, 2025, succeeding Michel Ayat and aiming to drive further innovation in the sector.

Leadership

Founders and Historical Figures

Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani, born in July 1933 in to a family of merchants involved in pearl trading across the Gulf and , founded the AW Rostamani Group in 1954 at the age of 21 by establishing Dubai's first bookstore, Al-Ahliya Library. As a visionary trader, he expanded the modest venture into a diversified conglomerate spanning multiple sectors, emphasizing principles of , family collaboration, and long-term value creation that became core to the group's governance. Al Rostamani served as chairman until his death on November 3, 2016, at age 83, leaving a legacy of entrepreneurial foresight in Dubai's evolving business landscape. His brother, Abdullah Hassan Al Rostamani, co-founded the group alongside him, playing a pivotal role in building early trading networks within Dubai's merchant community during the . Together, the brothers leveraged their family's trading heritage to establish the Central in , broadening operations beyond books into general merchandise and fostering connections that supported the group's initial growth. Abdullah's contributions focused on strengthening commercial ties and operational foundations, aligning with the family's commitment to collective decision-making in business affairs. By the 1990s, the transition to second-generation leadership began, with family members such as Khalid Al Rostamani joining in 1993 to manage and expand the portfolio, while preserving the private family ownership structure that has defined the group since its inception. This generational shift reinforced the emphasis on family governance, ensuring continuity in values and strategic oversight without external shareholding. Under the family's leadership, a key historical decision was the entry into the automotive sector in 1968 through the establishment of Arabian Automobiles Company, which became the exclusive distributor for vehicles in and the Northern Emirates, marking a significant diversification from trading roots. This move exemplified the founders' proactive adaptation to Dubai's economic transformation, solidifying the group's position in high-growth industries.

Current Executives

Khalid Al Rostamani serves as Chairman and Group CEO of AW Rostamani Group, a position he has held since joining the company in 1993, where he oversees the overall strategy, family governance, and the group's diverse portfolio across automotive, , and other sectors. He holds a in with a major in from . Dr. Amina Al Rostamani is an Executive Board Member, Shareholder, Director, and of the group, managing , operations, and initiatives while also serving as CEO of AWR Properties. She earned a , , and in from , and is recognized as an authority on wireless technologies with publications in international journals. In November 2024, she was honored by Sheikha Latifa bint for her strategic contributions to Dubai's design ecosystem, including her role in developing the (d3). Huda Al Rostamani has been Managing Director and Board Member since 2007, focusing on , performance monitoring, new , and business turnaround functions. She holds a in medical engineering with a minor in data processing from , in addition to her from the same institution. In the automotive division, Hussam Baghdadi serves as , leading strategic growth toward a connected mobility ecosystem as of 2025. A notable leadership transition occurred in early 2025, with Michel Ayat retiring as CEO of AWR Automotive after 34 years of service, succeeded by Tom Fux in the role.

Group Companies

Automotive Sector

The Automotive Sector forms the cornerstone of the AW Rostamani Group's operations, encompassing vehicle distribution, after-sales services, and innovative mobility solutions that have driven significant growth since the group's . As the largest revenue contributor to the conglomerate, this sector leverages over five decades of expertise to serve the UAE market, focusing on premium brands and customer-centric innovations. At the heart of this sector is the Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC), established in 1968 as the flagship entity of the AW Rostamani Group and one of the leading automotive dealers in the GCC region. AAC serves as the exclusive distributor for , , and vehicles across and the Northern Emirates, operating a network of 11 new car showrooms, 10 service centers, 13 parts outlets, and a division to facilitate comprehensive sales and support. With more than 50 years in business, AAC has expanded from a single showroom to a nationwide presence, emphasizing excellence in vehicle delivery and . Complementing AAC's distribution efforts, AUTOTRUST provides specialized after-sales services, including multi-brand repairs, maintenance, and vehicle sales, with three advanced workshops in , , and Sharjah. This division ensures seamless support for and owners through state-of-the-art facilities and genuine parts distribution, contributing to the sector's reputation for reliable post-purchase care. Meanwhile, Prime Honda, acquired by the group in 2010, operates as a wholly owned and authorized dealership in , offering sales and service for vehicles with a focus on premium customer experiences across multiple showrooms. The sector's forward-looking initiatives are embodied in AWR Mobility and AWR , which address emerging needs in rentals, pre-owned sales, and . AWR Mobility, including the Shift subsidiary operational since 2008, delivers premium and subscription services via the SUBSCRIBE ME app, serving over 5,500 daily users and integrating connected mobility solutions. AWR handles the sale and trade-in of more than 1,000 reconditioned vehicles from brands like , , , and others, backed by rigorous quality checks and warranties. Recent innovations include partnerships to accelerate (EV) adoption, such as collaborations with UAEV and Charge&Go for expanded charging infrastructure and the introduction of and Smart EVs, positioning the group at the forefront of UAE's sustainable mobility transition. Additionally, in 2021, AAC implemented the Syncron Inventory solution to optimize service parts management, enhancing operational efficiency across the sector.

Real Estate and Properties

The AW Rostamani Group's real estate operations, primarily through its subsidiary AWR Properties, focus on the development, , and in commercial and residential properties across the , with a strong emphasis on and the Northern Emirates. Established in 1982 as Al Rostamani Real Estate, the division has built a diversified portfolio that supports the region's urban expansion, aligning with Dubai's since the late . In , it underwent rebranding to AWR Properties, marking a phase of renewed expansion into integrated developments. AWR Properties specializes in commercial and residential projects, including spaces, retail outlets, and mixed-use complexes that contribute to Dubai's skyline and infrastructure. A prominent example is the M Square development on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, which features 327 hotel rooms, 131 hotel apartments, 10 floors, 2 retail levels, and 182 residential apartments, strategically located near metro stations to enhance connectivity and urban accessibility. The company has also ventured into with the 458-room by Hilton Dubai in , secured through a management agreement with Hilton, representing its first foray into this sector and further diversifying its contributions to the city's and residential landscape. These initiatives underscore AWR Properties' role in fostering progressive urban environments, with properties designed to meet high standards of quality and . In addition to development, AWR Properties provides comprehensive property management services, encompassing leasing, maintenance, and facility operations for both its owned assets and third-party clients. This integrated approach includes site acquisition, project construction, tenant onboarding, and round-the-clock support, ensuring efficient management of residential, commercial, and retail spaces. The division's efforts integrate seamlessly with the broader AW Rostamani Group's operations, such as housing automotive showrooms within its properties to optimize space utilization across sectors. Overall, these activities have positioned AWR Properties as a key player in enhancing Dubai's ecosystem, supporting economic vitality through strategic, well-connected developments.

Logistics and Trading

The logistics and trading operations of AW Rostamani Group trace their roots to 1957, when the Al Rostamani brothers established the Central Trading Company as a general trading entity in , marking an early expansion from the group's initial bookstore venture in 1954. This foundation laid the groundwork for the group's evolution into specialized and freight services, with significant growth occurring through strategic partnerships and modern infrastructure developments by the . AW Rostamani Logistics, established in 1998 as a with Japan's Ltd. and Mitsui-Soko International, serves as a global provider of integrated freight forwarding, transportation, and solutions. The company offers customized services including land, sea, and air freight management, customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution, supporting efficient movement of goods across international borders. In the 2020s, it has incorporated digital advancements, such as AI-driven and through a with GEP software, enhancing visibility and efficiency in operations. Complementing these efforts, KAR Freight, Forwarding & Transport, a division acquired through partnership in the early , specializes in handling and international shipping as a provider. It maintains memberships in the World Cargo Alliance (WCA) and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), operating a GPS-equipped fleet to ensure reliable tracking and expanding its regional footprint in the . With a team exceeding 300 professionals, KAR focuses on tailored freight solutions for global clients, emphasizing seamless integration into broader supply chains. AW Rostamani Trading, an ISO 9001:2008-certified entity, handles the distribution of essential products such as CEAT tyres, AMARON batteries, TOTAL lubricants, FORTRON treatments, and X-Cool heat control films. Serving over 600 customers including dealers and end-users in the UAE, it provides inventory management and process optimization to support the group's automotive sector by ensuring availability of parts and accessories. This trading arm builds on the group's historical general trading legacy, adapting to contemporary demands for quality and reliability in supply.

Lifestyle and Lighting

AW Rostamani Lifestyle, launched in 2012, serves as the group's retail division, licensing, distributing, and retailing a diverse portfolio of international brands in , accessories, homeware, and to meet the demands of urban consumers in the UAE. This expansion into the sector during the capitalized on Dubai's growing retail market, with stores strategically located in prominent malls to enhance accessibility and . The division emphasizes innovative retail models that integrate digital elements, such as personalized shopping experiences, to differentiate in a competitive landscape. For instance, partnerships with luxury brands like Bianchet have introduced specialized watch retail concepts in , aligning with the group's commitment to premium consumer goods. AW Rostamani Lumina, founded in 1999, operates as the group's and distribution arm, producing high-quality luminaires, control equipment, and LED solutions tailored for commercial applications. It has evolved into a leading regional LED manufacturer, offering energy-efficient products through exclusive partnerships, including with Spanish brand Frater since 1999 and as the sole UAE distributor since 2015. These collaborations enable comprehensive end-to-end solutions, focusing on and innovation for various sectors. Lumina's products are integrated into the group's projects to promote energy-efficient designs, such as in AWR Properties' M Square development, where LED lighting enhances . This supports broader goals of reducing while maintaining high standards in commercial and residential spaces.

Other Ventures

In addition to its core sectors, the AW Rostamani Group has diversified into investments and , particularly through strategic partnerships that support and . These ventures include collaborations in distribution, such as the exclusive partnership with UAE announced in 2023, which introduces advanced Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and features in models like the Tiggo 8 Pro , aligning with UAE's green mobility goals. Similarly, the 2024 partnership with brings premium EVs like the to the market, featuring Sustainable Experience Architecture () for enhanced battery efficiency and safety, with the launch of ZEEKR 7X and first deliveries in October 2025. These initiatives tie briefly to the group's automotive extensions but emphasize technological advancements in . A key sustainability-linked investment post-2020 is the group's inaugural venture with SirajPower, launched in December 2023 with 1.7 MWp of solar capacity across four facilities to generate 2.85 GWh of clean energy annually and offset over 2,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year. In May 2025, the expanded with an additional 460 kWp installation, increasing the total capacity to 2.7 MWp. This handles financing, design, construction, and maintenance, marking the group's entry into to reduce reliance on non-renewable sources and support UAE's environmental vision. The group has also pursued initiatives since 2020, migrating critical systems to Infrastructure in 2023 to enhance agility and operational management across its conglomerate. Complementing this, adoption of Google Cloud unifies data from diverse sectors, driving innovation and customer experiences through advanced . These efforts reflect investments in business tools and talent development to maintain competitiveness in a tech-driven . Supportive entities like AWR , established in 1998 as an ISO 9001:2008-certified division, extend beyond primary automotive sales by offering quality-assured used vehicles with warranties and inspections, broadening access to reliable mobility options. Emerging areas further include agritech and , contributing to the group's portfolio in innovative, eco-friendly solutions. Overall, these other ventures play a crucial role in the group's diversification strategy, employing specialized teams to explore high-growth opportunities in and , thereby enhancing resilience and long-term value creation across its $2 billion operations with 3,000 employees.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Key Initiatives

In 2018, AW Rostamani Group launched its platform, "Enriching Communities," to affirm its commitment to supporting local and international communities while aligning with the UAE's vision for economic development and quality of life enhancement. The program is structured around four core pillars: environment, community, stakeholders, and workplace, embedding CSR into the organization's operations and culture. A key focus of the Enriching Communities program is education, encompassing scholarships, school partnerships, and Emiratization efforts to empower UAE nationals and underprivileged students. The group established the AWRostamani Endowed Scholarship Fund in partnership with Ajman University in 2023, providing financial support for underprivileged students pursuing higher education. School partnerships include back-to-school campaigns, such as distributing kits and outfits to students at the National Charity School in collaboration with charitable organizations. Emiratization initiatives promote the integration of UAE nationals into the workforce, highlighted by the annual AWR Emiratization Excellence Award, introduced in 2023 to recognize outstanding contributions by Emirati employees, and the group's receipt of the UAE Emiratisation Award for consecutive years. Environmental initiatives under the program emphasize in operations, promotion of electric vehicles (EVs), and support for . The group has integrated sustainable practices, such as its inaugural project in with SirajPower in 2023, to reduce carbon emissions across facilities. EV promotion is advanced through automotive s, including with to accelerate adoption in the UAE, aligning with national goals at events like WETEX 2024. In 2025, the group pledged AED 5 million, through the Al Jalila Foundation, to Health's Center for and treatment advancements. The group conducts annual reporting on CSR metrics through the Enriching Communities program, tracking progress across pillars and including employee volunteering hours to measure community engagement and impact.

Community Impact

The AW Rostamani Group's community impact in is evident through targeted support for individuals with and for local talent. In 2019, the group signed a with to enhance accessibility services for Students of Determination, providing financial and programmatic support to foster inclusive . Additionally, employee volunteers from the group participated in activities at the Dubai Autism Center, contributing to hands-on community outreach that promotes awareness and skill-building for those with . These efforts align with the Enriching Communities program, which embeds as a core pillar to empower underprivileged groups. Over 4,000 employees across the group's operations have been involved in broader programs, reflecting widespread internal mobilization for social good. Through initiatives like the Enriching Communities platform launched in , staff engagement has included volunteering events such as tree-planting drives and gatherings for orphans, fostering a culture of participation that extends the group's reach into local welfare. This level of involvement underscores the integration of CSR into daily operations, with employees from diverse sectors contributing to community enhancement. In environmental outcomes, the group has achieved measurable reductions in via sector-specific efficiencies. installations, including a 2023 partnership with SirajPower, offset over 2,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually across facilities, while expanded projects in 2025 reached a total capacity of 2.7 MWp, offsetting approximately 3,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to the of planting 50,000 trees. In the lighting sector, AW Rostamani Lumina's LED for DEWA projects saved 4,728,057 kWh of through sustainable and installation practices. Logistics operations have incorporated high-efficiency HVAC systems, improved insulation, and reduced in designs, further minimizing environmental impact. Complementing these, the 2025 partnership with launched the 'Best Sustainable Idea of the Year' competition at the alumni reunion, inviting community submissions for innovative green solutions aligned with UAE Vision 2031. Community engagement efforts include strategic donations and cultural participation that strengthen national ties. In March 2025, the group pledged AED 5 million, through the Al Jalila Foundation, to Dubai Health's Innovation Center, supporting advancements in medical technology and healthcare accessibility for underserved populations (as part of a combined AED 10 million contribution). For UAE National Day celebrations, the group has organized annual events featuring traditional performances, heritage activities, and employee gatherings to honor national unity, with colorful communal festivities. These actions emphasize a focus on UAE nationals' development, evidenced by the group's receipt of the Tawteen Award in 2018 for Emiratization efforts and its 2025 sponsorship of Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) initiatives to boost local talent in the labor market. Measurable results from these impacts include enhanced workforce diversity by 2025, with increased representation of female and Emirati employees driven by targeted programs. The group's #DrivenByWomen campaign for Emirati Women's Day 2025 highlighted six Emirati women leaders, promoting gender equity and professional growth across sectors like automotive and . Emiratization initiatives, including the Wa'ed national talent program, have contributed to higher local hiring rates, aligning with broader UAE goals for inclusive employment.

Awards and Recognitions

Business Excellence Awards

The AW Rostamani Group has received several accolades recognizing its , , and performance in core business areas, particularly within the automotive sector. These awards highlight the group's commitment to best practices, , and innovative processes across its subsidiaries. In 2014, Arabian Automobiles, the flagship automotive company of the AW Rostamani Group, became the first automotive distributor in the UAE to receive the Dubai Quality Award from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, honoring its business excellence and outstanding performance in systems. Building on this achievement, in 2017, Arabian Automobiles was awarded the Dubai Quality Gold Award by the same authority, recognizing sustained improvements in organizational performance, leadership, and strategic execution, marking it as the first automotive entity in the UAE to attain this level of excellence. In 2025, Chery UAE, represented by AW Rostamani Group as its exclusive distributor, secured four honors from Chery International during a ceremony in Dubai on May 6. These included the Best Dealer Award for exceptional facilities, customer service, and sales performance; the Full-Star Outstanding Dealer Award for dedication to brand philosophy and operational reliability; the Superior Service Experience Award for delivering high-quality customer interactions; and the Future Ecology Award for advancing eco-technologies, particularly in eco-robotics and sustainable mobility solutions. In the International Customer Experience Awards 2025, Omnia Ahmed from AW Rostamani received the Bronze Winner in the CX Leader of the Year category, recognizing strategic contributions to excellence.

Sustainability and Innovation Honors

The AW Rostamani Group has received several honors recognizing its efforts in and , particularly through its automotive subsidiaries. In 2022, Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC), the group's flagship automotive distributor, was awarded silver in the UAE Innovation Award for its innovative and operational enhancements, highlighting the company's contributions to technological advancement in the sector. In the realm of sustainability, Shift Car Rental, a key entity under the group, earned the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport in 2017 from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), acknowledging its eco-friendly practices in and reduced emissions during the award's ninth edition. A notable achievement came at the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2025, where AAC received the Silver Winner in the Best Social Impact category for its DriveToZero campaign, an initiative promoting sustainable mobility through community runs and zero-emission advocacy, underscoring the group's integration of with environmental goals. On November 13, 2025, AW Rostamani Group received recognition at the 3rd edition of the Emirates Labour Market Award, honoring its efforts in , empowerment of , occupational health and safety, and in the . These recognitions emphasize the group's strategic focus on blending with , aligning with UAE's national priorities for green mobility and responsible business.

References

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  31. https://www.awrostamani.com/about
  32. https://www.emeoutlookmag.com/company-profiles/129-aw-rostamani-lumina
  33. https://rocketreach.co/aw-rostamani-lumina-profile_b55f8601f624328b
  34. https://www.awrostamani.com/en
  35. https://www.fm-middleeast.com/business/article-44138-aw-rostamani-inks-deal-with-ict-for-retrofit
  36. https://www.awrostamani.com/static/pr/pr-chery-en.pdf
  37. https://www.awrostamani.com/static/pr/pr-zeekr-en.pdf
  38. https://www.cbs42.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/862169492/zeekr-uae-and-aw-rostamani-group-introduce-zeekr-7x-to-the-middle-east-with-landmark-first-deliveries
  39. https://www.awrostamani.com/static/pr/pr-siraj-en.pdf
  40. https://www.mepmiddleeast.com/news/aw-rostamani-positiv-zero-solar-partners
  41. https://sirajpower.com/aw-rostamani-group-embarks-on-inaugural-solar-venture-partners-with-sirajpower-to-deploy-cutting-edge-solar-solutions/
  42. https://www.oracle.com/ae/news/announcement/aw-rostamani-group-accelerates-growth-with-oci-2023-03-13/
  43. https://docs.cloud.google.com/customers/awrostamani
  44. https://en.nissan-dubai.com/nissan-certified/about-us.html
  45. https://www.ajman.ac.ae/en/news/2023/ajman-university-launches-awrostamani-endowed-scholarship-fund-to-support-underprivileged-students
  46. https://www.awrostamani.com/static/pr/pr-1-download.pdf
  47. https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/minister-of-human-resources-and-emiratisation-visits-al-rostamani-group-and-commends-its-exemplary-emiratisation-initiatives-xpia17vz
  48. https://www.wetex.ae/en/content-hub/news/2024/aw-rostamani-group-and-zeekr-vow-to-accelerate-ev-adoption-in-the-uae-at-wetex
  49. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zeekr-and-aw-rostamani-group-champion-innovation-and-sustainability-at-aus-alumni-reunion-302387247.html
  50. https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/easa-saleh-al-gurg-charity-foundation-and-aw-rostamani-group-pledge-combined-aed-10mln-to-dubai-healths-innovation-center-onyglj9i
  51. https://www.awrostamani.com/static/pr/pr-2-download.pdf
  52. https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/lists/the-top-100-arab-family-businesses/aw-rostamani-group/
  53. https://mid-east.info/aw-rostamani-group-reaches-2-7-mwp-solar-capacity-with-positive-zero-partnership/
  54. https://pcfc.ae/en/Rules%2520and%2520Regulations/Trakhees/Civil%2520Engineering%2520Department/Permits%2520%28Green%2520Buildings%29/Fact%2520Sheets/01.24awrostamanilogisticsllc.pdf
  55. https://dubaihealth.ae/w/easa-saleh-al-gurg-charity-foundation-and-aw-rostamani-group-pledge-combined-aed-10-million-to-dubai-health-s-innovation-center
  56. https://mohre.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/9/9/2025/nine-leading-companies-sponsor-mohre-initiatives-to-enhance-labour-market-competitiveness-worker
  57. https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/women-entrepreneur/drivenbywomen-an-emirati-womens-day-2025-campaign/496396
  58. https://cheryuae.com/news/detail/chery-uae-aw-rostamani-receive-4-prestigious-awards-from-che
  59. https://internationalcxaward.com/winners-and-finalists-2025
  60. https://gulfnews.com/business/corporate-news/arabian-automobiles-company-wins-silver-at-uae-innovation-award-1.1670319107689
  61. https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/shift-car-rental-is-awarded-the-dubai-award-for-sustainable-transport-xae47a4m
  62. https://www.gulfsustainabilityawards.com/winners-and-finalists-2025
  63. https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/community/under-the-patronage-of-mansour-bin-zayed-theyab-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-honours-winners-of-the-3rd-edition-of-emirates-labour-market-award/
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