Embrace generation next

At AWR Group, we’re at work for a planet that prospers. With a 75-year legacy, we build purposeful businesses that enrich life for every generation — guided by integrity, enterprise, and a shared sense of progress.

About us

Building a sustainable future together

Our comprehensive ESG framework shapes how we grow — with innovation, impact, inclusion, and integration at its core. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE’s Net Zero vision, it’s our blueprint for a more responsible tomorrow.

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Powering up with solar

In partnership with SirajPower, we've launched solar energy initiatives across our showrooms and service centres in Dubai - generating an estimated 2.83 gigawatt-hours of clean energy every year and reducing our carbon footprint with every charge.

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Nurturing bright minds

From our beginnings as Dubai’s first bookshop, learning has always been part of our DNA. Since 2017, our teams have completed 35,000 training hours across 222 courses and 17 business school certifications — investing in growth that lasts generations.

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Designed for connection, creativity, and wellbeing

We’ve reimagined our headquarters as a living expression of our culture — a workspace built for collaboration, innovation, and community. With light-filled spaces, natural textures, and olive-tree piazzas, it’s where ideas — and people — thrive.

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From one venture to a multi-sector, multi-market footprint

What began in 1954 as Dubai’s first bookshop, founded by Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani, has grown into a group spanning multiple sectors and markets.



From automotive and logistics to real estate and beyond, our businesses are united by one belief: that business can be a force for good — enriching the lives of generations, today and tomorrow.


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Latest on the industry

February 25, 2026
Company is expanding into new fruits and leafy greens through horizontal high-tech agriculture UAE-based agritech firm Armela is finalising plans for a horizontal high-tech strawberry facility and evaluating production of baby spinach and blueberries, its founder and chief executive said. “This will support year-round production and distribution,” Avir Shah told Zawya Projects on the sidelines of Gulf Food event in Dubai. Shah said the company holds 80–85 percent share of the UAE’s lettuce market and is expanding its footprint in kale and cucumber through farm acquisitions. The company produces an average of 4.2 tonnes of premium hydroponic lettuce annually from its high-tech facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, alongside kale and cucumbers from lower-tech farms. It is also conducting trials for broccoli, a crop it currently imports at scale from Kenya. “We are among the largest importers of broccoli in the UAE. Now we’re testing whether we can grow it locally year-round through mid-tech greenhouse solutions,” Shah said. Backed by the UAE-based AWR, Armela operates both horizontal and vertical farms but has stayed away from high-tech vertical farming. Shah noted that high-tech vertical farming requires higher upfront investment, carries higher production costs and offers limited crop variety compared with horizontal farming. Moreover, abundant sunlight makes high-tech horizontal farms more cost-efficient and scalable. “Vertical farming is still in the research and development (R&D) stage. There are only a few niche products like microgreens that work economically,” said Shah. Growth story Armela was founded in 2016, initially operating a small research farm growing herbs, lettuce and tomatoes. After two years of R&D, the company converted its facility entirely to lettuce production, selling out within six to eight months and triggering an expansion strategy centred on high-tech horizontal hydroponics. “We were the only player at the time to successfully operate a high-tech hydroponic lettuce facility at scale, delivering consistent yield all year round,” said Shah. The company owns and operates all its farms and supplies Tier 1 and Tier 2 retailers across the UAE, wholesale markets as well as e-commerce platforms like Talabat with Noon, Amazon, and Careem expected to follow shortly. Armela also operates a temperature-controlled logistics fleet of more than 30 vehicles, monitored around the clock. Over the past six months, the company has launched and grown a trading arm sourcing fruits and commodities globally and branding premium produce under its Armela label. A newer brand, Origins by Armela, focuses on origin-based sourcing, grading and repackaging of high-quality produce from trusted international suppliers. Shah said the company has positioned itself at the premium end of the market, with locally grown lettuce now priced above imports, driven by growing brand recognition. Bank talks Looking ahead, Armela plans to fund expansion through bank financing and potential equity investment. “With revenues growing and strong cash flow, we’re now exploring banking facilities for expansion and working capital. we're open to equity investment as well,” Shah said. He added that UAE banks have shown increasing appetite for agritech financing, reflecting growing confidence in controlled-environment agriculture.
February 11, 2026
smart, the premium intelligent electric automotive brand, presented by AW Rostamani Group (AWR Group) in the UAE, announced the official launch of the highly anticipated smart #5 at a landmark event at the iconic Skydive Dubai. The all-electric mid-size SUV is smart’s most versatile electric SUV to date, designed to bridge the gap between city living and outdoor exploration. The launch arrives at a pivotal moment for the UAE’s automotive market. The nation has established itself as a global leader in electric mobility readiness, supported by the UAE’s National Electric Vehicles Policy which aims to have 25% of all vehicles on the road be electric or hybrid by 2030. With the UAE’s EV market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 41.2% between 2025 and 2030, the introduction of the smart #5 is perfectly timed to meet the surging consumer demand for innovative and sustainable vehicles. “The UAE is a global hub for innovation and an important market for smart. Launching the smart #5 here is a testament to our commitment to this forward-thinking nation,” said Ms. Mandy Zhang, Global CMO of smart. “The #5 is the physical manifestation of our beyond conventional boundaries philosophy, a vehicle that empowers users to see, to move, to explore, and to grow. It is engineered for a new generation of adventurers who desire sustainability, sophistication and safety. We are confident that with our trusted partner, AWR Group, the smart #5 will resonate deeply with the lifestyle and aspirations of customers in the UAE.” Roberto Colucci, Director of EVs at AWR Group, commented, “As the official distributor for smart in the UAE, we are proud to bring the revolutionary smart #5 to our discerning customers. We understand that drivers here need a vehicle that can navigate the dynamic energy of Dubai and Abu Dhabi yet also offer the freedom to explore the country’s beautiful natural landscapes over the weekend. The smart #5 is that vehicle. From its game-changing 10% to 80% (SoC) charging capability in 15 minutes to the UAE-exclusive Dune variant, it is engineered with local lifestyles firmly in mind. For those who demand the ultimate in performance, the smart #5 BRABUS delivers an exhilarating experience, combining 475 kW peak output with exclusive design details that set a new benchmark for electric performance SUVs. This launch represents an important milestone in our continued commitment to advancing electric mobility and expanding premium EV choice in the UAE.” The smart #5 is built on a foundation of cutting-edge technology and user-centric design. At its heart is the industry-leading 4C super-fast charging battery technology, capable of charging from 10% to 80% (SoC) in just 15 minutes. This breakthrough effectively eliminates range anxiety, enabling spontaneous journeys across both urban environments and off-road terrain. The interior redefines “Contemporary Premium” with features including a 20-speaker Sennheiser® Signature Sound system with Dolby Atmos, dual 13-inch OLED touchscreens, and an exceptionally quiet cabin achieving an industry-leading 86.5% Articulation Index, reinforcing its position as one of the most refined cabins in its class. Four distinct variants of the smart #5 are now available to customers in the UAE, offering a tailored proposition across performance, luxury, and adventure-focused driving needs: • Pro: Starting from AED 159,900, the well-equipped entry point features rear-wheel drive, 250 kW of power, and an impressive 465 km of WLTP range, delivering 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. • Premium: Starting from AED 199,900, this mid-tier choice offers enhanced luxury, an extended range of up to 590 km, and advanced technology features including the premium Sennheiser audio system. • Dune: Starting from AED 209,900, this UAE-exclusive edition is tailored for desert adventures, featuring specialized capabilities for sand driving and unique styling that celebrates the region's landscape. • BRABUS: Starting from AED 219,900, the pinnacle of performance and design, co-created with the renowned tuning house to deliver an exhilarating 475 kW as the peak output with all-wheel drive, achieving 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, alongside exclusive BRABUS-embroidered Dinamica® seats and 21-inch Monoblock Z wheels. The launch of the smart #5 signals a bold new era for the brand, expanding its product family to cater to a growing demand for versatile, sustainable, and premium mobility solutions. It is a vehicle designed not just for the journey, but for the destination and the discoveries along the way. For more information or to book your smart #5, please visit: https://uae.smart.com/en/models/smart-5
February 4, 2026
As we unveiled our refreshed brand in October 2025, we also introduced a renewed culture and a set of values that capture who we are and how we aspire to work together. Our culture at AWR Group isn’t written in manuals or confined to meetings. It lives in our daily actions, in the choices we make, and in the way we show up for one another. These values are the foundation of how we think, collaborate, lead, and grow, as individuals and as one group. They reflect our shared belief that true progress happens when creativity meets integrity, when ambition is driven by purpose, and when every one of us feels empowered to make a difference. We Are Enterprising We think creatively and embody a forward-looking spirit. Being enterprising means having the curiosity to explore new ideas and the courage to bring them to life. It’s about being bold enough to challenge the norm, take initiative, and keep learning from every experience. This mindset fuels passion in our work environment, inspiring innovation, agility, and growth. We celebrate those who see opportunity in change and who turn possibilities into meaningful progress. We Are Purposeful We feel a responsibility to create meaningful progress for all. Purpose is what turns work into contribution. At AWR Group, it means staying connected to something bigger than ourselves, creating value that goes beyond profit and builds a legacy of trust and impact. Being purposeful is about working with intention, aligning our efforts to a clear direction, and finding fulfilment in making a real difference for our customers, communities, and colleagues. We Act with Integrity We are honest, sincere, and accountable in everything we do. Integrity is our foundation - the value that shapes how we lead, decide, and interact. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Acting with integrity means showing fairness and transparency, respecting the legacy of our founders, and holding ourselves to high ethical standards. It fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and sustains the culture we are proud to build every day. Across more than 3,300 colleagues and 65 nationalities, these values unite us. They give meaning to our work and direction to our future. We have also since introduced our Culture Ambassadors, colleagues from across the Group who will bring these values to life, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the moments when our culture truly shines. “Our brand refresh is more than a new look; it’s also a renewed promise to our people. These values are how we bring that promise to life: through everyday choices, courageous conversations, and a shared commitment to create an environment where every colleague can grow and contribute.” - Caroline Hobeika, Chief Human Resources Officer at AWR Group This is our culture in motion. Rooted in values, driven by people, and shaped by the choices we make together.
February 4, 2026
L-R: Eyas Kayaly, Senior Learning & Development Specialist, Rowan Elbardicy, Manager - Learning & Development, Aayah Almutawa, Learning & Development Specialist, Hala Kabarah, Head of Learning & Development. Education today is no longer confined to classrooms, curricula, or platforms. It takes shape through experience, participation, and relevance - shaped by the people closest to the work and the realities they navigate every day. Across AWR Group, learning is approached as a shared responsibility. One that is built through collaboration between teams, partners, and institutions, and strengthened through real-world application. On International Day of Education, this perspective carries particular relevance - inviting reflection on how learning creates impact when it is actively shaped, applied, and sustained over time. Learning grounded in practice In 2025, AWR Group’s learning ecosystem continued to evolve around one central principle: learning should support people in doing their work better, with confidence and clarity. This year alone, 67 in-person training programmes were delivered across the Group, engaging 806 delegates and clocking 5,307 hours of face-to-face learning. These sessions created space for dialogue, skill-building, and shared problem-solving - reinforcing the value of learning that happens in proximity to real challenges and lived experience. Alongside in-person learning, digital capability continued to scale through AWR Academy, the Group’s learning platform powered by Cornerstone. In 2025, this translated into: • 22,485 learning hours viewed • 39,064 courses accessed • 27,013 courses completed Taken as a whole, these moments point to a learning culture built on consistency rather than intensity - where progress grows steadily through access, flexibility, and choice. Learning shaped through partnership Education gains depth when it is informed by diverse perspectives. Across AWR Group, partnerships with academic institutions and specialist providers play a critical role in expanding how learning is designed and delivered. Formal collaborations with Higher Colleges of Technology and University of Wollongong Dubai continue to strengthen the bridge between academic learning and professional application. These partnerships are complemented by programmes delivered with reputable external providers including SCQuARE Training, Biz Group, Dr. Soha Chahine, and Amr Habbal - each contributing specialised expertise that aligns learning with evolving business needs. Beyond professional development, early exposure to the workplace remains an important part of AWR Group’s learning ecosystem. Internship and graduate training pathways continue to welcome students from a wide range of institutions, including: • Higher Colleges of Technology • University of Wollongong • Ajman University • Manipal University • University of Dubai • Middlesex University • Heriot-Watt University As well as schools such as Arb or School, Emirates International School, GEMS Wellington, Dubai International Academy, and King’s School Al Barsha. Seen over time, these touchpoints illustrate the value of continuity in learning - from early exposure through to professional progression. Learning, from the inside out At the heart of any learning ecosystem are the people who shape it every day. Across AWR Group, the Learning & Development team plays a central role in curating opportunities, enabling access, and supporting teams as they build capability over time. Their perspective on education is grounded in the same principles that underpin the Group’s approach. Hala Kabarah, Head of Learning & Development, reinforces the importance of individual ownership in the learning journey: “Commitment to learning is a personal responsibility. It requires discipline, intention, and a willingness to invest in your own growth over time. Training creates opportunity, but real development happens when individuals choose to engage, apply, and take ownership of their progress.” Aayah Almutawa, Learning & Development Specialist, shares: “Education shapes how we think, builds confidence, and helps us unlock our potential. For our Emirati talent, learning creates space to grow, lead, and contribute meaningfully. Progress comes from curiosity, commitment, and staying open to growth over time.” Eyas Kayaly, Senior Learning & Development Specialist, adds: “Continuous learning helps us adapt, innovate, and perform at our best. AWR Academy gives employees the flexibility to explore new skills and invest in their growth at their own pace. Learning is a journey - and the platform is there to support that journey every step of the way.” For Rowan Elbardicy, Manager - Learning & Development, the value of learning lies in its practicality: “Learn one thing that makes your job easier. Not more complex - easier. Choosing learning that matters to you is how capability turns into impact.” A shared ecosystem of learning As organisations reflect on the role of education today, one idea continues to resonate: learning delivers its greatest value when it is co-created - shaped through partnership, grounded in practice, and guided by long-term intent. At AWR Group, education continues to take shape through people, participation, and purposeful design. Not as a standalone initiative, but as a shared ecosystem that evolves alongside the business and the people within it.

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