Insights
Explore opinion pieces and thought leadership from AWR Group senior leaders and invited experts that analyse industry trends, policy changes and strategic challenges. These contributions aim to stimulate discussion, share our viewpoint and add constructive perspective to debates shaping our sector.
In a world that never stands still, transformation has become more than a corporate buzzword. It’s no longer just about new strategies or digital tools — at its heart, it's about people. True progress happens when organisations invest in nurturing their culture, growing their capabilities, and preparing for the generations that will follow. For us at AW Rostamani Group (AWR Group), our recent rebrand represents far more than a new look; it’s a symbol of an inward shift — a renewed focus on purpose, people, and the future we’re building together. The Changing Face of Talent The pace of change around us demands more than technical skill. It calls for curiosity, adaptability, and a deep connection to purpose. The old idea of talent as a resource to be managed is giving way to a new understanding: people are the ultimate differentiator. That means talent development can’t sit on the sidelines. It must be embedded within business strategy and measured with the same rigour as financial performance. Career pathways are no longer linear but dynamic and fluid — evolving in line with both market dynamics and individual aspirations. Organisations that thrive will be those that see learning not as a programme, but as a mindset — and culture as the constant thread running through every change. The Engine of Transformation However, even the most sophisticated strategies falter without a strong cultural foundation. As the popular saying goes, "culture eats strategy for breakfast." Cutting-edge technology and innovative business models only succeed when the culture evolves alongside them. The most successful organisations will be those that foster environments where ambition and well-being are mutually reinforcing, where experimentation is encouraged (even in failure), and where cross-generational collaboration thrives. This requires leadership that visibly invests in mentorship, celebrates innovation regardless of hierarchy, and makes development resources genuinely accessible. At AWR Group, we’ve learned that storytelling and lived experiences are what embed change. When people see their own values reflected in the organisation’s journey, transformation becomes real — and lasting. Embracing Generation Next This commitment to a vibrant culture and evolving talent landscape is rooted in our guiding principle, "Embrace Generation Next". It encapsulates the forward-looking mindset that sits at the heart of our transformation. It’s both a promise and a challenge — to ensure our growth today creates value for tomorrow. Purpose and performance are not competing priorities; they are partners in progress. Talented professionals — especially the younger generations — are seeking meaning in their work, drawn to companies whose mission resonates with their own values. They want to contribute to something larger than themselves — to sustainability, innovation, inclusion. When organisations align their business models with these aspirations, they not only attract top talent but also unlock deeper engagement and creativity. People at the Heart of Progress Ultimately, every transformation begins and ends with people. Companies that see their people as their biggest strength, that create spaces for ideas to flourish and leaders to grow, will shape the future. Today’s talent is ambitious, educated, and eager to make an impact. They deserve companies that genuinely believe in them, invest in their growth, and offer clear paths to leadership. That’s the essence of purposeful growth — and our rebrand is both a reflection of that belief and a reaffirmation of our readiness for what comes next.
When we talk about transformation, it’s easy to focus solely on strategy — on the frameworks, plans, and performance indicators that define progress. But strategy, on its own, isn’t enough. For strategy to live, it needs a voice. It needs a soul. And that’s what our new brand gives us. The launch of AWR Group’s evolved identity marks a turning point; not just in how we look, but in how we think, act, and grow together. It connects our history with our horizon, transforming more than seventy years of entrepreneurial legacy into a modern expression of who we are today, and what we stand for as we move towards Vision 2030 – and beyond. A strong brand is more than a logo or a colour palette. It’s a system: one that unites our businesses, strengthens our reputation, and enables us to speak with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Over the decades, AWR Group has diversified, expanded, and excelled across multiple sectors. This evolution brings that success story into a single, future-focused narrative: one voice, one promise, and one shared direction. It’s what allows us to be recognised, trusted, and, most importantly, chosen by our stakeholders, not only for what we do but for what we believe in. That belief is captured in our guiding purpose: Embrace Generation Next. It reflects our responsibility to future generations and our opportunity to shape a better one. It challenges us to think beyond the transactional, to innovate with meaning, and to ensure that progress is purposeful. It’s a statement that honours our late Founder’s vision and reinterprets it for a new era: one defined by sustainability, inclusion, and meaningful growth. The new brand is also about experience; it’s about how people feel when they engage with us. That’s why we chose to begin this transformation from within, launching it through our new Brand Immersion Centre at the Deira headquarters. It’s a living environment where our story comes to life — the sights, sounds, and spirit of AWR Group woven together to create an experience that’s both deeply human and powerfully strategic. Every detail is intentional: the colours, textures, storytelling, even the scent. It’s a space designed not only to showcase who we are, but to invite reflection on what it means to belong at AWR Group. Over the coming months, every one of our people will be invited to visit the Centre. Each visit is an opportunity to connect with our shared story, to feel the progress of the past, the strength of the present, and the promise of the future. Because a brand isn’t built through guidelines or templates — it’s built through people. Through the collective pride and belief that turn an identity into a culture. This is why our rebrand aligns so closely with our refreshed Values and Culture framework. The two are inseparable. Our transformation is as much about behaviour as it is about brand — about embedding a shared mindset of integrity, innovation, and impact across every part of the business. Our new values are the human translation of the visual system we’ve introduced. Visually, our identity draws strength from its simplicity. The palette — burgundy, orange, grey, and black — continues to carry meaning first defined by our late Founder. Each colour still carries its original intention but has been reimagined for a new era: bolder, more dynamic, more digital. At its centre sits the Generation Mark — three lines representing the past, present, and future — and the Journey Line, inspired by the flow of the Dubai Creek, a reminder that our story has always been one of motion and continuity. These are not decorative details; they are symbolic of who we are — rooted, ready, and relentless. As we move ahead, our challenge is to ensure that this isn’t a one-time launch, but an ongoing commitment — to consistency and cohesion. Our new tools, templates, and digital platforms will enable us to express the brand more seamlessly, but the real transformation happens when each of us brings it to life in what we say, how we behave, and the impact we create. Because in the end, a brand isn’t just what the world sees — it’s what the world feels. It’s the sum of the experiences we deliver, the values we embody, and the future we build together. This is our story: rooted in legacy, ready for the future, and relentless in the pursuit of progress. #WeAreAWR
The United Arab Emirates stands at the forefront of the global electric vehicle (EV) revolution with dedicated strategies such as the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, Green Mobility Strategy 2030, and the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative, among others. This World EV Day marks a moment to acknowledge how far we have come in embracing sustainable mobility - and to envision the road that lies ahead. In the UAE, electric mobility is now omnipresent and already a way of life, only made possible through strategic leadership and practical innovation that continues to reshape our economy and improve our standard of living. UAE’s vision for electric mobility The UAE EV market is projected to reach $1.8 billion in 2025, with over 30,000 EVs already registered in Dubai alone and major investments continuing to accelerate growth. Consumer perceptions in the UAE are rapidly shifting, with electric vehicles (EVs) increasingly viewed as a practical choice rather than a futuristic aspiration. While internal combustion (IC) and hybrid cars still represent the current majority of the market, the accelerating growth of EV sales - underlined by a surge in demand and triple-digit pre-bookings for new models - indicates a clear preference for the lower day-to-day running costs EVs offer. This momentum is being supported by strategic partnerships across sectors, these are crucial for building the comprehensive ecosystem needed to support the UAE's ambitious goals and to remove any remaining range anxiety for customers. Building a complete EV ecosystem The UAE is a magnet for talent and residents, with Dubai alone projected to have its population nearly double to 7.8 million by 2040. This unprecedented growth means more people and, inevitably, more cars on our roads. While ambitious public transport projects like Etihad Rail will revolutionise intercity travel, they are not a replacement for personal mobility. Our private vehicles remain a crucial part of daily life for commuting, family needs, and last-mile connectivity. Therefore, we must focus on transforming the vehicles themselves to meet our sustainability goals. The true measure of our success will be our ability to scale a complete EV ecosystem that seamlessly integrates with a growing population, ensuring that every new vehicle added to our roads is a step toward a cleaner, greener future for all. But achieving a fully electric future requires building a resilient, inclusive mobility ecosystem. This includes: • Expanding accessibility: Our progress hinges on deep collaboration between government, business leaders, and the public. Through joint initiatives, legislative updates, and continued investment in research and development, we are building a future ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Nationwide deployment of charging stations, including in remote areas, ensures every resident can rely on EVs without range anxiety. Strategic partnerships are deploying integrated infrastructure and hundreds of accessible charging stations across the emirates. Adding to this, we have forged strategic alliances with partners like UAEV, ADNOC and Charge&Go by e& to provide our customers with exclusive access to their extensive charging networks. • Driving education and awareness: Events like World EV Day open valuable conversations about EV ownership, battery life, maintenance, and charging. Industry stakeholders must work together to demystify the technology and empower consumers with knowledge, ensuring the transition is smooth and transparent. • AWR Group is moving beyond consumer-facing initiatives, by actively incentivising our own employees to adopt electric vehicles. This includes providing free or subsidised charging at the workplace, integrating EVs into our company fleet, and offering attractive internal purchase programmes. • Promoting choice and innovation: The UAE’s vibrant market now offers a diverse range of EVs - from compact city cars and luxury models to commercial vehicles - allowing more people to find an electric solution that fits their needs and budget. Corporate adoption is rising, with widespread transition in logistics, ride-hailing, and public transport sectors • From our perspective, our portfolio includes EV brands Zeekr and smart, which are introducing models that combine cutting-edge design and performance with the latest in sustainable technology. Powering a bright, sustainable future The journey to electrification is not a solo effort but rather a shared responsibility for all involved. On this World EV Day, the UAE celebrates not only its remarkable progress but also the partnerships that make it possible. By working together, we can accelerate momentum and shape a cleaner, quieter, and more resilient mobility landscape, setting a new standard for generations to come. The road ahead is electric, illuminated by innovation and guided by our collective vision for a sustainable future.
The world continues to break weather records; the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) now indicates an 86% chance that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a notable increase from their 2024 outlook. This global warming trend is manifesting locally through unprecedented heatwaves, such as a May temperature record for the UAE, and anomalous heavy rainfall. The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2025 further underscores this vulnerability, highlighting extreme weather as the second most likely cause of a global crisis this year, with environmental risks dominating the top long-term concerns. The implications can be drastic for nations heavily reliant on imports for essential goods, particularly food (around 85% of food needs are imported) and manufactured products. Major import source markets, including India, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and various European nations, are simultaneously experiencing unprecedented climate challenges. Droughts in agricultural powerhouses, severe storms disrupting port operations in key Asian manufacturing hubs, and heatwaves impacting labour productivity in European distribution centres directly ripple through intricate global supply chains. These interconnected disruptions create a domino effect, leading to extended transit times, increased freight costs, and heightened volatility in commodity prices, ultimately affecting the cost of living and business operations. However, the UAE has taken a lead in proactively addressing these challenges by embracing smart logistics and leveraging the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive route planning and real-time adjustments. This transformative approach allows businesses to proactively avoid disruptions, maintain efficiency, and bolster supply chain resilience. For instance, in maritime shipping, AI-powered platforms analyse vast datasets, including historical weather patterns, real-time oceanic conditions, port congestion, and geopolitical events. Suppose a significant storm is forecast to impact the Suez Canal, for example. In that case, the system can instantly suggest alternative routes around the Cape of Good Hope, calculating optimal speeds and fuel consumption to minimise delays and costs, rather than waiting for the disruption. This predictive capability is crucial for the UAE, which relies on global sea lanes for its imports. Beyond major shipping routes, AI is revolutionising last-mile delivery within the UAE's bustling cities. Consider a logistics provider managing a fleet of delivery vans: traditionally, routes might be static, leading to inefficiencies during unexpected traffic jams or sudden downpours. Smart logistics, real-time traffic data, live weather feeds, and even public event schedules are continuously fed into an AI engine. If a sudden sandstorm reduces visibility on a main artery, the AI can immediately re-optimise routes for the affected vehicles, rerouting them to clear roads and notifying customers of adjusted delivery times with remarkable precision. Furthermore, predictive maintenance powered by AI, which extensively use sensors and machine learning t, ensures that vehicles and machinery across the supply chain are proactively serviced, significantly reducing the risk of breakdowns and further delays due to mechanical failures. "Smart packaging" takes this commitment to resilience a step further by utilising advanced, protective materials and embedded sensors to ensure product integrity and visibility, even in challenging conditions. This is particularly vital as a country because we import a significant volume of temperature-sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, and high-value electronics. For instance, pharmaceutical companies increasingly employ smart packaging with time-temperature indicators (TTIs) and RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags. These TTIs change colour if the temperature inside the package deviates from the required range, providing an immediate visual alert to logistics personnel. Simultaneously, RFID tags allow for continuous, real-time tracking of the package's precise location and environmental conditions throughout its journey from a factory, across vast oceans, and through scorching desert climates, ensuring that the vaccine's efficacy is never compromised and enabling immediate intervention if an issue arises. Beyond temperature control, smart packaging offers unparalleled visibility and anti-counterfeiting measures, a critical concern in a globalised market. High-value fashion items or luxury electronics arriving in Abu Dhabi port might now be enclosed in packaging with NFC (Near-Field Communication) tags. When scanned with a smartphone or specialised reader, these tags can authenticate the product's origin, display its whole supply chain journey, and even reveal details about its manufacturing process. This builds consumer trust and provides a powerful deterrent against counterfeit goods, protecting both brands and consumers. Furthermore, embedded humidity sensors prove invaluable for sensitive electronics and machinery imports, alerting logistics operators if moisture levels exceed safe thresholds during transit, preventing costly damage and ensuring product quality upon arrival. Combining the predictive power of smart logistics and the protective assurance of smart packaging is key to forging a truly robust and resilient supply chain in the face of escalating climate volatility. This integrated approach creates a symbiotic relationship: smart logistics identifies and mitigates macro-level disruptions across entire networks, while smart packaging safeguards product integrity at the micro-level, ensuring that even if unforeseen challenges arise, the goods remain viable and valuable. Ultimately, this integrated approach—where smart logistics mitigates macro-level disruptions and smart packaging safeguards micro-level integrity—is the key to future-proofing supply chains. It's a core belief driving forward-thinking logistics providers today. As a leader in the UAE, AWR Logistics has made this ethos central to its mission, pioneering a seamless ecosystem of AI-driven logistics and advanced packaging. By doing so, we empower our clients to not only navigate global challenges but also thrive, building resilient supply chains that can withstand the tests of our time.
My career journey began with a bachelor’s degree in international business studies at university, a path that has proven invaluable in navigating the UAE's rapidly evolving economic landscape. What started as traditional business education has evolved into a career at the intersection of strategic procurement, supply chain management, and the UAE's continued economic transformation. The landscape for developing projects, acquiring goods and services, particularly for technically complex developments, has transformed dramatically from what I witnessed early in my career to the sophisticated ecosystem I navigate today. The role of business-specific studies in the UAE’s progress The UAE's remarkable progress in diversifying its economy tells a story of intentional transformation across all sectors, including the critical business functions that support our nation's growth. This achievement represents thousands of individual journeys across diverse professional fields, each contributing to a broader narrative of economic diversification that defines our nation's trajectory. This transformation stems from ambitious national initiatives that prioritise industrial growth and technological advancement. The UAE's commitment to more than doubling its industrial sector contribution to GDP by 2031 as part of Operation 300bn has created unprecedented demand not just for technical expertise, but for sophisticated business management across manufacturing, clean energy, and innovation-driven industries. As the nation pursues sustainable economic diversification through advanced industrial capabilities, professionals with strong business foundations find themselves managing complex procurement processes, optimising supply chains, and ensuring strategic resource allocation for projects that combine technical rigour with strategic impact. Supporting Emiratis through bespoke programmes At AWR Group, our Emiratisation strategy, Wa'ed—meaning "promise" in Arabic—is our pledge to identify, develop, and retain top Emirati talent. The programme places graduates into dynamic roles across our diversified portfolio, from strategic acquisition and group-wide supply chain operations to emerging sectors like agri-tech and sustainable packaging. These positions are far from traditional; they demand sophisticated analytical thinking and strategic business acumen to manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and optimise supply chains for complex industrial projects. We provide structured mentorship and clear career progression paths, ensuring that our Emirati professionals are not just participants, but future leaders who are ready to drive our nation's progress. The multiplier effect of business education The generational impact of excellence in business education and strategic thinking has a multiplier effect that extends well beyond organisational boundaries. Today's emerging business professionals see role models in boardrooms, strategic planning offices, and more. They witness colleagues, mentors, and industry leaders managing complex supply chains, negotiating strategic partnerships, and optimising operations that support cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space technology. When we empower diverse talent to lead in business functions that support technical innovation and strategic growth, we ensure that today's economic transformation creates lasting impact for generations to come. This approach builds a future where business excellence transcends traditional boundaries, where the most effective strategies emerge from the richest diversity of perspectives, and where every generation contributes to our collective economic progress. The foundation of any successful economy lies not just in technical innovation but in the business expertise that brings those innovations to market, manages their implementation, and ensures their sustainable growth. As Emiratis, we have the opportunity to lead in these critical business functions that support our nation's continued transformation.
The UAE's commercial real estate landscape is experiencing a transformation that goes beyond typical market cycles. We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, where they locate, and what they expect from their physical spaces. This evolution presents both unprecedented challenges and remarkable opportunities for developers ready to embrace change. As the sector navigates this new reality, success increasingly belongs to those who understand that tomorrow's commercial spaces must do more than house businesses; they must enable them to thrive. A Market in Full Momentum The numbers tell a compelling story. Prime office districts like Business Bay and JLT report occupancy rates exceeding 90%, while DIFC approaches near-total capacity. But these statistics only hint at the deeper transformation underway. Multinational corporations are establishing regional headquarters, startups are scaling rapidly, and established businesses are expanding their footprint, contributing to demand that consistently outpaces supply. This growth extends well beyond traditional commercial districts. Along Jumeirah and Al Wasl roads, we see residential villas transform into boutique retail spaces, wellness centers, and culinary destinations. It's a natural evolution that reflects changing consumer preferences for accessible, community-focused experiences over traditional retail formats. The trend continues in emerging neighborhoods like Nad Al Sheba and Mirdif, where smaller shopping complexes offer convenient alternatives to mega-malls. Supported by government-led community initiatives like 'Hewi Dubai,' these developments signal a broader shift toward creating vibrant, service-oriented communities where people live, work, and play. Industrial Transformation at Scale Perhaps nowhere is change more dramatic than in the industrial sector. Dubai's logistics demand surged by an extraordinary 225% in 2024, while vacancy rates remain at just 3%. This development points to a reimagining of the country's supply chain infrastructure. The Etihad Rail project illustrates this vision at scale, creating inland freight hubs that enhance regional connectivity. Simultaneously, the UAE's growing AI and cloud data center requirements drive demand for specialized facilities, adding new dimensions to the industrial landscape. An exciting dynamic is emerging in traditional industrial zones. As land values increase in central locations, some of these areas are being repurposed into mixed-use developments. Meanwhile, industrial operations are migrating to purpose-built facilities on the periphery, creating opportunities for innovative projects that blur the lines between commercial sectors. Supply Constraints Drive Innovation Current market dynamics present both challenges and catalysts for innovation. Warehouse rents increased over 20% year-on-year in Q1 2025, while some developers now convert residential units to office spaces — clear indicators of shifting priorities. Rather than viewing these constraints as obstacles, forward-thinking developers see opportunity. JAFZA's recent AED 90 million investment in Grade A logistics infrastructure demonstrates this approach. Featuring customizable units and temperature-controlled warehouses, these facilities address the complex needs of modern supply chains while setting new standards for the sector. Sustainability as Strategy Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have evolved from compliance requirements to competitive advantages. Green certification is now table stakes for attracting quality tenants, particularly multinationals with global sustainability commitments. However, modern ESG encompasses far more than environmental metrics. Today's Grade A commercial spaces integrate smart building systems, AI-powered management platforms, and wellness-focused design elements. Properties combining these features command premium rents and attract long-term tenants, proving that sustainable development delivers tangible returns. This comprehensive approach to sustainability reflects growing recognition that buildings must support both business objectives and broader social goals. The most successful developments create environments that enhance productivity, promote wellbeing, and minimize environmental impact. Shaping Tomorrow's Commercial Landscape Looking forward, two trends will define the UAE's commercial real estate future: purposeful integration and adaptive design. The next generation of developments must create ecosystems where different uses complement and enhance each other. Mixed-use projects seamlessly blending office, retail, and lifestyle components will become the norm. Industrial facilities will evolve into smart logistics hubs equipped with automation and real-time tracking capabilities. Traditional office buildings will transform into flexible environments that adapt to changing work patterns. Success in this evolving landscape requires thinking beyond conventional metrics. Developers must understand how technology reshapes business operations, how sustainability drives decision-making, and how flexibility enables growth. Those who master these elements will create lasting value for tenants, investors, and communities. The Path Forward The UAE's commercial real estate sector stands at an inflection point. The opportunities are substantial for developers willing to embrace innovation, investors seeking long-term value, and businesses requiring world-class facilities. By creating purpose-built spaces anticipating market evolution while meeting current needs, we can position the UAE as a global leader in commercial real estate innovation.