AWR Group has been honoured at the third Emirates Labour Market Awards, receiving recognition in the Elite category for its outstanding contribution to Emiratisation and progressive workforce development. The award was presented by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development, at a glittering ceremony in Abu Dhabi, held under the p atronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. AWR Group was acknowledged as one of the UAE's leading private sector employers for its pioneering efforts in driving labour market excellence and meaningful Emiratisation outcomes. Accepting the award on behalf of AWR Group were Eman AlBastaki, Director of Emiratisation and Government Relations, and Nasser AlAhmed, Executive Director of Business Development, who represented the Group at the event. Eman AlBastaki, Director of Emiratisation and Government Relations said, “This recognition reflects our deep commitment to empowering Emirati talent and supporting the nation's vision for economic growth. Through our comprehensive Wa’ed strategy that includes in-house training and mentorship programmes, we're creating very specific growth pathways for Emiratis to build rewarding careers in industries that are shaping the future. We're proud to invest in the next generation of leaders who will drive the UAE forward." AWR Group's Wa’ed strategy is dedicated to supporting Emirati talent, fostering future leaders while growing and retaining the number of nationals within the workforce. Wa’ed meaning promise drives Emirati talent development through structured learning and real-world experience. The strategy includes internships, a one-year graduate programme, continuous learning modules, educational partnerships, and recognition awards, among others. AWR Group’s Graduate Programme leads to permanent roles after a year of rotations, with over 32 dedicated training modules for UAE nationals. Strategic educational partnerships with universities including Higher Colleges of Technology and Ajman University provide Emiratis direct access to career opportunities. Collaborations with government entities such as the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation and Nafis ensure initiatives are impactful and meet national Emiratisation goals. Further strengthening these efforts, the AWR Automotive Academy at HCT Sharjah offers technical and vocational training. It has pioneered electric vehicle training for Grade 9 and 10 students, building a future-ready talent pipeline at the grassroots education level. In October 2025, the Group launched its Sales Academy. This six-month programme blends classroom learning with practical experience. Partnering with the Emirates Institute of Finance and utilising the Nafis Programme, it covers sales training, product expertise, and cross-departmental exposure. The Wa’ed Awards recognise top performers, presenting Individual Development Plans for fast-tracked career growth. A dedicated Wa’ed Committee drives further initiatives and deeper engagement.

In a landmark collaboration, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), Dubai Chambers, AW Rostamani Group, Nissan Middle East, and Dubai Business Group Auto Parts & Accessories convened a dedicated workshop to reinforce the UAE’s vehicle safety framework under Cabinet Resolution No. 12 of 2018. The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the resolution’s requirements, emphasizing the role of conformity assessment Schemes in ensuring that spare parts comply with national safety standards. Discussions highlighted the regulation’s impact on safeguarding critical vehicle components such as brakes, seat belts, and lighting systems, all essential to driver and passenger safety. Aligned with the UAE’s Operation 300bn strategy, which seeks to grow the industrial sector’s GDP contribution to AED 300 billion by 2031, this collaboration positions the country as a global hub for quality, innovation, and industrial excellence. HE Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for Standardization Affairs sector, at ministry of Industry & Advanced Ttechnology (MoIAT), highlighted the UAE’s strong progress in advancing a robust and future-ready quality infrastructure that underpins sustainable industrial growth and consumer safety. She noted that the UAE has advanced its ranking from 11th to 5th place globally in the 2024 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index (UNIDO) in group L, reflecting the country’s leadership in technical regulations, standardization, and conformity assessment. Dr. Al Zarooni emphasized that maintaining a robust, efficient, and economically sustainable regulatory ecosystem is essential to ensuring the safety and competitiveness of products in local and global markets. Under Cabinet Resolution No. (12) of 2018, the mandatory UAE system for vehicle spare parts has achieved significant milestones as followed: 88 companies representing 184 brands from 68 countries, with 3,475 conformity certificates issued for over 81,000 products. This advancement reflects the strong collaboration between MoIAT and industry partners, whose commitment joint efforts support the implementation of national standards and reinforces consumer confidence. Aligned with the “Make it in the Emirates” (MIITE) initiative and the Operation 300bn strategy, MoIAT continues to foster innovation, sustainability, and investment attractiveness through modernized regulations, digital transformation, and incentive programs that empower national industries. Maha Al Gargawi, Vice President of Business Advocacy, Dubai Chambers, said: “Our collaboration with MoIAT, Nissan Middle East, and AW Rostamani Group reflects Dubai Chamber’s commitment to raising industry standards and protecting consumer confidence. The UAE’s automotive sector is expanding rapidly, and with growth comes the responsibility to ensure that every spare part in our market meets the highest levels of safety, quality, and compliance. In line with this growth, Dubai has been spearheading the facilitation of platforms such as the workshop for the private sector and policymakers to work hand in hand, strengthen regulations, eliminate counterfeits, and drive the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry.” Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President, President – Middle East, KSA & CIS, Nissan and INFINITI, said: “At Nissan, safety and quality are of utmost importance . As a global automotive manufacturer, we are deeply committed to ensuring that our genuine parts reach our customers and that their Nissan and INFINITI vehicles continue to perform to the highest standards. This collaboration with MoIAT, Dubai Chambers, and AW Rostamani Group underscores the power of public-private partnerships in protecting consumers and reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in automotive safety and industrial excellence.” Tom Fux, CEO AWR Automotive, AW Rostamani Group, said: “Our collaboration with MoIAT, Dubai Chambers, and Nissan Middle East is reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leader in automotive safety and consumer confidence, while contributing to the nation’s broader industrial vision. Beyond compliance, this initiative reflects the importance of open and meaningful dialogue between the public and private sectors, ensuring that together we establish higher standards, greater trust, and a stronger, safer future for every driver and community we serve.” On his part, Yousef Abu Alaish, Director – Aftersales, AWR Automotive & Chairman of Dubai Business Group Auto Parts; Accessories, said: “Business gatherings such as this one are vital in fostering dialogue between the public and private sectors. These platforms not only promote regulatory compliance but also ensure alignment with the UAE’s national vision and strategic priorities. They create valuable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a shared sense of responsibility. Our message was clear and unified: by working together, we can strengthen standards, build greater trust, and ensure the safety of our customers and communities—ultimately contributing to the UAE’s long-term goals of safety, innovation, and sustainable growth. Framed within the Year of Community, declared by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative was recognized as more than a regulatory exercise. It reflects shared responsibility, one that extends beyond products to building trust, unity, and confidence, and gains tangible meaning through initiatives such as this workshop. The four partners concluded with a collective call to action for industry stakeholders to align with national safety standards and work together to ensure that every spare part in the UAE market is genuine, certified, and safe. In doing so, they reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to protecting lives and raising global benchmarks for automotive safety.

Chery UAE, presented in the UAE by AW Rostamani Group (AWR Group), has announced an exclusive partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The landmark collaboration establishes Chery UAE as the "Exclusive VIP Mobility Partner" of the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress. The partnership was formalised during a signing ceremony at the Chery Dubai Showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road. The event was attended by Marc Magaud, Director of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, alongside senior leadership including Tom Fux, CEO of AWR Automotive; Sanaa Ouahmane, CEO of AWR Mobility; Zaher Sabbagh, Director of Chery UAE; and Peter Retief, Director of SHIFT Car Rental, amongst other distinguished representatives. As part of the collaboration, SHIFT Car Rental, a premium car rental provider under AWR Group’s Automotive division, will provide a dedicated fleet of 28 Chery plug-in hybrid vehicles for the event. The fleet, comprising twenty-five Arrizo 8 Plug-In Hybrid sedans and three TIGGO 9 Plug-In Hybrid SUVs, will be used to transport VIPs and key delegates during the Congress, which is taking place from 9 to 15 October 2025, at the ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi. Recognised as one of the world's largest environmental forums, the Congress is expected to convene around 10,000 participants. The initiative not only ensures seamless mobility for high-profile guests but also highlights Chery UAE's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and its ESG vision. “This partnership with IUCN is the result of over a year of strategic discussions, and it reflects our commitment to aligning with global sustainability goals. As Chery’s flagship models take centre stage at the Congress, we are proud to contribute to an event of such international importance, reinforcing our ESG vision and supporting the UAE’s journey towards a more sustainable future”, said Tom Fux, CEO of AWR Automotive. Marc Magaud – IUCN World Conservation Congress Director – commented: “Our partnership with Chery UAE and AWR Group is a real enabler for the IUCN World Conservation Congress. Through their affiliate company, SHIFT car rental, they will be providing hybrid Chery vehicles for our VIP guests and exclusive discounts on hybrid vehicles for our registered participants onsite. This collaboration contributes meaningfully to the overall Congress experience and to the minimisation of the carbon footprint, which IUCN is intent on applying throughout the event.” "Our collaboration with IUCN is a defining moment for Chery UAE and AWR Group,” added Zaher Sabbagh, Director of Chery UAE, AWR Automotive. He highlighted: “By placing our plug-in hybrid fleet at the service of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, we are proving that mobility can be an enabler of environmental progress. This partnership reinforces AWR Group’s sustainability legacy and positions Chery as a global player driving innovation with purpose." The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 will feature high-level dialogues, exhibitions, and a Members’ Assembly where delegates will vote on motions that will shape the global conservation agenda for years to come. The event’s core themes, from resilient conservation action to disruptive innovation, align closely with Chery UAE’s values of progress, innovation, and sustainable mobility. With Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Centre being the first event venue in the region powered entirely by clean energy, the partnership underscores the UAE’s ambition to lead global conversations on climate action and sustainable development while positioning Chery UAE at the forefront of mobility innovation in service of a greener tomorrow.

Emirates Petroleum Company (Emarat) and AW Rostamani Group (AWR Group) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a strategic partnership aimed at redefining mobility and customer experience across the UAE. This collaboration brings together Emarat’s extensive retail network and AWR Group’s expertise in the automotive sector. This milestone agreement reflects both companies’ shared vision for innovation, convenience, and future-ready mobility experiences. By uniting their respective strengths, the partnership will explore and implement a range of integrated solutions designed to create a more enriched motorist journey, including loyalty integration and seamless fleet-fuelling capabilities. As part of this collaboration, Emarat and AWR Group will now work together to define and implement initiatives that leverage the strengths of both brands. This will include exploring joint activations and promotions, as well as exploring opportunities for co-branded programmes that provide greater value and engagement for customers. Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emarat, commented: “This strategic partnership brings together Emarat’s high-footfall retail network and AWR Group’s automotive leadership to create a more service-rich, convenience-led experience for motorists. At the heart of this collaboration is a shared ambition to define a new standard for fuel station experiences in the UAE, and we are excited to now move forward in developing the innovative solutions that will achieve this goal.” Tom Fux, Chief Executive Officer of AWR Automotive, said: “Our partnership with Emarat is a significant step in our commitment to enhancing the lives of our customers. By combining our automotive expertise with Emarat’s market- leading network, we are creating a more holistic and convenient journey for every motorist in the UAE, both today and in the future.” Emarat and AWR Group remain committed to driving innovation, advancing sustainability, and upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer experience across every aspect of this partnership.

Emarat EV Charging Stations Company (UAEV), a joint venture between the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE), has signed a strategic agreement with AW Rostamani Group (AWR Group) to enhance the charging experience for electric vehicle customers across the UAE. The agreement, signed on the sidelines of EVIS 2025 (Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit), further reinforces the UAE’s commitment to accelerating sustainable mobility and future-ready transport solutions. Attendees included Hicham Ezzahid, CEO, Badr Al Awadhi, Chief Commercial Officer, and Andrew Chan, Chief Operating Officer, representing UAEV; and Sanaa Ouahmane, CEO of the Mobility Services division, Sara O’hara, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, and Sandeeep Arora, Director Business Excellence, representing AW Rostamani Group. Through its flagship automotive business, AWR Group is the exclusive distributor of Zeekr and smart vehicles in the UAE, managing both sales and after-sales services for the two next-generation electric vehicle brands. Through this agreement, AWR Group will offer charging credits to customers who buy Zeekr and smart electric vehicles leveraging on the UAEV’s network across the UAE. These credits can be easily activated through the UAEV app and used at any UAEV station across the country, providing drivers with convenient, hassle -free access to one of the UAE’s fastest-growing charging networks. Commenting on the agreement, Hicham Ezzahid, CEO of UAEV, said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to make electric vehicle adoption easier, more rewarding, and truly accessible for everyone in the UAE. These types of collaborations not only enhance the ownership experience but also accelerate the nation’s transition to clean mobility. Strategic partnerships like this are essential to building long-term consumer trust in electric transportation. When infrastructure and innovation move in lockstep, adoption becomes a natural outcome.” “This is more than a business collaboration—it’s a strategic alliance that puts customer education, accessibility, and sustainability at the forefront,” said Sanaa Ouahmane, CEO of the Mobility Services division at AW Rostamani Group, “We are not just supporting electric vehicles adoption—we’re enabling a new standard for how people move.” Ouahmane added: " AW Rostamani Group is committed to supporting the UAE’s vision for a net-zero future. This partnership with UAEV addresses a critical market need for robust charging infrastructure, enabling the adoption of electric vehicles across the country.” The collaboration directly supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and National Electric Vehicles Policy by enhancing accessibility and convenience for EV drivers, while promoting the adoption of climate-smart transportation solutions. Collectively, these efforts are projected to reduce over 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ by 2030—a significant step toward a more sustainable, low-emission future. With 122 charging ports already operational—including numerous ultra-fast chargers—and plans to reach 300 by the end of 2025, UAEV is the largest EV network in the Northern Emirates and continues to expand nationwide. Its high-speed DC charging stations are strategically located to give drivers the confidence to travel freely, easing concerns about range and charging accessibility. Charging constraints and range anxiety have long been barriers to wider EV adoption in the UAE. Through this collaboration, AWR Group and UAEV are jointly addressing these challenges—removing one of the most common concerns among prospective EV buyers and paving the way for broader adoption through convenient, reliable, and accessible charging solutions. This initiative also contributes to UAEV’s broader mission of building a seamless and dependable charging network that supports the entire EV journey—from the initial purchase decision to everyday use. By bridging the gap between product and infrastructure, the partnership simplifies EV ownership and empowers customers with a more confident, connected driving experience. The charging credit programme will be launched in the coming months. Zeekr and smart drivers will be encouraged to download the UAEV app to redeem their credits and enjoy seamless access to UAEV’s national network.

AW Rostamani (AWR) Group, one of the UAE’s leading family business groups, was honoured with three Gold awards “Top Tier” at the 10th Gulf Customer Experience Awards™ (GCXA™), held yesterday at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. The awards recognise AWR Group’s outstanding leadership, innovation, and significant achievements in enhancing customer experience across its operations. The 2025 edition of Gulf Customer Experience Awards™, organised by Awards International, is the region’s most prestigious and independently judged CX recognition platform. AWR Group’s triple gold win in three categories – CX Team of the Year, Best Use of Technology, and Best Contact Center – marks a new milestone in the Group’s CX transformation journey, consolidating the company’s performance and market leadership. Omnia Ahmed, General Manager, Customer Experience Management at AWR Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive three prestigious Gold awards for CX innovation and excellence at the 2025 Gulf Customer Experience Awards™. This recognition validates our strategic approach in elevating the customer experience and reflects the hard work, dedication, and the pioneering spirit of our entire team in placing customer experience at the heart of everything we do. The awards reinforce our commitment to continue investing in technology and talent as we set new standards in our customer-centric strategy.” AWR Group’s CX team was named Gold Winner for CX Team of the Year for their strategic leadership and cohesive team performance. The award recognised the team’s ability to align CX initiatives with broader business goals, deliver measurable improvements in satisfaction and loyalty, and foster a culture of agile cross-functional collaboration. Additionally, the gold for the Best Use of Technology was awarded to AWR Group’s CX team for transformation deployment and for the team’s innovative use of CX technology to revolutionise customer interactions and unlock business value. The judges highlighted the fully integrated omnichannel tech stack, the forward-thinking use of CX technology to drive business outcomes, reshape CX delivery, and enable quantifiable results in both engagement and revenue. AWR Group’s CX department for Contact Centre Operations was named the Best Contact Centre and won the Gold for its omnichannel effectiveness and scalability, data-driven performance, the emphasis on emotional intelligence in service delivery and the positive direct impact it creates on both customers and business outcomes. This award recognises AWR Group’s exceptional contact centre operations, which have been reimagined as a Customer Success Hub. In addition to the three Gold wins, AWR Group was also awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Customer Experience trophy — a special recognition that honours the Group’s broader, long-term impact in shaping and advancing customer experience across the region. The awards ceremony, held on 23 April 2025, brought together industry leaders and CX professionals from across the region to celebrate excellence in customer experience and engage in live learning sessions, panel discussions, and networking. GCXA™ has recognised over 400 leading businesses to date, and winners are chosen after multiple rounds of evaluations to ensure transparency, impartiality, and celebrate real business impact.

smart, the contemporary sustainable-mobility brand presented by AW Rostamani Group in the UAE, proudly partnered with the American University of Sharjah (AUS) as the official mobility partner for the three-day ‘Get Active for Education’ initiative (April 8–10, 2025). Blending healthy competition with charitable giving, the event raised critical funds for AUS’s scholarship programme - empowering students facing economic barriers and students of determination to pursue their studies. During the three-day event, the first 100 finishers of the 2K walkathon triggered smart’s AED 100 donation per participant, generating at least AED 10,000 for the AUS scholarship fund. More than 500 faculty, students and local businesses competed in the Corporate and Student Games semi-finals and finals, fostering teamwork, promoting healthy lifestyles and nurturing an inclusive spirit. Attendees also had the chance to test-drive smart’s cutting-edge electric vehicles on campus, experiencing firsthand the brand’s leadership in sustainable mobility. “Our collaboration with AUS on Get Active for Education exemplifies smart’s vision to lead with purpose,” said Roberto Colucci, Director of Electric Vehicles at AW Rostamani Group. “Through combining physical activity with a scholarship drive, we’re advancing sustainable transport while investing in the future of students who face social or financial barriers. Together with the AUS community, we’re driving toward a more inclusive, forward-thinking tomorrow. We’re excited to see the continued impact of this partnership and look forward to future collaborations that build on its success.” This partnership directly supports the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to triple the contribution of renewable energy and achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. smart’s presence on campus demonstrated how electric mobility solutions can reduce carbon footprints, accelerate the transition to green energy, and engage communities in sustainability practices. At the closing ceremony, AUS presented smart with a commemorative plaque in recognition of its generous support and for raising awareness around accessibility in education. This accolade underscores the power of purpose-driven collaboration between industry leaders and academic institutions. The success of Get Active for Education highlights how sustainable-mobility companies can serve as catalysts for social progress - providing educational opportunities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering environmental stewardship. Building on this momentum, smart looks forward to deepening its partnership with AUS and launching new initiatives that unite innovation with inclusivity.