AWR Trading, part of AW Rostamani Group (AWR Group), has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Blaupunkt, the German provider of AC and DC electric vehicle charging solutions, to support the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the UAE. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to accelerate sustainable transport adoption, reduce transport-related emissions, and develop future-ready infrastructure that supports the country’s Net Zero 2050 strategic ambitions. The partnership reinforces AWR Group’s wider commitment to advancing the UAE’s sustainable mobility ecosystem while meeting rising demand for EV infrastructure solutions. AWR Trading will work with Blaupunkt to develop a nationwide charging network, with an ambition to deploy between 500 and 1,000 chargers by 2030. Tom Fux, Chief Executive Officer, AWR Automotive, said: “This partnership is another step in strengthening AWR Group’s broader mobility ecosystem. As the automotive landscape evolves, access to reliable charging infrastructure is essential to enabling EV adoption at scale. We are pleased to see AWR Trading contributing to the UAE’s transition to cleaner, smarter mobility.” Tommy Rasmussen, COO, Blaupunkt EV Systems, said : “We are pleased to partner with AWR Trading to support the continued development of EV charging infrastructure in the UAE. Blaupunkt has a well-established presence in the UAE market, and we are confident that we have found the right partner in AWR Trading to continue building on that success. Together, we look forward to supporting the growing adoption of electric mobility across the region.” Rajagopal Ramaswamy, Director, AWR Trading, said: “This exclusive agreement with Blaupunkt marks an important step for AWR Trading as we expand into the EV charging sector. As the UAE continues its transition towards electric mobility, the availability of reliable charging infrastructure will be critical. “Together with Blaupunkt, we aim to help build a dependable charging network that supports the growing adoption of electric mobility across the UAE.” Blaupunkt’s charging portfolio spans AC and DC applications, supporting use cases from home and workplace charging through to higher-capacity infrastructure requirements. Combined with Blaupunkt’s local presence in the UAE, including dedicated technical personnel, and experience from supplying more than 50,000 EV chargers across Europe and the Middle East, the partnership brings together proven technical expertise with AWR Trading’s local market knowledge and operational strength, enabling the deployment of reliable and connected charging solutions at scale across the UAE. The rollout will be phased, with AWR Trading and Blaupunkt identifying strategic locations and deployment opportunities across the UAE over time. The collaboration reflects AWR Group’s broader commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and practical partnerships that support the UAE’s mobility transition. As EV adoption continues to accelerate, dependable charging infrastructure remains a key enabler of wider market adoption. Through this partnership, AWR Trading and Blaupunkt aim to contribute to a more connected, convenient and future-ready charging network for drivers and businesses across the country.  This further reinforces AWR Group’s earlier collaboration with UAEV, supporting both the infrastructure and accessibility needed to accelerate EV adoption nationwide and make EV ownership more accessible through expanded charging infrastructure.

Armela Farms is leveraging automation, AI-driven climate control, robotics, and hydroponic technologies to strengthen food security, optimise water usage, and build a more resilient agricultural ecosystem aligned with the UAE’s industrial and sustainability ambitions. Food production across the UAE is undergoing a technological transformation as advanced agricultural systems begin redefining how farms operate, scale, and respond to growing sustainability and food-security demands. From AI-powered climate control and robotics to precision irrigation and hydroponic cultivation, technology-led farming models are enabling higher productivity, improved crop consistency, and greater resilience against supply-chain disruptions. The UAE’s broader industrial and self-sufficiency ambitions under initiatives such as Make it in the Emirates are creating strong momentum for companies like Armela Farms, which are demonstrating how controlled-environment agriculture can reduce reliance on imports while optimising scarce resources such as water and land. Avir Shah, Founder, CEO & Chairman of Armela Farms, at Make it in the Emirates, shared insights on the growing role of automation, intelligent farming systems, and sustainable production models shaping the future of agriculture and long-term food security across the region. How is automation changing the way farms operate in the UAE, particularly in terms of efficiency and consistency? Automation is transforming agriculture in the UAE by making production more efficient, predictable, and scalable. At Armela Farms, our hydroponic facilities combine advanced climate control, sensor networks, robotic growing systems, precision fertigation, and data-driven operational management. These technologies allow us to control key parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2, light, and nutrient delivery with a high level of accuracy. Our robotic growing system has enabled us to achieve more than 200% higher annual production per square metre compared with conventional benchmark systems, while maintaining consistency in both volume and quality. This level of automation reduces variability, improves resource efficiency, and ensures reliable, year-round production. How do your controlled environment and automated systems impact crop quality and yield? Our controlled environment and automated systems have a direct impact on both crop quality and yield. Because the crop is grown inside a fully managed environment, every input can be monitored and adjusted according to plant needs. Advanced climate control, supported by AI-driven Intelligent Algorithms and our own historical climate data, allows us to maintain stable growing conditions throughout the year, even when external weather conditions fluctuate. This gives us consistent production volumes, uniform product quality, improved shelf life, and a more reliable supply for customers. “Our precision fertigation and closed-loop irrigation system allow us to recycle 100% of irrigation water, reducing waste while protecting crop performance.” How does Armela Farms align with the goals of Make it in the Emirates, particularly around innovation and local production? Armela Farms aligns strongly with the goals of Make it in the Emirates because we represent a new model of local, technology-enabled food production. We are not only farming; we are engineering food production through controlled environment agriculture, automation, data analytics, and advanced growing systems. This creates a high-tech local production platform that supports national self-sufficiency, reduces reliance on imports, and contributes to the diversification of the UAE’s industrial base. Our model also reflects sustainable industrial innovation, including efficient water use, year-round production, and the recycling of plant residues so that organic crop waste is converted into value rather than sent to landfill. How does local, tech-enabled production help strengthen food supply chains in the UAE? Local, technology-enabled production strengthens the UAE’s food supply chain by reducing dependence on long international logistics routes and creating a more resilient local source of fresh produce. With real-time monitoring, predictive data, and climate-control systems supported by Intelligent Algorithms and historical performance data, we can plan production with greater accuracy and respond faster to market needs. Physical proximity to customers also means fresher products, shorter delivery times, and lower exposure to disruptions caused by global shipping delays, geopolitical events, or extreme climate conditions elsewhere. “Local high-tech farming gives the UAE more control over availability, quality, and continuity of supply.” How does your farming model allow you to respond to supply or demand disruptions? Our farming model gives us a strong ability to respond to both supply and demand disruptions. Because our production is controlled, modular, and data-driven, we can adjust planting schedules, harvest planning, and crop cycles more quickly than traditional open-field farming. The use of automation, advanced climate control, and historical climate and production data helps us forecast output and maintain stable production across the year. This flexibility allows us to respond to sudden changes in demand, reduce the effect of external supply shortages, and support the market with consistent availability and quality. What role will advanced agricultural technologies play in the UAE’s long-term food security goals? Advanced agricultural technologies will play a central role in the UAE’s long-term food security strategy. In an arid region with limited freshwater and challenging climate conditions, the future of agriculture depends on precision, efficiency, and resilience. Technologies such as robotics, AI, machine learning, IoT, advanced climate control, water recycling, and data-driven crop management will allow the UAE to produce more food locally using fewer resources. For Armela Farms, this means combining high productivity per square metre with 100% irrigation-water recycling, year-round consistency, and responsible handling of plant residues. These technologies will not only increase local production capacity but also position the UAE as a regional and global leader in sustainable agriculture for hot-climate environments.

AWR Group has announced the unification of its automotive marques, service offerings, and mobility solutions under a single, unified structure: AWR Automotive . As part of this transition, automotive operations across the Group - including those previously operating under distinct structures such as Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC) - are now unified under AWR Automotive. AWR Automotive brings together 14 brands and businesses across a network of 26 showrooms and 27 service centres, creating a connected platform that reflects the scale and breadth of the Group’s automotive operations. The move marks a strategic evolution of the Group’s automotive division, designed to enhance operational alignment, strengthen customer engagement, and support sustainable growth across vehicle ownership, mobility, and aftermarket services. As the automotive landscape continues to shift, AWR Automotive positions the Group to respond with greater agility - bringing together its full ecosystem under one cohesive platform to deliver a more integrated and future-ready customer experience. This evolution embodies the Group’s shared commitment to ‘Embrace Generation Next’ , reflecting a forward-looking approach to mobility. Tom Fux, Chief Executive Officer of AWR Automotive , said: “Our automotive business has grown from a Nissan distributorship into a diversified automotive group representing 14 brands. With unification under AWR Automotive, we will deliver transparency and trust - giving customers complete peace of mind across all their mobility needs.” AWR Automotive integrates a broad and diversified portfolio spanning vehicle sales, mobility solutions, and aftermarket services - from electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine vehicles to connected technologies and flexible ownership models. Bringing together globally recognised brands such as Nissan, INFINITI, Renault, Chery, smart, ZEEKR, JMMC, Royal Enfield, and NXT, alongside a growing mobility offering through Shift Car Rental and SubscribeME, the division creates an ecosystem that delivers practical, customer-focused mobility solutions. The portfolio spans both partner brands and a growing suite of homegrown brands across AWR Mobility and AWR Trading, creating a connected ecosystem that supports customers at every stage - from vehicle purchase and flexible access models to servicing, parts, and long-term vehicle care. This is complemented by a comprehensive aftermarket offering, including batteries, tyres, lubricants, cooling solutions, and multi-brand servicing.  The integration reflects AWR Group’s long-term vision to create a more connected automotive ecosystem - one that combines traditional vehicle ownership with flexible mobility solutions to meet evolving customer needs.

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.

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

On 4th December 2025, AWR Group formalised a strategic academic partnership with the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, signed at the UOWD campus by Professor Mohamed Salem, President of UOWD, and our own Caroline Hobeika, Chief Human Resources Officer at AWR Group , lays the foundation for deeper collaboration in future talent development, applied research, and cross-sector innovation. This partnership reflects a shared vision to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry application - one that will unlock value not only for students, but for our business and the broader community. A partnership with purpose The MoU creates a platform for long-term cooperation across several key focus areas: • Internship and early-career programmes to support student exposure and on-the-job learning • Future skills and graduate readiness initiatives aligned with national youth pathways • Capstone projects and real-world problem statements , particularly within engineering, business, AI, financial services, and supply chain • Joint research and development initiatives that tie into AWR Group’s strategic priorities The partnership will initially engage teams from across our Engineering, Shared Services, and Real Estate businesses, with the potential to expand further across disciplines and sectors. Bringing relevance to the classroom Through this collaboration, our teams will co-create opportunities with UOWD’s School of Engineering and School of Business to inject real-world insights into academic programming. By contributing live industry challenges and participating in applied research, we aim to strengthen students’ career readiness and deepen their understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the business landscape. “At AWR Group, we believe in the power of partnerships that create tangible value – for students, for business, and for the broader community,” said Caroline Hobeika, Chief Human Resources Officer, AWR Group. “This MoU reflects our shared belief in learning that is grounded in relevance and purpose, and we look forward to working closely with UOWD to empower young minds through exposure, opportunity, and real-world impact.” A shared commitment to shaping future talent As AWR Group continues to invest in upskilling and youth pathways, partnerships such as this one demonstrate how purposeful collaboration can create a more agile, empowered, and industry-ready generation.

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.