AW Rostamani Group (AWR) is a privately held, diversified conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The company was founded in 1954 by the Al Rostamani brothers, Abdullah and Abdul Wahid, and has grown into one of the region’s leading multi‑sector enterprises.
Corporate leadership
- Chairman: Khalid Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani.
- Director and Board Member: Amina Al Rustamani, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer of AWR Properties.
Business divisions
| Division | Core activities | Notable subsidiaries / brands |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Sale, distribution, service, and rental of motor vehicles. | Arabian Automobiles, AW Rostamani Trading, Certified Pre‑owned, Shift Car Rental. |
| Lifestyle | Retail of fashion, jewelry, and home‑ware products. | Represents international and regional brands such as Georg Jensen, Graffiti, Vhernier (UAE agent), Angels, Apartment 51, and American Rag. |
| Property & Real Estate | Development, ownership, and management of residential and commercial assets. | AWR Properties, which manages more than 2.5 million sq ft of space in the UAE. |
| Logistics & Supply Chain | Freight forwarding, warehousing, and distribution services. | |
| Lighting, Travel, Trading, Luxury Retail | Additional commercial activities supporting the group’s diversified portfolio. |
Key initiatives
In 2023, AW Rostamani Group partnered with property‑management software provider Yardi to streamline its real‑estate operations, reflecting the group’s ongoing investment in technology and process optimisation.
Historical development
Since its establishment, the group has expanded from a modest trading outfit into a multi‑market organization active across the Middle East. The automotive division has been led by Michel Ayat since 1990, overseeing the growth of Arabian Automobiles as a major dealer network in the UAE.
Ownership and governance
The firm remains privately owned by members of the Al Rostamani family. Its corporate governance structure includes family members on the board alongside professional executives.
References
- Wikipedia, “AW Rostamani Group.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AW_Rostamani_Group
- LinkedIn company page, “AW Rostamani Group.” https://ae.linkedin.com/company/awrgroup
- PR Newswire, “AW Rostamani Group Collaborates With Yardi to Streamline Operations.” https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aw-rostamani-group-collaborates-with-yardi-to-streamline-operations-826339994.html
