Group History Archive - Al Rostamani Group
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2010

Continuing its growth trajectory, the group added another prestigious brand to its portfolio in 2010 under Al Rostamani Trading Company, Citroën, the trendy famous French car brand. This strategic move further diversified their offerings and strengthened their position in the UAE market. Today, both Suzuki and Citroen have become well-known household names, renowned for their quality and innovation, and resonating with customers throughout the UAE.

2006

Building upon the historic backdrop of our founder’s ambitious 1977 project, the Al Rostamani Twin Towers, which stood as a symbol of progress on Sheikh Zayed Road, Abdulla Al Rostamani Properties (AARP) formation in 2006 marked the formalization of the group’s real estate aspirations. This was also the beginning of an enduring commitment of the group to shaping the future of the UAE’s urban landscape. Since then, AARP has continued to innovate and has become a reliable real estate developer in the country, contributing to the dynamic spirit of Dubai and the UAE through a diverse range of exceptional projects ranging from the Maze Tower to the Tamani Hotel Marina in Dubai Marina.

2002

The group’s influence in the automotive sector extended further with their instrumental role in bringing one of Japan’s largest automobile brands, Suzuki, to the UAE. Al Rostamani Trading Company (ARTC) emerged as the official distributor and after-sales agency for Suzuki, solidifying its already substantial presence in the automotive industry across the UAE. This partnership allowed ARTC to expand its offerings and cater to a broader range of customer preferences.

Meanwhile, a new industry was emerging around the same time – Information Technology (IT). Recognizing the demand for integrated computing solutions that powered both personal and business realms, the group responded by establishing Al Rostamani Communications (ARC). ARC swiftly emerged as a leading provider of comprehensive IT and telecommunications solutions, offering integrated technology services and professional expertise throughout the UAE.

1999

The establishment of Al Rostamani Pegel (ARP), through a joint venture with Gustav Pegel & Sohn, a 145-year-old German construction company based in Berlin, proved to be a timely move for the group. It positioned the group as a key player in the fastest-growing real estate sector in the world at the time.

 

During this period, Dubai witnessed an unprecedented boom, hosting more than 50% of all operational cranes globally. The group played a vital role in this construction expansion, contributing significantly to the sector’s success in Dubai and the UAE as a whole.

 

In just four years, Al Rostamani Pegel achieved significant milestones, which led to its transformation into a full-fledged construction enterprise in 2002 with a majority ownership by the group. In 2008, the group had full control of the company.

 

Al Rostamani Pegel completed several landmark projects that have become iconic symbols of Dubai’s architectural prowess including the Dubai Frame, Maze Tower, Tamani Hotel Marina, and many more noteworthy projects. Each structure highlights the group’s commitment to excellence and significant contributions to the city’s skyline.

1979

In 1979, the Al Rostamani Group embarked on significant ventures that further propelled its growth trajectory. Of these ventures was the establishment of Thomas Cook Al Rostamani Travel, as a joint venture with Thomas Cook, the oldest UK travel company. At the end of this venture in 2007, the company was renamed as Al Rostamani Travel and Holidays (ART).

ART quickly emerged as a market leader, offering comprehensive travel and holiday services. Through strategic alliances with renowned brands such as Swiss Tourism, Rail Europe, and Globus, ART opened doors to premier vacation destinations for UAE residents while promoting UAE tourism to travellers seeking to explore the newly unified county.

Simultaneously, the group expanded its influence by forming Thomas Cook Al Rostamani Exchange Company, as a joint venture with Thomas Cook.  At the end of this venture in 2007, the company was renamed as Al Rostamani International Exchange (ARIE).

ARIE, swiftly entered the market, providing forex remittance services to support an economy that was expanding.  This was in part due to the steady increase of the population and the development of the UAE economy.

ARIE facilitated secure and efficient money transfers, enabling expatriates to return their savings to their home countries in addition to offering a variety of other services.

The establishment of ART and ARIE in 1979 marked a special year for the Al Rostamani Group, as these ventures aligned with the evolving needs of UAE residents and the rising significance of the country’s tourism and financial sectors. Through their commitment to delivering exceptional travel services and reliable forex remittance solutions, ART and ARIE contributed to the group’s ongoing success and further solidified its position in the market.

1977

The UAE’s early years saw a growing demand for sustainable electricity production and distribution across the expanding boundaries of the cities. The Group continued to expand its influence in supporting this economic demand by establishing Emirates Electrical Engineering (EEE), a power transmission and distribution (PT&D) company.

 

EEE was heavily involved in developing Dubai’s power distribution network, contributing significantly to the city’s electricity infrastructure, including power lines and substations.

 

Around the same time, Dubai set its sight on becoming a vertical city, with a skyline dominated by awe-inspiring skyscrapers. In line with this vision, our founder Abdulla Al Rostamani made an enduring mark on Sheikh Zayed Road by constructing the iconic Al Rostamani Twin Towers. These visionary 14-story buildings stood as a testament to the group’s unwavering dedication to Dubai’s growth, and that of the UAE.

1972

The establishment of the UAE federation in 1971 was a milestone for the people and the nation, with opportunities arising and aspirations driving the country’s infrastructure. The need for reliable logistics solutions gave birth to United Diesel (UD), a specialist in commercial vehicles of all kinds. As the authorized distributor for internationally acclaimed brands such as Renault Trucks, UD Trucks, Daewoo Trucks, Tata Buses and Trucks, and Unicarrier® Forklifts, United Diesel played a vital role in a newly formed development era.

1957

Recognizing the potential of a fast-growing local economy, our late founder Abdulla Hassan  Al Rostamani established Central Trading Company (CTC). It quickly gained recognition by introducing prominent brands such as Castrol, Michelin, ACDelco and Bluestar to the UAE market.

1954

Abdulla Hassan Al Rostamani embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by establishing the Al-Ahliya bookshop and running it alongside his brother Abdul Wahid. It is considered to be Dubai’s first modern bookstore that offered a variety of publications.