The PMV Dealers Power List is an annual showcase that brings attention to, and acknowledges, outstanding companies and key figures within the heavy equipment and commercial vehicles sectors in the Middle East.
The purpose of the list is to highlight the notable dealers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that stand out for their robust corporate leadership, market dominance and commitment to a customer-centric approach, while also shedding light on their accomplishments and advancements over the past 12 months – and future plans. The featured dealers have proven their ability to navigate challenges and succeed in a dynamic industry landscape time and again to find their place as the best in their field.
It’s important to note that, in keeping with the tradition of PMV Power Lists, this compilation is not a hierarchical ranking. Instead, it serves as a comprehensive overview of the key players in the UAE market, encompassing a wide array of global heavy equipment, commercial vehicles and aftermarket brands.
As we present this special edition, we eagerly anticipate chronicling the future accomplishments of these industry leaders in the upcoming year. The PMV Dealers Power List is a testament to the ongoing innovation and excellence within the heavy equipment and commercial vehicle sectors in the Middle East.
Al Masaood Mobility Group (Al Masaood Group)
Al Masaood L.L.C. originated in Abu Dhabi and holds the prestigious Registration Number 1 at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce. Marking its 53rd anniversary this year, the group has, since its inception not only expanded its presence in Abu Dhabi but has also extended its reach across the UAE and beyond.
His Excellency Masaood Ahmed Al Masaood, the Chairman, presides over the Group’s Board of Directors, guiding its strategic direction. The business operates through three main operational groups: Al Masaood Mobility Group, Al Masaood Group Industrial, and Al Masaood Group Property.
As the subsidiary group formed under the umbrella of Al Masaood L.L.C., Al Masaood Mobility Group is in continual pursuit of growth and sustainability. Under this new group, Al Masaood operates four independent companies: Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised dealer for Nissan, INFINITI and Renault in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region; Al Masaood Auto Leasing; Al Masaood Auto Central; and a new entity focused on diversifying its automotive portfolio to incorporate electrification offerings across the UAE.
The Al Masaood Mobility Group is led by Irfan Tansel, Chief Executive Officer, Al Masaood Automobiles, while each of the companies within the Mobility Group is operated by its respective management team.
Speaking about how the year 2023 was for his division, Tansel says: “In this current year, Al Masaood Automobiles, our flagship company in the Al Masaood Mobility Group, has achieved a remarkable 40% growth in vehicle sales, surpassing the market’s overall vehicle sales growth of 26% (Jan to Oct). Our teams delivered impressive results in sales, revenues, and customer satisfaction ratings.
“We also won the esteemed Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award (SKEA) testifying to our dedication to excellence, business continuity and innovation. Additionally, our aftersales team brought home the Global Nissan Aftersales Award for the third consecutive year, marking our over-performance across all aftersales operations, as well as INFINITI’s inaugural Global Award.”
Al Masaood Automobile also saw the launch of some notable new models as well as upgrades to existing offerings, including the Nissan Patrol 2023 and Nissan Patrol NISMO 2023, the new Nissan Altima, as well as the all-new Nissan X-Trail.
For INFNITI and Renault, Al Masaood Automobiles offered the 2023 INFINITI QX80, the all-new INFINITI QX60, and launched the Renault Express Van – an all-new modern commercial vehicle designed for efficiency, practicality, and safety.
“These initiatives underline our commitment to delivering innovative and improved products and services in response to evolving market demands.” Tansel says.
Sustainability important for Al Masaood
Like other Al Masaood Group companies, sustainability is important for Al Masaood Automobiles as well, and Tanself adds: “Al Masaood Automobiles has created a healthier and safer environment aligning with international standards, and exemplified by our receipt of multiple ISO certifications.
“Through effective waste management strategies in line with Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030, the company has been able to limit its waste output to less than 250 tons per year, while reducing air pollution and noise levels from our workshops.
“Moreover, we have continued to sustain and safeguard the environment by generating periodic water analysis reports, converting waste into new products, using biodegradable bags, as well as recycling paper, plastic and cans. Additionally, since last year, our Nissan showrooms have gone paperless in their operations.”
Elaborating on plans for 2024 he adds that Al Masaood Automobiles has meticulously curated a car range, building on the success of previous models. “We anticipate the introduction of the new Nissan X-Trail, Nissan Altima, Nissan Patrol and the final edition of the Nissan Patrol Super Safari.
Exciting additions to our line-up will also include new models from INFINITI and Renault.”
Tansel adds that in line with evolving trends, his groups is exploring avenues to diversify its offerings, including a strategic emphasis on electrification to cater to the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions.
“The UAE and the region’s automotive market has experienced buoyancy in 2023, with a surge in demand for cars. Region-wide sales figures have surpassed pre-COVID levels. This can be attributed to the release of pent-up demand post-pandemic, shifts in the economy, technological advancements and evolving customer preferences,” adds Tansel while elaborating on market trands.
“The used car market in the UAE is also seeing sizable growth and expected to further expand in the years ahead. This is driven by factors like shifts in customer behaviour, occasional delays in obtaining new cars, a rising demand for affordable options, as well an increased presence of online platforms for buying and selling used cars.”
Al Masaood Group Industrial (Al Masaood Group)
Al Masaood L.L.C. was initially established in Abu Dhabi, holding Registration Number 1 in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, and this year celebrates its 53rd anniversary. Over the years, the Group has not only strengthened its activities in Abu Dhabi, but throughout the UAE and beyond. The Chairman, His Excellency Masaood Ahmed Al Masaood, leads the Group’s Board of Directors. The business is broadly run along three operational groups: namely, Al Masaood Mobility Group, Al Masaood Group Industrial and Al Masaood Group Property.
Al Masaood Group Industrial encompasses seven diverse business units, covering power generation, marine engines, tyres, trucks and buses, energy and utilities projects services, equipment rental, manufacturing of modular housing and steel structures, off road accessorising, and a plethora of service activities, both in house and in the field.
Hani El Tannir, CEO, Al Masaood – Group Industrial, says that the company caters to a wide range of sectors and continues to develop and diversify its lines, while adhering to the motto that quality of product and service is paramount.
How was 2023 for your division? What were the greatest success in the year?
Hani El Tannir, CEO, Al Masaood – Group Industrial: Thanks to the dedication of our Business Unit General Managers and their team, the year has been a resounding success. Sustainability was key in our strategy for expansion. Manufacturing expanded significantly in line with government policies and encouragement, including the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative. We also expanded our services, repairs and refurbishment across the board.
Our ‘SHAMS+’, the first locally engineered and produced solar power initiative to charge EVs and other applications gained in strength and acceptance. We launched the first e-truck for municipal application, introduced our equipment rental business and launched partnerships in the nuclear sector servicing. I am delighted with the progress of each of the business units, reading the market and responding with products and services that are relevant to the needs of our clients. I hope that this solid foundation continues to provide the impetus for the future of Al Masaood.
What new brands, products or services did you sign on or launch in 2023 and what improvements did you make to your existing offerings?
This year, in collaboration with Renault Trucks and Tadweer, we launched the first 100% electric waste truck in the UAE and the Middle East, underscoring our contribution to the UAE’s sustainability agenda.
SHAMS+ has also seen immense success following its launch last year – winning the award for ‘Most Innovative Energy Project’ at the Sustainability Innovation Awards earlier this year – a testament to the success of our efforts towards greener tech. Our Modular Housing business introduced new solutions which are more sustainable and represent in their engineering a cutting edge in this sector.
We also introduced new partnerships in our Energy and Utilities sector, grew our off-road accessorising business, and continued the diversification of our many lines. The improvement never ends. It’s not a snapshot. We will always seek new ways to improve our products and services and maintain leadership in the quality of what we offer and do.
Please describe some sustainability/green initiatives that Al Masaood executed during 2023, both in-house and for customers.
Over the past years, Al Masaood Group Industrial has achieved significant growth while maintaining our commitment to sustainability. From power generation to modular construction, our operations exemplify our dedication to environmental conservation and social equity. This includes SHAMS+, environmentally friendly modular building systems, and many other sustainable industrial solutions to best serve our customers. Looking forward, our strategy prioritises a sustainable approach, emphasising quality offerings adhering to environmental and social standards to remain both eco-friendly and competitive in today’s dynamic market.
What are your plans for 2024, such as new launches, expansions, projects and initiatives?
More activities are being planned for 2024 and beyond, including more manufacturing activity, a wider range of services, repairs and refurbishment, and an expansion of the range in general including new activities. But we are very aware of the need to keep quality and sustainability front and centre in all we do, of course. We are committed to the ‘Net Zero by 2050’ goal, and we look forward to bolstering our work in the renewable sector. This involves forging meaningful partnerships within the region while continuing to focus on creating tangible, practical technologies to advance our decarbonisation and sustainability commitment.
What new trends did you spot in the UAE market in 2023?
We are witnessing a practical shift towards a more sustainable economy, especially in the GCC. The significant infrastructure projects of the past 30-50 years have laid a strong foundation, covering roads, power generation, water desalination, and healthcare. Now, the focus is on evolving these infrastructures with sustainability in mind.
It is a process that is unstoppable, and we need to work with all stakeholders to evolve the mindset.
A-MAP (Al Muqarram Auto Parts)
A-MAP stands out as a global player specializing in the distribution of aftermarket automotive spare parts, automotive batteries, and lubricants. Headquartered in Dubai, the company has established branches in key locations globally, including China, Nigeria, South Africa, and Qatar.
Leading this global enterprise is Managing Director Asad Badami, who has propelled A-MAP to international recognition and excellence. The company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident through its advanced research and development center in Dubai.
According to Asad Badami: “Our goal is to understand and implement the best customer service and warranty management practices. A-MAP consistently endeavours to provide top-tier products and services to our valued clientele. Our unique R&D Tech Centre in Dubai serves as a hub for product development, continuously adapting to evolving customer needs. We rigorously monitor and analyze the performance of our products to ensure ongoing improvements.
“Additionally, the center provides invaluable application engineering, fitment guidance, and comprehensive training and education to our customers.”
Renowned in the automotive battery sector, A-MAP proudly serves as the representative for esteemed brands like Solite, Sebang, Asimco and Volcan. In addition to its proficiency in batteries, the company provides a comprehensive array of Asimco and RBI aftermarket parts, encompassing brake pads, brake shoes, brake discs, brake fluids, shock absorbers, horns, fuel pumps, as well as rubber components such as bushings, bearings, and mountings, among other offerings.
A-MAP is the exclusive distributor of ADNOC Voyager lubricants in the UAE, a prominent name in the regional lubricant industry. As the exclusive distributor, A-MAP organized the first ADNOC Voyager dealers meet in Dubai this year, with the participation of 150 respected lubricant dealers from across the UAE.
The company also partners with prominent auto services retailers, such as ENOC’s Autopro and Emarat’s Fasttrack, to provide automotive batteries. A-MAP delivers automotive batteries to 72 Autopro outlets and 30 Fasttrack outlets.
Within the B2C sector, A-MAP introduced its innovative ‘Auto Studio’ offering in Dubai this year. This retail concept seamlessly combines luxury high-end automotive repair services with impeccable performance standards, providing clients with an unmatched automotive experience. Specializing in luxury, sports, and classic cars, Auto Studio offers services from routine maintenance to customized repairs.
A-MAP extended the accessibility of Auto Studio through its new e-commerce platform, www.autostudio.ae, enabling customers to not only buy auto services but also to buy auto parts such as tyres and batteries only.
Strengthening its dominant position, A-MAP has detailed several expansion initiatives for 2024. To enhance its logistical capabilities, the company is set to open an advanced Business Park in Sharjah come January 2024. This innovative project, valued at Dh50 million and sprawling across an extensive 270,000 square feet, will feature cutting-edge warehousing facilities, operational office blocks spanning 15,000 square feet, and 150 staff accommodations Specifically, the warehouse within this facility will be designated for the storage of batteries, lubricants, and automotive parts. As part of its strategic vision for future business expansion, the company aims to incorporate two additional battery brands into its portfolio in 2024.
As it looks towards the future, the A-MAP is poised for continued success and growth on both a local and global scale.
Kanoo Cranes (Kanoo Group)
Kanoo Cranes LLC is a division of The Kanoo Group, one of the largest family owned businesses operating in the GCC.
The division was created to focus on providing engineered crane solutions to the construction, oil & gas and industrial markets, and brings to bear more than 50 years of history and experience representing and engaging Grove Mobile cranes across the GCC. It also has extensive experience providing complete lifting solutions, with over 15 years of working, operating and successfully packaging tower cranes across the GCC.
The ability of Kanoo Cranes to provide complete lifting solutions with mobile crane packages places it among the top choices in the Middle East for lifting jobs, and requirements for lifting equipment, solutions and services.
For example, among the projects the company has experience in handling are those that have to be operated in tight spaces. For instance, Kanoo Cranes expertly utilised SMIE’s anti-collision system to manage four Wolff 6531.12 tower cranes in a congested area for a project in Sharjah, where the load could not move over the roads around the site.
Kanoo Cranes represents Jaso Tower Cranes, SMIE anti-collision systems, Maeda mini cranes, Spierings mobile tower cranes, and Alba material hoists and mast climbing work platforms in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait.
“The year 2023 was an eventful one for Kanoo Cranes, with some new introductions and several projects across the region. To start with, we brought in a new fleet of luffing and flat top tower cranes introduced by Jaso, which is a game changer in the tower crane business,” said Ahmad Wraikat, Regional Manager, Kanoo Cranes.
“This year has also been very successful in terms of the Maeda mini cranes rental business, with Kanoo Cranes introducing the concept of the Maeda mini cranes in indoor and outdoor projects.”
Another product offered by Kanoo Cranes if the Spierings brand of mobile tower cranes. This has a massive advantage when it comes to fast-track projects and according to Kanoo it is very proud of the product in terms of its minimum down-time and very less time taken for assembly and disassembly.
Kanoo Cranes is also the supplier of SMIE anti-collision systems for tower cranes in the region. In this sphere, Kanoo Cranes introduced the 4G communication for the SMIE anti-collision systems to the UAE market, which make crane work at job-sites more efficient and safe, with project management having access to project data, progress, activity by zones and live crane usage.
Kanoo Cranes was also awarded many project in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia with its tower crane fleet this year, Wraikat revealed, adding that this year also saw Kanoo Cranes focus on full lifting solutions and training for its Maeda mini cranes, as well as bringing in an array of lifting attachments, and a full service team for tower cranes in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Sustainability on the agenda
With sustainability high on the regional agenda owning to COP28 coming to Dubai, Kanoo Cranes also embraced decarbonisation and zero-emission in its equipment and projects. The company brought in Maeda’s fully electric-powered, eco-friendly cranes that do not compromise on performance despite being zero-emission. Innovative lithium-ion batteries make these models environmentally friendly, economical, efficient and safe. They are Kanoo Cranes’ way to welcome the green way of lifting to the region.
Another 100% electric product available with Kanoo Cranes is Spierings’ electric hoisting, introduced this year. The entire product range consists of durable models that can operate 100% emission-free. Each model is equipped with a new hybrid upper motor with Powerpack technology, to enable lifting heavier and further with zero emission.
According to Wraikat, a few trends were visible in the regional market this year, such as interest in mini cranes and mobile tower cranes.
“We see more client interested in and looking for education about the mini cranes and mobile tower crane and we are very proud that we have the pioneering products in this field,” Wraikat said, adding that Kanoo Cranes also marked 2023 by winning projects in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Kahimah in the UAE.
When it comes to the future, Kanoo Cranes has its sights set firmly on retaining its preeminent position in its segment, and on further expansions, with the Saudi market as
its focus.
“We are looking for more products to expand our lifting solutions and lifting machines, and we are moving ahead to opening a new show room and office in Saudi Arabia,” concluded Wraikat.
German Gulf Enterprises (Bukhatir Group)
German Gulf Enterprises (GGE) provides engineering solutions and equipment for the construction industry, with a product portfolio that includes major brands such as Putzmeister concrete equipment, Doosan construction equipment, Atlas truck-mounted cranes, Probst handling equipment, Liebherr concrete equipment, AGG generators and Skyboom aerial work platforms.
GGE’s UAE-wide branch network includes full multi-brand workshop facilities, parts warehouses and an extensive construction equipment and plant hire fleet. GGE is also one of the largest hydraulic solutions providers, with globally-renowned partners such as Bosch Rexroth, Danfoss, Hagglunds, Hydac and Aventics.
The company also places great emphasis on climate responsible actions, and has ensured one of its largest facilities runs on solar energy. As one of the early movers in this space, the company did not wait for COP 28 to come along to begin its green initiatives. It got a head start last year, when it partnered with TotalEnergies to install solar PV panels at its Dubai Investment Park facility.
As a result of the solar installation, the company has already seen a reduction in its carbon emissions, with the solar plant designed to offset carbon emission by over 300 tonnes of CO2 annually.
GGE is also a regular at industry events and its 2023 highlights included participation at the SteelFab 2023, where it displayed a wide range of steel and metal fabrication machinery, from welding and cutting systems to complete industrial solutions.
GGE is one of the oldest companies of its kind in the equipment and machinery space, having been established in 1974. Now, its products and services cater to the needs of industries that include construction, oil & gas, aviation, ship building and marine engineering, among others. GGE were the pioneers in the concrete pumps business in the region and are also veterans in equipment rental.
Headquartered in Sharjah’s Al-Khan Industrial Area, and starting off as a small engineering and trading company with less than 10 people, GGE has today grown to operate with over 500 employees from various nationalities in the UAE as well as Qatar. The company is today proud to be associated with over 60 global brands in the fields of engineering and trading.
United Diesel (Al Rostamani Group)
United Diesel LLC., a member of the Al Rostamani Group, completed 50 years of doing business in the UAE last year, during which time, it has specialised in commercial vehicles across major international brands under one roof.
Operating for a significant amount of time in the UAE has enabled United Diesel to bring several leading truck and heavy equipment brands under one roof. It is the authorised distributor of Renault Trucks, UD Trucks, Tata Motors (buses/trucks), Tata Daewoo Trucks, Nissan Forklifts and Dong Feng – Buses/Trucks. United Diesel operates a network of dedicated vehicle showrooms situated in strategic locations within the UAE.
In addition, the firm has a central spare parts warehouse, spare parts outlets at multiple locations, along with fully equipped service centres.
Among recent developments at the company is the opening of its new facility called United Diesel 3S in Fujairah, allowing it to service the eastern region of the UAE – a rare move that places it in the minority of distributors to venture out into Fujairah with a dedicated distribution and service offering. With almost 120 trucks from the distributor’s Renault brand active in the eastern region, the company found it crucial to have a presence that was close to its customers to provide facilities for all repairs and service jobs where the customers need them.
United Diesel’s parent company – the Al Rostamani Group – is one of the largest and oldest business conglomerates in the UAE. Founded in 1957 with the late Abdullah Hassan Al Rostamani as Chairman, the group has grown steadfastly and conscientiously over the last 50 years with the guiding principles of commitment, care, and vision with a genuine concern for the community.
Al Shirawi Enterprises (Oasis Investment Group)
Al Shirawi Enterprises, part of Al Shirawi Group of Companies, supplies equipment to the construction, transportation, warehousing, oil & gas, manufacturing, marine and waste management industries.
Al Shirawi Enterprises is the dealer for Scania heavy commercial vehicles and luxury coaches in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and the sole distributor in the UAE of Case Construction Equipment, Case IH agricultural equipment, Still material handling equipment, Carrier transport refrigeration equipment, Kirloskar power and generator sets and Scania engines.
Other top-tier brands that Al Shirawi represents include Dynapac road and asphalt equipment, Boge compressed air systems and Manitou handling, lifting and earthmoving equipment.
Al Shirawi Enterprises LLC was established in 1979 and two years later, in 1981, it was appointed sole distributor for Scania trucks and buses for Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The company soon established itself as a market leader in the heavy trucks sector.
In 1994, Al Shirawi Enterprises also started distribution of Scania Industrial and Marine Engines. Based on its experience with Scania trucks and buses, this division soon found its niche in the UAE where those in the market for workboats, pleasure and patrol craft soon took notice of the Scania Marine presence.
Many other milestones have since followed, including accolades from its principals for performance excellence – such as being awarded the best parts organisation in the Middle East and Africa by Case, winning the Scania Top Team Asia region title and being adjudged among the top 10 Scania teams in the world by the Swedish company at the Scania Top Team world finals in Sweden.
Al Shirawi Enterprises owes its success to the traditional strengths of Oasis Investment Company, the holding company of the Al Shirawi Group, whose success lies in the close business association between the families of Abdulla Al Shirawi and Mohan Valrani. Their commitment has allowed the company to grow into one of the largest manufacturing, engineering, trading, marketing, distribution, contracting and service industries conglomerates in the region.
Emirates Motor Company (Al Fahim Group)
Emirates Motor Company (EMC) is the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. EMC markets, distributes and services all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, from luxury saloons to trucks, and provides Mercedes-Benz qualified service with availability of genuine parts.
EMC was the first Mercedes-Benz distributor in the Middle East to be awarded the ISO Certification. The company’s operations in Abu Dhabi are carried out from purpose-built premises with a well-integrated network of showrooms, offices, part depots and workshops.
Among EMC’s recent success is the opening of its refurbished Mercedes-Benz Airport Road Showroom and Service Centre in Abu Dhabi, which marked the completion of a significant three-phase investment that it had undertaken for over a year.
This is part of a long track record of achievements and recognitions from its principals, which has previously seen the EMC Commercial Vehicles division earn a Special Achievement Award from Daimler Commercial Vehicles at the company’s dealer conference for their “innovative power, exceptional overall performance and business excellence”. Amongst Mercedes-Benz general distributors in the region, EMC garnered the accolade owing to high penetration within the Abu Dhabi market and applying unique concepts for enhanced customer experiences and loyalty.
EMC’s success is fuelled by its parent group, the Al Fahim Group, which is one of the UAE’s most successful family businesses. The company was founded by the late Abdul Jalil Al Fahim in 1958 and has since then continued to evolve and grow to become one of the region’s leading commercial groups. With its business subsidiaries and outlets located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, the group has grown in line with the development of the UAE. It is now led by Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, as chairman of Al Fahim Family Council and Al Fahim Supervisory Board Member.
The Group’s pioneering spirit has a strong thread through its corporate social responsibility programmes, which are an integral part of the organisation.
Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (Al-Futtaim Group)
Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO) delivers products and services to a diverse range of industries including the transportation, construction, oil & gas, manufacturing, warehousing and marine sectors.
FAMCO supplies trucks and buses, construction equipment, storage and handling, power and industrial, marine solutions, rental and used equipment, and financial services. The company is the sole UAE distributor for Volvo trucks, buses and construction equipment, and the distributor of SDLG, Yanmar, Doosan, Himoinsa, AGG, IngersollRand, CompAir, Doosan Portable Power, Linde and Eicher.
Al Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (FAMCO) was established in the UAE in 1978. FAMCO has grown over the years to become highly respected throughout the UAE for the supply and service of heavy vehicles and machinery. It has also branched out to other GCC countries and today FAMCO covers Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, apart from the UAE.
This year has been a busy and landmark one for FAMCO. It started with the launch of the first-ever truck range from Eicher in the UAE and the region, with the Eicher Pro 2000 Series. The successful launch reinforced the partnership between FAMCO and VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), a Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Joint Venture.
In June came another path-breaking step: The launch of the first ever Volvo heavy-duty electric truck range in the UAE. FAMCO described the move as a display of its “commitment to future-forward innovation and the UAE’s Net-Zero 2050 strategy”, as the company unveiled the Volvo FH Electric, which can haul up to 44 tonnes and run an impressive 300km on a full charge. Two other electric truck models, the Volvo FM Electric and Volvo FMX Electric were also added to the range in the UAE.
Success soon followed with the new electric trucks, when global logistics heavyweight DHL partnered with FAMCO to power a green transition for its logistics operations in the UAE, beginning with buying the Volvo FM Electric truck in August.
With a firm drive to electromobility, FAMCO is also committed to providing the latest technology solutions to its customers to improve their bottom lines, such as by operating the Volvo Uptime Center for Volvo trucks and construction equipment, to help improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
United Motors & Heavy Equipment (Darwish bin Ahmed Group)
United Motors & Heavy Equipment Co. LLC (UMHE) is an integral part of Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons Group. A highly diversified business in the region, UHME’s formation predates the formation of the UAE all the way back to 1964. The company is the exclusive dealer for MAN Trucks & Buses in the UAE, along with MAN Marine Engines, SANY construction, concreting and piling equipment, as well as Sany crawler cranes.
UHME also runs the MAN ProfDrive, which provides qualified advanced training for drivers, entrepreneurs, and fleet managers. MAN offers training courses in four different subject areas: basics, economic efficiency, safety and sector/area of application. Furthermore, other application-specific training courses in the area of “on-the-job training” are also available. UHME services a wide array of sectors that include infrastructure, material handling, oil field, quarry and mining, air conditioning, and transportation.
UHME has established spare part warehouses across strategic locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Ain as well as service workshops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Of environmental significance is UHME’s distribution of equipment from the Wacker Neuson Group, which has several models of battery-powered equipment in its line-up.
The range of environmentally conscious products includes 13 light equipment apparatuses to single-direction crown plate products. For larger applications, the company sells a battery-powered excavator.
UHME also has a partnership with Shell for its lubricant products and solutions, catering to a diverse portfolio of industries ranging from industrial to manufacturing, oil & gas, construction and power.
Indeed, the list of brands that UHME brings to customers is a veritable who’s who of the global equipment and machinery industry, with prominent names such as Yale & Landoll warehousing equipment, Imer access platforms, Bell articulated dump trucks, Airman generators, Generac tower lights, Sakai vibratory compactors, Astec crushers, Eaton hydraulic parts, Berco undercarriage parts Epiroc mining solutions, MRF tyres and more.
Construction Machinery Centre (RTS Investments Group)
Construction Machinery Center (CMC) is a heavyweight in the UAE’s equipment landscape, which his amply clear when looking at the brands it represents. It is the authorised distributor of Schwing Stetter, Ammann, Sunward, Lissmac, Silla, Mecalac, Rokbak, Merlo, Chicago Pneumatic, Pramac, Pramac Lifter, Euromair, LAE, Conquip, Rockwheel and Doosan Industrial Vehicles in the UAE.
Operating through three branches across the UAE, CMC supplies construction machinery, concrete equipment, crushing plants, concrete batching plants, material handling equipment, oil field equipment, industrial air compressors, agricultural equipment, airport equipment, power generators and more.
CMC is known in the region to offer exceptional after-sales service, as well as ensure that its clients are fully trained and satisfied with their solutions. The company constantly strives to educate its employees and conducts training programs to learn more about the features and benefits of all its construction solutions.
One of the commercial arms of the RTS Investments Group, CMC was set up in 1973. Its parent company covers many sectors of business in the Middle East and has become a leading corporation across a multitude of fields. Headquartered in Dubai, the Group employs around 1,600 people, and a further 25,000 people at its affiliates in the Middle East. Its diverse portfolio of companies has been integrally involved in modern landmarks and recognisable and iconic projects in the UAE and across the Middle East – and even globally in the UK, US, India and Kazakhstan.
An ISO9001:2015 company, CMC was formed by Riad T. Al Sadek, a civil engineer from the American University of Beirut and a distinguished name in the Middle Eastern construction industry. Among its accomplishments has been a stellar partnership with Schwing Stetter in the UAE since 1975. Many other such long partnerships have followed with the best global brands, which have recognised CMC for its contributions to them and their customers.
Among the recent such recognitions has been the distributor of the year award for Lissmac and a certificate of appreciation from Doosan, both in June this year.
Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment (Galadari Brothers)
Galadari Trucks & Heavy Equipment (GTHE) supplies heavy earthmoving, construction, power systems, materials handling equipment and trucks, representing the brands Komatsu, Genie, Metso, Terex, Bomag, Dieci, Atlas Copco, Baudouin, Marini, Meka, Topcon, Epiroc, Amerex, Hensley and Sinotruk, among others.
The company’s track record of excellence has seen it gather regular recognitions from many of its principals. Last year these included the top prize for Distributor Operation Development by Komatsu Middle East. GTHE also won the bronze award from aerial equipment firm Genie for commendable performance in improving the company’s sales.
And the company’s performance has continued this year as GTHE has again filled its trophy cabinet with several awards, expectedly so for a company that dates back to 1976 and has always managed to maintain its leading position ever since. Sinotruk gave a special recognition award to GTHE for increasing the market share of its SITRAK brand, while the company also received the Komatsu Middle East Award for the top forklift sales in the region.
A major event this year for GTHE was the official launch of the new SITRAK range in the UAE, whih took place in October at a glittering ceremony in Abu Dhabi’s Al Raha Beach Hotel. With GTHE’s dedication to customers, the company has already reported an uptick in the sales of SITRAK units in the UAE.
GTHE is part of the Galadari Brothers group, one of the prominent and outstanding business groups in the UAE, which was established in 1961 by Abdul Rahim Ebrahim Galadari and Abdul Latif Ebrahim Galadari in Dubai and today employs over 5,500 personnel from more than 30 nationalities and extends its business geography to the wider GCC region as well as Sri Lanka, India, the UK and Australia. The group’s diverse operations include the automotive, engineering, industrial, media, F&B, real estate and hospitality sectors.
General Navigation and Commerce Company (Juma Al Majid Group)
General Navigation and Commerce Company (GENAVCO), a Juma Al Majid Group company in the UAE, supplies commercial vehicles, road construction equipment, quarry and mining equipment, material handling equipment, lubricants and other industrial/construction equipment through its branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Ain.
GENAVCO’s legacy stretches back over 55 years. It was founded in 1967 by Juma Al Majid, following the establishment of the Juma Al Majid Group In 1950.
Built on the basis of partnerships that last, its founding alliances include Allison Transmission (1967), BP Lubricants (1968), and Isuzu since 1982. The company represents brands such as John Deere, Wirtgen, Vogele, Hamm, Kleemann, Benninghoven, Weiro, Isuzu, Isuzu Marine, Liebherr, JLG, CompAir, Green Power, Boge, Shantui, Crown, Indeco, Flexi, Allison, MTU, Weber, Terex MPS, Terex Washing Systems and BP.
GENAVCO divides its portfolio into three main categories: Vehicles, equipment and lubricants. In the vehicles category, GENAVCO is the proud representative of ISUZU, one of the most prestigious Japanese commercial vehicle makers. The line-up of products includes the N-Series and F-Series light and medium-duty trucks and the DMax range of pick-ups.
On the equipment side of its offerings GENAVCO has an extensive portfolio of brands and machines, divided into Light Construction, Industrial, Material Handling and Storage Solutions, Road Construction, Earthmoving and Quarry, Mining and Washing categories.
Equipment supplied by GENAVCO has built more roads in the UAE than perhaps any other company, and chances are that if you drive in the UAE, you have driven over many roads that were built using equipment from the Wirtgen Group and its brands – Wirtgen, Vogele, Hamm and Benninghoven Asphalt Plants. GENAVCO also offers crushers and screeners from Kleemann, the other brand of the Wirtgen Group, and has been the go-to repository of Wirtgen brands for many decades now in the UAE.
Another prestigious brand in the GENEVCO portfolio is Liebherr earthmoving, which it offers along with Shantui and Bull earthmoving and construction equipment. Meanwhile Terex Mps and Washing Systems complete GENAVCO’s offering in the quarry, mining and washing segment. While Crown and Flexi forklits, Godrej Storage Solutions and JLG access equipment round off its material handling segment.
All products are supported by personnel with state-of-the-art training and GENAVCO maintains one of the biggest stocks of spare parts of any member of the industry for all its brands.
Middle East Crane Equipment Trading
Middle East Crane Equipment Trading (MECET), a member of Belgium-based Luyckx Group, is the official distributor for Hitachi construction machinery and HSC Cranes in the UAE.
The company has its head office in Abu Dhabi and operates from Dubai. With the know-how and expertise of its parent company Luyckx, MECET has become a specialist in the distribution and servicing of machinery for civil engineering and material handling.
Luyckx has been known as a specialist in the distribution and servicing of machinery for civil engineering, material handling and agricultural applications. The company holds all necessary licenses to work locally for the construction and oil & gas industries and also for companies specialised in the construction of artificial islands.
MECET not only provides the entire range of Hitachi equipment available in the UAE but also supplies HSC crawler cranes to the entire region. It also offers customers the facility to tailor their equipment to their needs and requirements through the Luyckx Special Applications division. An offshoot of its association with the Luyckx Group, this facility takes advantage of the fact that Luyckx does not only supply new machines, it also modifies them to meet specific customer needs.
To do so, there is an in-house construction department, supported by an engineering team. Together they stand for substantial modifications, with years of know-how and experience going hand in hand with new technologies. The experts at Luyckx design and build super-long fronts for excavators with work distances of up to 36 metres and adapt excavators and dipper dredgers of 200 tonnes and heavier for offshore works.
This year, MECET has brought the first unit of the new Hitachi ZW370-5A wheeled loader to the UAE, the keys to which were handed over to Wim Aernouts, Managing Director, MECET, at a ceremony in Hitachi’s Dubai premises in late summer. This made it the first time any dealer in the region had received Hitachi’s new loader.
MECET treats service and parts as essential to forging true customer relationships. It has an extensive spare parts warehouse, supported by modern software that enables finding and delivering specific spare parts fast. It also provides customers 24/7 help online on the Middle East Crane Online Webshop, keeping delivery delays to an absolute minimum.
Swaidan Trading (Al Naboodah Group)
Swaidan Trading, a company of the Al Naboodah Group (ANG), oversees the Commercial Vehicles and Heavy Equipment (CVHE) divisions with a business model that offers pluralistic mobility solutions in the passenger and logistics industry.
Swaidan Trading’s products encompass a range of logistics solutions from vans to customised buses, and a comprehensive range of commercial vehicles and heavy equipment.
The company represents a vast array of major brands from all over the globe, with some of the most notable ones being Peugeot, DAF Trucks, Ashok Leyland, Sennebogen, Terex, Kaiser compressors, VDL, Sacme, Clark forklift, Hubtex, Zhongtong Bus, VDL, Sunwin, Optare, Maxus, Goodyear, BKT and several others.
Swaidan Trading is also an expert in vehicle body customisation and fabrication in the UAE, with clients ranging from Dubai’s RTA and Dubai Taxi Corporation to MOHRE (Taw-seel) and leading supermarket chains.
The company’s expert team of designers assists customers in converting their concepts to reality by creating designs that incorporate all requirements that their customers may have.
The body customisation is done by well trained and experienced technicians using high quality materials. Strict quality inspection is carried out at each stage of the process by engineers and QC teams to ensure perfection and durability of the customisation.
Swaidan Trading’s efforts have not gone unrecognised by its partners. The company is a recipient of the ‘Distributor of the Year’ award from Ashok Leyland, whom they have represented exclusively in the UAE since 1984.
On winning, Swaidan Al Naboodah, Al Naboodah Group’s Manging Director, noted that its CVHE division continually focuses on gains in efficiency and agility that can positively contribute to the institutions that are counted by the organisation as its customers.
Swaidan Trading has handed over the keys to a whopping 1,400 Ashok Leyland school buses to various private and government schools in the UAE last year.
The company has also recently introduced the Peugeot Landtrek pick-up truck in the UAE, which has succeeded in capturing the imagination of the market in a short span of time. Among other recent developments, Swaidan Trading has also presented the UAE market with the Zhongtong buses range, including luxury, mini and school buses.
Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi & Sons (Al Ghandi Auto Group)
Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi & Sons is a major distributor comprising 13 companies operating in the region. It is the distributor of IVECO, Kohler Power Systems and Marine, Golden Dragon buses, Osmosea marine and commercial water makers, and Climma marine air conditioners.
It is also well-known in the UAE as the dealer of Chevrolet and Fiat vehicles.
The company was established in 1972, and it credits its success to the quality of its team. Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi first acquired the IVECO franchise more than 25 years ago.
Among the group’s several divisions, Al Ghandi Auto and National Auto deal with Chevrolet and Fiat vehicles respectively, while Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi & Sons (SMAG) is the heavy commercial vehicles and machinery arm, with brands such as IVECO and Kohler in its stable.
The group’s Tamam arm does vehicle testing while its Parts and Accessories division deals with genuine parts from top brands such as ACDelco for the vehicles it sells.
According to Mark Jenkins, CEO, Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi & Sons, SMAG and its “unparalleled suite of offerings, products, services and support have provided many opportunities for different clientele for over 60 years”.
The company had a three-pronged strategy in 2023, he said. The first was to constantly innovate and test new technologies to help streamline operations and enhance efficiencies, thus enabling the company to maintain sufficient stock availability to meet customer expectations. The second was diversification, to be agile and adapt innovative technologies and alternatives to traditional methodologies. And, thirdly, to continuously enhance services to address customer requirements.
The company is also a conscientious adopter of the best sustainability practices – which has been among the highlights of 2023.
Cognizant of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategy initiative, and at a time when the COP28 comes to Dubai, Al Ghandi Auto recently installed two innovative hydrogen gensets in order to provide environmentally friendly power to the electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations in the company’s stockyard.
Al Ghandi Auto estimates that using the two hydrogen gensets instead of diesel generators will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 30 tons per year, which is equivalent to planting 1,300 trees.
The company said this aligns perfectly with its commitment to reducing negative environmental impacts and promoting sustainable practices – and is only the beginning of its green initiatives.
Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar
Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar specialises in equipment and solutions for earthmoving, building and construction, mining, road-making, demolition, waste and scrap handling, electric power generation and marine propulsion solutions.
Headquartered in Sharjah, Al-Bahar has an employee strength of 2800 people spread across all its functional branches in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, territories in which it is the representative of Caterpillar’s Cat® and SEM brands of machinery and equipment. As the authorised dealer of Cat® and SEM, its products include wheeled loaders, soil compactors, excavators, motor graders, track-type tractors, landfill compactors, and various other models of construction machinery, compact equipment and mining and quarrying equipment.
For more than 80 years, Al-Bahar has proved to be one of the most trusted equipment trading companies in the Middle Eastern region. As the authorised Cat products dealer, Al-Bahar offers an extensive range of new, rental and used products. It’s broad product portfolio covers not only construction and mining, but also power generation and materials handling equipment.
Al-Bahar provides comprehensive support solutions comprising Cat® Connect technology solutions, parts and services across a myriad of industries. The company backs its customers with comprehensive after-sales service facilities and workshops as well as an extensive stock of available spare parts.
Caterpillar’s SEM brand is among the more recent additions to the Al-Bahar portfolio, available across a few of its locations. Al-Bahar also represents Konecranes, Unicarriers, SKF bearings, Oshkosh airport products, Newland telescopic and extendable truck loading and unloading conveyor belts and Bronto Skylift aerial ladder platforms and hydraulic platforms.
The telehandler, access and handling equipment brand Magni is the new member of the Al-Bahar stable. Al-Bahar now offers a comprehensive line-up of Magni telehandlers to go along with its extensive equipment portfolio.
Al-Bahar also has an extensive rental equipment fleet comprising various units of Cat and SEM models for a multitude of projects and tasks. Moreover, it sells a wide range of used machinery and generators that is rigorously tested to ensure they are up to the job with all Cat-branded used equipment covered under the Caterpillar warranty for Powertrain and hydraulics from three to 12 months.
NFT Specialized in Tower Cranes
NFT Specialized in Tower Cranes is the sole distributor of Manitowoc Potain, GJJ/Orbit and Pega in the region, and is a home-grown company with a huge global footprint.
NFT is well known for distributing some of the highest tower cranes in the world. In addition, the company specialises in passenger and material hoists, and other construction equipment such as crawler cranes, placing booms, concrete pumps and aerial work platforms. With headquarters in Abu Dhabi, NFT is operational in 32 countries worldwide and provides crane signboard production, technical support, maintenance and training services.
In recent years, NFT has seen its business grow beyond the Middle East and is currently also located in Asia, Europe, Africa and most recently North America. From humble beginnings over 35 years ago, today the NFT team comprises more than 1,000 qualified technicians and employees, based all over the world. Its fleet is permanently growing and counts now more than 2,000 tower cranes, more than 500 hoists and a complete available stock of spare parts.
NFT’s strength is being able to supply cranes or equipment to any construction project or take up any technical challenge. Its product portfolio includes small self-erecting cranes (700kg capacity/26m) as well as much bigger slewing cranes like the impressive Potain MD 3200 able to carry up to 80 tons. Similarly, hoist models range from 1-4 ton lifting capacity and are offered with variable speeds ranging from 36m/minute to the world’s fastest PEGA hoist with a speed of 120m/minute 3.2 ton lifting capacity.
Mineral Circles Bearings
Mineral Circles Bearings (MCB) has established itself as a leading provider of automotive and industrial maintenance, repair and operations, representing aftermarket products from brands such as NTN, SNR, MBS, ILJIN, KBC, Musashi, MCB and SKF in the Middle East and Africa.
With 35 years of market intelligence acquired through brand distributorship in the region, MCB’s multinational workforce continuously adapts to the Industry 4.0 era in order to provide seamless customer service to clients worldwide.
Among the business expansion steps taken by MCB in recent times is signing a memorandum of understanding with GMB, one of the largest global manufacturers of OE and aftermarket automotive products, appointing them as the official distributer for their products.
While this happened at Automechanika Dubai 2022, MCB also had a fruitful Automechanika 2023. The company is increasingly focusing on electric vehicles and is bringing in components and parts for EVs as the automotive landscape changes and EV adoption increases.
In the EV segment, MCB represents such leading brands as NTN Europe, which provides bearings, chassis and drivetrain components for EVs as well as advanced sensor technologies.