Arabian Automobiles Company in Dubai: Profile, Brands and AWR Automotive (2026)
Short answer: Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC) is the long-established automotive business of the AW Rostamani Group (AWR Group). Founded in 1968, it is the authorised distributor for Nissan, INFINITI and Renault in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. In 2026, AWR Group unified its automotive operations, including AAC, under one structure called AWR Automotive. According to the group’s announcement, AWR Automotive brings together 14 brands and businesses across 26 showrooms and 27 service centres. This profile explains what the company does and what it shows about the UAE car market, a sector also active on BusinessFinder.me.
What is Arabian Automobiles Company?
AAC grew from a single showroom in 1968 into one of the largest automotive distributors in the UAE, with sales, after-sales service and spare parts networks. It is the flagship automotive business of the AW Rostamani Group, a major Dubai family business group with interests in automotive, real estate and other sectors. Read our guide to buying a car showroom in Dubai.
What changed in 2026 with AWR Automotive?
In 2026, AWR Group announced that its automotive brands, services and mobility businesses, including those that operated as Arabian Automobiles Company, are now unified under AWR Automotive. The aim is better operational alignment and a more connected customer journey across buying, servicing and mobility services. Customers may now see the AWR Automotive name alongside the brands they know. For the latest details, see AWR Group.
Which brands and services does it cover?
| Area | Examples (per AWR Group announcements) |
|---|---|
| Core vehicle brands | Nissan, INFINITI and Renault (Dubai and the Northern Emirates) |
| Newer brands | Chery, ZEEKR, smart, JMMC, Royal Enfield, NXT |
| Mobility | Shift Car Rental and Subscribe Me car subscriptions |
| After-sales | Service centres, genuine parts and multi-brand servicing (Autotrust) |
| Pre-owned | Certified pre-owned vehicles |
| Trading | Distribution of lubricants, batteries and tyres |
What are the main features of its business model?
- Exclusive brand representation: authorised distribution in defined territories.
- Dealership network: showrooms and service centres across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
- After-sales services: servicing, warranty work, parts and body repair, which bring steady recurring revenue.
- Digitalisation: online booking, digital showrooms and connected services.
- Electrified mobility: electric and hybrid models from several brands.
- Fleet and commercial services: vehicles and support for corporate and government fleets.
- Flexible ownership: rental and subscription models alongside traditional purchase.
Why do after-sales services matter so much for dealers?
New-car sales go up and down with the economy, model launches and interest rates, but servicing, repairs and parts bring steady income throughout a car’s life. That is why large distributors invest heavily in service centres, and why independent garages and parts traders can build stable businesses too. For a buyer of any automotive business, recurring service revenue and loyal customers are often worth more than one-off sales.
What does AAC’s story show about the UAE car market?
The UAE car market is dominated by large distributors that hold brand franchises, while thousands of smaller businesses serve the wider ecosystem: used-car dealers, rental companies, garages, spare parts traders, tyre shops, car washes and detailing studios. Trends visible in AWR Automotive’s strategy, such as new Chinese brands, electric vehicles, subscriptions and multi-brand servicing, also create openings for smaller entrepreneurs.
Which car-related businesses can smaller investors run?
- Used-car showrooms and online car trading
- Car rental and limousine companies
- Garages and specialist workshops, such as EV and hybrid repair
- Spare parts and tyre trading
- Car wash, detailing and ceramic coating
Read how to start a car sales business in Dubai and how to run a car wash business in Dubai.
What should you check before buying a car-related business?
- The trade licence activities, such as new or used car trading, rental or repair, and whether they can be transferred
- Showroom or workshop lease terms and approvals
- Stock valuation and any financed vehicles
- RTA-related permits for rental, limousine or other transport activities
- Supplier, insurance and finance partner agreements
- Audited accounts, VAT returns and customer reviews
Are there car businesses for sale in Dubai?
Recent listings on BusinessFinder.me:
- Established car showroom business for sale in Dubai, Ras Al Khor, Dubai: AED 4,000,000
- Ready car showroom for sale in Dubai, Al Quoz, Dubai: AED 500,000
- Car showroom for sale in Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Al Quoz Industrial Area, Al Quoz, Dubai: AED 900,000
Browse more businesses for sale, and read how to buy a business in Dubai and where to buy or sell a business in Dubai.
Key takeaways
- Arabian Automobiles Company, founded in 1968, is AW Rostamani Group’s automotive business and the Nissan, INFINITI and Renault distributor in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
- In 2026, its operations were unified under AWR Automotive, covering 14 brands and businesses.
- Its model combines brand franchises, after-sales, mobility services and trading.
- EVs, new brands and subscriptions are reshaping the UAE car market.
- Smaller investors can enter through used cars, rental, garages, parts and car care.
Related guides
- Equipment for a Car Repair Shop in Dubai: Complete 2026 Checklist
- Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Business in Dubai: Technology and Components
- How to Start a Medical Equipment Company in Dubai
- Auto Spare Parts Business for Sale in UAE: Buyer’s Guide
Frequently asked questions
What is Arabian Automobiles Company?
AAC is AW Rostamani Group’s automotive business, founded in 1968, and the authorised distributor for Nissan, INFINITI and Renault in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
What is AWR Automotive?
In 2026, AWR Group unified its automotive operations, including Arabian Automobiles, under AWR Automotive, which covers 14 brands and businesses.
Which brands does AWR Automotive represent?
According to group announcements: Nissan, INFINITI, Renault, Chery, ZEEKR, smart, JMMC, Royal Enfield and NXT, plus mobility and service brands.
How many showrooms and service centres does it have?
AWR Group reported 26 showrooms and 27 service centres when it announced the unification.
Can I buy a car business in Dubai?
Yes. BusinessFinder.me lists car sales, rental and automotive businesses for sale in Dubai.
Last updated: 21 October 2026
