Leadership That Inspires

Abdulla M. Al Shirawi

Founding Chairman

Oasis Investment Company, the holding company for the Al Shirawi Group of Companies, was founded on the basis of pure business passion. From the very start, we embedded a sense of pragmatism in the culture of the group. It is this pragmatism that has not only seen us through the most difficult of times but also allowed us to achieve greater success during times of economic growth. Our journey from a trading house to an industrial complex and then on to a conglomerate comprising of trading, industrial, distribution, contracting and service industries has been with its fair share of trials and tribulations but we can honestly say that today, our 10,000 plus employees are richer in experience than their counterparts. The foundations of our group are rock solid. These foundations, for all our companies, have been cast in the United Arab Emirates but today all our companies look at the world as their marketplace. In this age of globalization, we continue to grow at breath-taking speed.

Mohan G. Valrani

Founding Senior Vice Chairman

Speed is a virtue that we stand by at all times. The successful induction of our next generation into the business has allowed us to retain the advantages of remaining a family concern but at the same time enabled us to act with speed in the hiring of top grade professionals. Our group has been built on the premise of sheer hard work. We have progressed this far by believing in our values and never shying away from putting in the effort needed to grow any business. Our values: Excellence, Transparency, Compassion, Honesty, Empowerment and Discipline are inculcated in every one of our employees. For us, the journey has been a long one but we see it as just the beginning of bigger things to come. Our next generation is now fully equipped to take the Group forward and to unimaginable heights. We want everyone who deals with us to see, understand and experience that we provide high-quality solutions – and to reap the full benefits of working with a company where innovation, unrivalled quality and the pursuit of excellence are day-to-day realities.

Mohamed Al Shirawi

Chairman, Oasis Investment Company

For over 50 years, the Al Shirawi Group has focused on growth across our core businesses. Thanks to the foresight of the Rulers of the United Arab Emirates, our group has gone from strength to strength while redefining our core businesses along the way. While this has been a exciting journey, it has not always been an easy one.
I am often asked what the secret behind our success is, and I wish there were a recipe that I could distribute to my colleagues that would somehow bring together the lessons that I have picked up over the last 40+ years in the group. When I do reflect on this journey, there are nevertheless three key themes that stand out in defining how we have managed to survive during turbulent periods and thrive during growth phases. These three themes are Unity, Hard Work and Innovation.
The unity of the shareholders of our group has been a result of the values that have been passed down by our founders. Their unity has been an example for the entire 2nd generation on the “power of one”. While our group culture promotes respectful discussions between shareholders, we are also aware that once we arrive at a decision, we all are committed to it wholeheartedly. We have been through numerous economic cycles, but yet we remain united on this core principle of the “power of one”.
However, unity means very little if it is not backed up by hard work. I can honestly say that I am fortunate to have a group of CEOs that work tirelessly in their mission to meet all stakeholders’ expectations. This group is the perfect blend between experience and youth, operating in an ecosystem that allows for support across the group verticals. Our group philosophy promotes hard work with purpose, and this purpose comes from our 10,000-strong employee base who are part of our extended family.
As we look into the future, the key to our continued growth will be innovation. Innovation has always been a bedrock of our ethos, but as we look forward into the future, it will be the essence of our survival. We must adopt technology like never before and steam ahead into a world where the jobs of the future are yet to be determined. Innovation is the only solution in what is becoming an increasingly complex and connected world.
I am grateful to our founders for what they have achieved and for the faith that they have placed in me. Together with my partners, I now look forward to taking the legacy of our founders to new heights.

Sincerely yours,
Mohamed Al Shirawi
Chairman, Oasis Investment Company