Our Founder

Qais Bin AbdulMunim Al Zawawi

Respected Businessman and a Visionary

Oman's Leading Merchant Family

A visionary who was dedicated to hard work and progress, Mr Zawawi was head of what would become one of Oman’s greatest merchant families. He was also a trusted advisor to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and considered it an honour and privilege to serve His Majesty the Sultan as Oman's Foreign Affairs Minister during the 1970s and early 1980s, and as Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs until his unexpected demise in September 1995.

Working Alongside His Majesty

During his time in office he assumed a vital role in helping His Majesty's new government foster a developing country with a fast growing economy bringing Oman into a brighter era.

Mr Zawawi came from humble beginnings; educated in India, he returned to Oman after a brief time spent in Dubai where he helped set up the Pepsi Cola Operation. Mr Zawawi understood the many opportunities the Blessed Renaissance would bring his beloved homeland and worked tirelessly to help the new Sultan achieve his vision for modern Oman.

Exploring New Opportunities

Back in the Sultanate, Mr Zawawi encouraged his family to unite their efforts in exploring and developing new opportunities and to work together toward building, and achieving, common goals and instilled in them his own tireless work ethic.

A man of rare vision, confidence and kindness, Mr Zawawi understood and appreciated the dynamics of a new economy at a time when Oman was still in its infancy. His aim was to help build a diverse core of businesses that would serve and sustain a fast growing domestic market for communities throughout the country.

He witnessed a historic turning point in Oman's early and hopeful outlook for the future under His Majesty Sultan Qaboos' visionary and benevolent leadership. With this new platform, the opportunities for all seemed endless. And so, like many of Oman's early entrepreneurs, Mr Zawawi worked agilely to mark a place for his family business on this new and dynamic stage.

Bringing Stability and Diversity

As a politician he was ahead of his time, a forward thinker, eager for Oman to take its place in the modern world and emerge, methodically and sustainably, from the dark ages.

His success is intertwined with that of the Sultanate itself, and while his legacy spans politics and business, he was also a firm believer in educating the young to bring stability and diversity to Oman.

Qais bin Abdulmunim Al Zawawi

The Company he founded continues to innovate, adapt, educate and strive for better across its many sectors.

It continues to have a distinguished management team and staff who appreciate the founding principles on which the company was built and who use those values as a template to maintain its focus and direction in a way it's founder would be incredibly proud. The Zawawi Group of companies has grown over 10 times since 1995.

His legacy and life achievements live on in the reputation he has created for himself, his family and businesses. His children continue to strive hard to ensure that this legacy continues for many generations to come.

Zawawi Group History

Leading Business Group in Sultanate of Oman

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2010

EPC for Power Plant in Oman LNG Sur

Zawawi Powertech Engineering won the EPC contract from Oman LNG, Sur for supply and installation of Power Plant with total capacity 228 MW.

Acquisition of Desert Palm Resort

Zahara Travels acquired “Desert Palm Resort” a newly developed tourism property in Wahaiba Sands. The property has 31 rooms located in 40,000 Sqm plot in Wahaiba Sands, Bidiya, Sur.

EDF Zawawi Energy Services LLC

Alawi Enterprises formed a joint venture "EDF Zawawi Energy Services LLC" with Electricity De' France (EDF) to provide services to power projects in Oman like providing Operation and Maintenance Services, energy optimisation services, commissioning services, advisory and consultancy services. EDF is a worlds leading electricity company specialised in thermal, nuclear, hydroelectric and renewable energy.

Aerotel Airport Hotel

Zahara Airport Services (Plaza Premium Lounge) won the contract from Oman Airport Management Company to operate and manage the 90 room airport hotel (Aerotel) and restaurant (Flight Club) in the new Muscat International Airport terminal.

Sale of Drywall Business

Zawawi Minerals divested its shareholding in USG Zawawi Zawawi Drywall LLC in Salalah Free Zone which manufactures "Sheetrock" brand gypsum boards.

Acquisition of MAI Central Eastern Europe Ltd

Risk Management Services successfully completed the acquisition of MAI Central Eastern Europe Ltd, the largest independent Insurance broker and reinsurance broker in Central Eastern Europe. MAI CEE has 21 subsidiaries operating in 12 countries (Poland, Hungary, Russia, Croatia, Slovak Republic, Latvia, Georgia, Albania, Lithuania, Ukraine, Romania and Chech Republic) that are "franchised’ as integrated network partners.

EPC for Powerplant in Lekhwair

Zawawi Powertech Engineering won the first EPC contract from PDO for constructing a combined cycle power plant of 108 MW in Lekhwair.

Acquisition of stake in an Oil & Gas company

Zawawi Group acquired 50% shares of Best Oil and Gas Solution LLC. The Company is engaged in engineering, construction and maintenance in oil fields, fabrication and laying pipe lines for Oil and Gas sector.

Joint venture with Colas Group for Asphalting business

Zawawi Colas LLC (formerly known as Tarmac Zawawi LLC) is engaged in activities of laying roads, manufacture of asphalt and retail of construction materials. Colas Group a global leader in asphalting and road construction, acquired the interest of Tarmac.

Joint venture Alemco UAE for MEP Contracting

Zawawi Group and Alemco UAE set up a joint venture company Alemco Zawawi LLC for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing contracting and to provide electro mechanical services. Alemco UAE is subsidiary of Al Jaber LEGT Engineering & Contracting LLC (ALEC), UAE.

Acquisition of majority stake in specialised Health care service provider

Zawawi Group acquired majority shareholding in Ibn Zuhr Polyclinic LLC, a company specialised in providing dialysis service to the patients of Ministry of Health in Oman.

Ibn Zuhr Polyclinic

Acquired majority stake in health care company providing Haemodialysis services to Ministry of Health, Muscat.

Joint venture with US Gypsum Corporation for manufacturing of "Sheetrock" brand gypsum boards

Zawawi Group and US Gypsum Corporation (USG) set up a joint venture company USG Zawawi Drywall LLC SFZ in Salalah Free Zone to manufacture "Sheetrock" brand gypsum boards to supply the material in Middle East and India. USG is a leading producer and distributor of gypsum boards in USA.

LBH Zawawi Shipping & Logistics

Started ship agency business in joint venture with LBH Group, Netherlands.

Joint venture with US Gypsum Corporation for mining and processing of minerals

Zawawi Group divested 55% stake in Zawawi Gypsum LLC to a strategic partner US Gypsum Corporation (USG). USG is the leading producer and distributor of gypsum boards in USA.

Full Zawawi Group history