The UAE has establishments intertwined with the growth of the country. Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons Group is one such enterprise. Established in 1964, it has evolved strategically over the years. The company has firmly marked its presence across a diverse spectrum of sectors, encompassing infrastructure, material handling, oil field services, quarry and mining, air conditioning and transportation.
Through the years, DBA has left an indelible mark on Abu Dhabi’s landscape. From iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and the Sheikh Zayed Tunnel to the city’s bustling fleet of buses, it has been an integral part of the capital’s growth story.
In 2025, the company celebrated its 30-year anniversary between MAN and Darwish Bin Ahmad & Sons. United Motors and Heavy Equipment LLC is one of the region’s leading and respected names for heavy equipment parts, products and services. Recently, United Motors and Heavy Equipment won, ‘MAN Importer of the Year-2025.’
The award was officially presented by the MAN Truck & Bus senior leadership team, including the ceremonial handover of the legendary green MAN blazer, recognising outstanding performance, partnership, and excellence at an international level.
We discover the strategic plans of the group, in an exclusive interview with Afaf Kontar, COO – United Motors and Heavy Equipment LLC and Mikael Lindner, Managing Director MAN Truck & Bus Middle East FZE.
GSC: DBA has just been named “MAN Importer of the Year – International 2025.” What do you believe were the defining factors that set your performance apart on the global stage?
Afaf Kontar: In just three words I can say, reliability, trust and performance is the defining factor for this achievement.
GSC: How has the UAE’s rapidly evolving logistics and infrastructure landscape shaped your strategy for MAN’s commercial vehicle operations in the region?
Afaf Kontar: Our strategy has been shaped by effective planning with “After sales performance,” by maintaining the maximum inventory to achieve on time maintenance, our logistics partners collaboration and delivery to our valuable customers shaped MAN’S commercial operations in UAE.
GSC: Sustainability is becoming a core requirement in fleet operations. How is MAN integrating low emission technologies, and how is DBA/UMHE supporting customers in transitioning to greener fleets?
Mikael Lindner: Sustainability and efficiency are no longer differentiators; they are fundamental requirements. For our customers, they are directly linked to total cost of ownership, operational performance, and increasingly also to regulatory compliance and brand positioning. At MAN, we address this in a very pragmatic and customer-centric way, combining advanced technology with real, measurable impact.
A good example is the introduction and deployment of the first Euro 6 trucks in the Middle East in 2025, where we partnered with United Motors & Heavy Equipment to deliver 40 vehicles to a local fleet (Emirates SkyCargo). These trucks meet the most stringent emissions standards globally, significantly reducing harmful pollutants compared to previous generations of trucks.
What is particularly important is the tangible business impact: The customer (Emirates SkyCargo) expects approx. a 17% annual reduction in CO₂ emissions from these vehicles alone. This demonstrates that sustainability is not just a vision, it delivers measurable results in day-to-day operations.
At the same time, we continue to innovate on highly efficient conventional powertrains, because in many regions and applications, they remain essential. For example, the MAN D26 engine, now available in the MEA & CIS region, delivers 540 horsepower and 2,650 Nm of torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications such as construction and heavy haulage – key industries in our region – while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
So, our approach is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about providing the right solution for each application, market maturity, and individual customer need.
Looking ahead, we are committed to low- and zero-emission technologies, particularly battery-electric trucks and buses, which are becoming increasingly viable for urban and regional transport. However, introducing new technology alone is not enough, the real task for our customers is the transition. That’s why we position MAN as a true solution partner, supporting our customers end-to-end.
Ultimately, our goal is to make sustainability practical, scalable, and economically viable. Because the transition to greener fleets will only succeed if it works for our customers’ business and that’s exactly where we focus: delivering customised solutions that combine low emissions, high efficiency, and a compelling total cost of ownership.
Afaf Kontar: DBA/UMHE’s strong focus is on advanced technologies with introduction of Hydrogen powered and Electric vehicles to enhance the sustainability vision jointly with MAN.
More of this story can be found on https://globalsupplychainme.com/digital-issues-2026/june-2026/
