AJi Group, a leading architecture, construction, engineering and consultancy group in the region, has achieved a significant milestone by advancing 21 spots to be ranked among the top 100 international design firms in Engineering News-Record’s prestigious Top 225 list for 2025.

Ranking 86th in the global list that developers and investors turn to, AJi Group was recognized for its significant focus on investments in technology, climate resilience and energy transition. Aligning with the global trends in sustainability, ESG integration, artificial intelligence and resilient and adaptive infrastructure systems, AJi Group has been at the forefront in “reimagining its business model, enhancing operational efficiency and improving the return on investment for clients,” said Hamzeh Awwad, CEO of AJi Group.

“We are honored to be recognized among the top international design firms, a testament to the 60-year legacy of our organization, the commitment of our talented professionals, and our focus on reshaping the future of infrastructure in the MENA region,” added Awwad.

“As a trusted partner to some of the region’s most ambitious projects, we see this recognition as an acknowledgement of the remarkable advancements that the MENA region has made in redefining modern architecture, design and infrastructure development. The vision of our clients enables us to push our boundaries to deliver on their priorities, especially in promoting sustainable built environments and embracing advanced technology,” he said.

With close to half the projects coming from repeat clients, AJi Group is regarded as a go-to-partner for government entities, developers and investors in the MENA region. 

Under Awwad’s leadership, the company has demonstrated exceptional performance across key metrics in recent years, with revenues surging 210 percent in 2024, and its talented professional base growing by 35 percent.

The group’s ascent in the ENR rankings also underscores its strategic expansion across the MENA region, where it operates through 13 regional offices, including four in Saudi Arabia and three in the UAE.

In its report, ENR particularly highlighted AJi Group’s focus on tackling market challenges by embracing a transformation mindset. “As the region transforms, so must we,” observed Awwad, in the 2025 report, adding that the group focused on “empowering local talent, embedding sustainability and driving cross-border collaboration.”

AJi Group’s landmark projects include the Riyadh Municipality EPMO and AFMO, OSUS Eye — the first “10-minute” city in the Saudi capital, Green Riyadh’s projects across four neighborhoods and the Cleveland Clinic Expansion in the UAE.

Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands, has been appointed as the official distributor of Omoda and Jaecoo, the automotive brands under the Chery Group umbrella, in Iraq. Jameel Motors won the distribution agreement through a competitive process involving both local and international companies.

This marks a new market entry for Jameel Motors and Omoda and Jaecoo, where they will be tapping into Iraq’s rapidly growing automotive sector, which accounts for 8–10 percent of all imports to the country. With strong demand for new energy vehicles driven by a young, tech-savvy urban population, this agreement supports Jameel Motors’ inorganic growth and multi-brand expansion in the region, while enhancing personal mobility options for Iraqi drivers.

Jameel Motors will initially distribute the Omoda C5 and C7, and the Jaecoo J5, J7, and J8 models, with sales to commence in Q4 2025. Omoda and Jaecoo is part of Chery Group — China’s fourth-largest automaker and among the fastest-growing on the global stage. It has expanded to more than 40 markets, earning international recognition and a global customer base of over 500,000.

Jasmmine Wong, chief executive, Jameel Motors, said: “We are proud to be working with Chery Group to introduce Omoda and Jaecoo to Iraq, a dynamic and increasingly sophisticated automotive market. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering advanced, sustainable, and design-forward mobility solutions that meet the evolving needs of drivers. Together with Chery Group, we look forward to shaping the future of personal transportation in Iraq.”

Jameel Motors in Iraq will be headed by Kamal Sultan as the country manager. Sultan is a skilled automotive professional with more than 10 years of extensive experience in the Iraqi market. Having played a key role in the growth and network expansion of Toyota Iraq, as well as contributing to Nissan Iraq from its inception, he brings with him strong expertise in sales, after-sales service, and marketing strategies. He has also been instrumental in establishing Geely Iraq, Hongqi Iraq, Sixt Rental Car, and Iraq’s first automotive service chain. His deep industry knowledge and strategic insight make him a valuable leader in Iraq’s automotive sector.

“Launching Omoda and Jaecoo in Iraq marks an exciting new chapter for Jameel Motors,” Sultan said. “With a young and connected population driving demand for premium and technologically advanced vehicles, Iraq presents significant opportunities. We are committed to building a strong local presence with Chery Group’s customer-centric products, to serve this rapidly growing market.”

With a focus on localized operations at its overseas production bases, Chery Group is committed to the sustainable advancement of regional automotive industries through local job creation and the export of intelligent manufacturing standards and management expertise.

Jameel Motors represents some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands and has operations in more than 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. This agreement marks another milestone as Jameel Motors continues to expand internationally and harness innovation for the future of mobility.