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Hussam Baghdadi talks about shaping the future of mobility

Hussam Baghdadi, Chief Operating Officer at Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC) on Flexibility, AI, and the Road Ahead.

Mobility is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in decades. Customers are moving away from long-term commitments, instead seeking solutions that adapt to their evolving lifestyles. For Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC), this change presents not a challenge, but an opportunity to redefine what vehicle ownership and loyalty mean in the UAE. “Flexibility, choice, and peace of mind remain at the heart of our offering,” says Hussam Baghdadi, Chief Operating Officer at AAC.

Embracing flexible ownership

Across AAC’s portfolio of Nissan, INFINITI, and Renault, new lease-to- own and rent-to-own programs have been introduced, giving customers the freedom to upgrade, continue, or tran- sition into a different model at the end of their term. This approach, Hussam explains, is particularly relevant in a market as dynamic and diverse as the UAE, where both residents and entrepreneurs value the ability to adapt quickly.

“These flexible options do not replace traditional sales. Instead, they complement them. Many customers who enter through short-term leases or subscription-style models often progress to long-term ownership or certified pre-owned vehicles. Flexible models are not competitors, they are gateways into the dealership ecosys- tem,” Hussam adds.

He continued: “The result is a broader customer base, deeper loyalty, and new opportunities for dealerships to optimize stock and unlock new revenue streams.”

Harnessing AI to power growth

Behind the scenes, AI and predictive analytics are reshaping how AAC operates. Inventory management, historically one of the toughest challenges in the industry, is being revolutionised by data-driven forecasting systems. These tools have allowed AAC to anticipate seasonal spikes, model launches, and shifts in customer behavior, ensuring that vehicles and genuine parts are available exactly when and where they are needed.

“AI is no longer an add-on, it’s central to how we forecast, personalize, and serve our customers,” Hussam notes.

He also adds: “Beyond inventory, AI integrates into daily operations across marketing, aftersales, and pricing. Our campaigns are refined in real time, customer offers are personalized, and all touchpoints are linked into one unified ecosystem. The impact is clear: more precise planning, higher engagement, and faster service turnaround times.”

Creating a seamless experience

While AI powers the backend, digital innovation is equally visible in AAC’s customer experience. Most buyers today begin their journey online, comparing models and calculating financing before entering a showroom. By the time they arrive, sales teams already know their preferences, creating a smoother and more informed conversation.

In AAC’s experience centers, digi- tal kiosks and virtual tours empower customers to explore independently, while the AWR Connect app consoli- dates ownership services, from main- tenance bookings to delivery tracking, in one platform. Modernized customer centers further reduce wait times and enhance service responsiveness. Together, these initiatives ensure that online and offline experiences are seamlessly connected.

Loyalty built on trust

For nearly 60 years, Arabian Auto- mobiles has been synonymous with reliability and service in the UAE. Maintaining this loyalty in an era of expanding mobility choices requires both tradition and innovation.

Hussam highlighted: “The compa- ny’s diverse lineup reflects this strategy. From the legacy of the Patrol, which symbolizes heritage and strength, to the INFINITI QX80 offering refinement, luxury and premium experiences, to newer models like the Renault Koleos and compact Nissan KICKS, AAC caters to every segment, with flexible lease programs adding further a new dimension in car ownership.” Aftersales remains a cornerstone. “Loyalty in mobility has always been built on consistency of experience,” Hussam emphasises.

Partnerships and the future of mobility

Looking ahead, Hussam sees the UAE as uniquely positioned to foster partnerships between the automotive and aviation sectors. Integrating loyalty programs, offering bundled mobility packages, and sharing infrastructure could create new ecosystems of convenience for customers while driving growth for businesses.

“Sustainability also remains a core priority. Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), or flying taxis, are not viewed as competitors to electric vehicles but as complementary solutions. If developed responsibly, they can reduce emissions, alleviate congestion, and expand the sustainable mobility ecosystem,” noted Hussam.

He also explains: “The future of mobility is layered ownership, sharing, and aerial transport will coexist within a single ecosystem.”

With solutions such as Pick Up & Drop Off, extended service hours, and advanced diagnostics, AAC ensures customers remain mobile with mini- mal disruption. Digital integration, led by the AWR Connect app, reinforces this loyalty by making every stage of ownership more convenient.

Dubai, with its smart city vision, will play a leading role in shaping this integrated framework. Strong infrastructure, EV charging networks, digital platforms, and aerial mobility corridors will ensure traditional ownership, shared services, and new technologies work side by side.

Looking Ahead

At the heart of all these initiatives is a clear vision: to remain a trusted mobility partner that evolves with technology and customer needs. Hussam concludes, “Our role is clear: to remain a trusted mobility partner that adapts to new technologies while delivering value, flexibility, and peace of mind.”

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