DUBAI: With the Middle East’s young population presenting what he calls “a historic opportunity for growth if harnessed wisely,” Dr. Sarwar Pedawi, Founder and Chairman of NorthLight Holding, says technology, inclusivity, and strategic investment can bridge divides.
Dr. Sarwar Pedawi reflected on his journey from launching businesses in a market with little infrastructure to leading a diversified group focused on telecommunications, sustainability and community development.
Pedawi began his career in Kurdistan in the late 1990s, when there was yet to be infrastructure and a fairly new corporate sector.
“If you could assess risk, act decisively, and build trust in an uncertain environment, you had a good chance of success,” he said. His first major venture, Kani Water, addressed a critical need for clean drinking water and later led to an exclusive partnership with Coca-Cola.
The foundation of NorthLight was shaped by Pedawi’s early experiences as a refugee in the Netherlands, where he developed an interest in Western telecommunication systems. After serving in the Gulf War as a captain in the Royal Netherlands Army Corps of Engineers, he pursued technical studies that further inspired his interest in innovation.
“NorthLight was built with the vision of bridging the technological divide and bringing Western standards to our region,” he said. “Technology is a catalyst for empowerment, it connects underserved communities to education, finance and markets, allowing individuals to participate fully in the modern economy.”
Originally rooted in telecommunications, NorthLight has since diversified. Pedawi highlighted the development of duty-free products, advanced quality control systems and the growth of companies like TarinNet and KITS as key milestones.
TarinNet, founded in 2005, was the first to offer wireless network systems in the region. In 2018, Pedawi restructured his business holdings, retaining TarinNet and KITS under the NorthLight group.
Pedawi believes technology can also help reduce the wealth gap in the Middle East if implemented inclusively.
“We ensure rural and urban communities have equal access, preventing a concentration of benefits in only a few metropolitan areas. By coupling infrastructure with targeted training programs, all social groups can participate in the digital transformation,” he said.
Innovation remains a central focus. Pedawi emphasized the importance of attracting talent aligned with the company’s culture.
“We often pay above-market salaries and offer financial incentives for innovation,” he said, adding that rapid innovation can also disrupt traditional industries if access is uneven. “That is why our business model prioritizes skills training, ethical standards and strategic investment in vulnerable communities.”
NorthLight also prioritizes corporate responsibility. The company recently committed $13 million toward university dormitory housing, part of its broader effort to support education and national development.
“A stronger educational foundation benefits the whole country, and ultimately our business, by expanding the pool of qualified graduates,” he said.
Looking ahead, Pedawi sees growth opportunities in clean energy, waste recycling and long-term infrastructure projects. NorthLight is exploring the development of an environmentally friendly power plant and other initiatives aimed at contributing to sustainable progress.
He also noted that well-planned real estate projects can create more than just buildings, fostering cohesive communities that encourage economic activity, cultural exchange and social inclusion. Preserving the social fabric of historic neighborhoods, he said, requires integrating walkable streets, cultural heritage elements, and modern amenities to improve quality of life.
Diversity is a core strength of the company. “We exceed industry norms in gender equality, inclusion, and benefits, fostering a culture where advancement is merit-based and reflective of the communities we serve,” Pedawi said.
Governance and compliance are also core to the group’s operations. Since its inception, NorthLight has partnered with a global auditing firm to maintain internal standards and navigate regional business differences.
“Sustainable success means aligning the group’s interests with the ambitions of our people,” Pedawi said, adding that employee compensation considers both financial performance and adherence to company values.
Addressing young entrepreneurs, Pedawi advised starting with a clear vision, remaining patient, and embracing failure as part of the journey. “Stay curious, surround yourself with inspiring people and never forget where you started,” he said.
Pedawi expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for accepting him as a refugee in 1980, and to the Kurdish region for achieving a level of stability that enables private enterprise to thrive.
“The Kurdish government has created a secure environment despite being in a difficult neighborhood,” he said.
NorthLight Holding operates in Iraq and the UAE, with a portfolio spanning telecommunications, consumer goods, infrastructure development, and sustainability-driven projects.