Emirates Man
This week, speaks to Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, CEO of AGMC (Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre) – a leading the automotive company serving as the exclusive importer for BMW Group brands including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce in Dubai, Sharjah, and Northern Emirates.
Welcome to the weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to incredible entrepreneurs, and businessmen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
With decades of experience with BMW, Here, Dr. Haqparwar shares with his early journey in the field and shares an insight of his work mindset that reinforces the brand’s position as a premiere automotive retailer in the region.
What was your favourite subject at school?
My favourite subjects in school were math and geography.
What was your first job?
My first job was BMW of course. I was responsible for establishing new markets for the BMW Group
What eventually brought you to Dubai?
Like many people, it was for my work. I was relocated here from Germany, almost 18 years ago for BMW Group.
What inspired you to enter the automobile space?
My father. He worked in the automotive field as a used car trader. It was from him that I developed the passion for the automotive space, and I learned the tricks of the trade from him.
What are the key elements of your role?
The main element in my role is leading a great team that have a shared drive for success. I always do my best to inspire them to be their best, not only as part of the team at AGMC, but in their personal lives as well. As a CEO, I can’t do everything and be everywhere, so it’s crucial that I can rely on my team.
Talk us through your daily routine.
I wake up early and start my day in the gym, either by running or doing weights. From there, I head to the office where I start off with emails and then go from meeting to meeting.
I have an open-door policy. Hence, anyone can come in and discuss any topics or issues they might be facing, so I never know how my day will evolve. If I don’t have any evening work responsibilities like events of launches, I get home around 7pm and am exhausted!
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Always stay calm. There is always a solution to any problem in the business, and its much easier to think in a state of calm. Sooner or later, you will find it.
And what is the worst?
Great question. Nobody has ever asked me this. I would say that to be perfect in what you do. No one and nothing can be perfect in life. There are always risks to be taken, and some have good outcomes and some bad – but there’s always a learning.
Tell us more about the key highlights for AGMC in Dubai and the Northern Emirates for 2025.
So far everything is running smoothly and we recently launched a new showroom in Sharjah to better serve our customers in the Northern Emirates. We are growing our business and Dubai has been very supportive in fueling our ambitions.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
I think the COVID period was the biggest challenge and I guess this was for everyone.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Take risks. Go where no one else is thinking of going. Take on the projects that are difficult. Only by doing this, will you develop yourself and grow.
What are your goals for the future?
Personally, to have a relaxed life.
