September 08, 2025.
On 8 September 2025, Al Zaman Group was invited by the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) to present at the UK Trade Conference, held at the Clayton Hotel in Chiswick, London. Organized by the IBBC Baghdad office, the event brought together a delegation of Iraqi SMEs and featured a number of high-profile speakers who explored opportunities for Iraqi businesses to expand into the UK market.
The session focused on how Iraqi companies can successfully trade with and invest in the UK. Discussions covered access to financing in Iraq, entrepreneur visas and UK investment pathways, strategies for scaling businesses internationally, and ways to foster collaboration between Iraqi and UK companies. In addition, speakers shared practical insights into setting up businesses in the UK, exploring franchise opportunities, and accessing support services designed to make international expansion smoother.
The final presentation was delivered by Mr. Ali Alqwaizi, Business Development Manager at Al Zaman Group. He opened by asking the audience a simple yet thought-provoking question: “Have you heard of Al Zaman Group?” This sparked curiosity and set the stage for the company’s story of growth and success. He then shared an inspiring message: “Every great journey begins with a dream – and Al Zaman Group is living proof that a dream from Iraq can sail across borders and inspire the world.” His words resonated deeply with the SMEs in attendance, reinforcing the idea that with vision, ambition, and the right support, Iraqi businesses can thrive on the global stage.
Mr. Alqwaizi introduced Al Zaman Group as a multinational company with over 25 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, and specialized services. He highlighted the Group’s diverse portfolio, which spans shipbuilding, offshore services, oil and gas, boat manufacturing, electricity, telecommunications, construction, and large-scale infrastructure projects. To showcase the company’s achievements, he shared images of Al Zaman’s fleet of ships currently operating around the world. The audience expressed admiration for the remarkable journey of the company’s founder, Mr. Ahmed Shaban, whose vision and determination laid the foundation for Al Zaman Group’s growth into a global success story. Many expressed prides in seeing an Iraqi individual and company achieve such international recognition.
Mr. Alqwaizi recounted how Mr. Shaban founded Al Zaman Group with the ambition of first serving the domestic market and then expanding internationally, transferring knowledge and technology to Iraq while positioning the company as a regional leader in the marine industry. He emphasized that the CEO has faced enormous challenges but persevered with resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to quality. This determination enabled the Group to grow into an international powerhouse capable of competing on the global stage.
In closing, Mr. Alqwaizi underlined the company’s role in strengthening economic and business ties between Iraq and the UK, noting its significance not only as a corporate success story but also as a bridge for international collaboration. He concluded by affirming that the success of Al Zaman Group is inseparable from the vision and dedication of its founder, Mr. Ahmed Shaban, who stands as an inspiration for Iraqi and Middle Eastern entrepreneurs.
