DUBAI: The Middle East’s young population, says Dr. Sarwar Pedawi, represents “a historic opportunity for growth if harnessed wisely.”
As Founder and Chairman of NorthLight Holding, Pedawi believes that technology, inclusivity, and strategic investment are key to bridging economic divides and driving sustainable development across the region.
Pedawi’s belief in empowerment through innovation stems from a personal journey defined by resilience. Having fled to the Netherlands as a refugee in 1980, he developed a deep interest in Western telecommunication systems and the role of connectivity in rebuilding societies.
After serving as a captain in the Royal Netherlands Army Corps of Engineers during the Gulf War, he pursued technical studies that sharpened his understanding of infrastructure and digital systems.
“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.”
When Pedawi returned to Kurdistan in the late 1990s, the region’s corporate sector was still in its infancy. “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 venture, Kani Water, emerged out of necessity, providing clean drinking water where access was scarce. The project’s success led to an exclusive partnership with Coca-Cola, setting the stage for future growth.
NorthLight Holding was founded to advance regional innovation and bridge technological gaps. Initially focused on telecommunications, the group soon diversified into consumer goods, infrastructure and sustainability-driven projects.
Pedawi cites the launch of TarinNet in 2005 as a turning point — the first company to deliver wireless network systems in the Kurdistan Region. A decade later, in 2018, he restructured his holdings, retaining TarinNet and KITS under the NorthLight umbrella to streamline growth and governance.
Today, the company’s portfolio spans Iraq and the UAE, encompassing duty-free products, advanced quality control systems, and emerging sectors such as clean energy and recycling.
For Pedawi, technology is more than a business tool, it’s a social equalizer. “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 explained.
He believes that inclusive implementation of technology can help reduce wealth disparities across the Middle East.
“Rapid innovation can also disrupt traditional industries if access is uneven. That’s why our business model prioritizes skills training, ethical standards, and strategic investment in vulnerable communities,” he added.
NorthLight’s values extend beyond profit. The company recently committed $13 million to build university dormitory housing, a project designed to strengthen educational access and support national development.
“A stronger educational foundation benefits the whole country, and ultimately our business, by expanding the pool of qualified graduates,” Pedawi said.
He also views real estate development as a social endeavor. “Well-planned projects can create more than just buildings, they foster cohesive communities that encourage economic activity, cultural exchange, and social inclusion,” he said.
Maintaining the social fabric of historic neighborhoods, he added, requires blending walkable streets, heritage elements, and modern amenities to improve quality of life.
“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.
The company also maintains strict governance standards, having partnered with a global auditing firm since its inception to uphold transparency and internal compliance.
“Sustainable success means aligning the group’s interests with the ambitions of our people,” he noted, emphasizing that employee rewards are linked not only to performance but also to commitment to company values.
Pedawi sees the next phase of growth anchored in clean energy, waste recycling, and infrastructure projects, including plans for an environmentally friendly power plant aimed at supporting regional sustainability goals.
“We aim to contribute to sustainable progress, not just economic growth,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Pedawi expressed gratitude to both the Netherlands, for welcoming him as a refugee, and to the Kurdish government, for creating the conditions that allow entrepreneurship to thrive.
“The Kurdish government has created a secure environment despite being in a difficult neighborhood,” he said.
To young entrepreneurs, his message is one of perseverance and purpose: “Start with a clear vision, remain patient, and embrace failure as part of the journey. Stay curious, surround yourself with inspiring people, and never forget where you started.”