Separator
Ali Alshimmari: Transforming Iraq's Retail Landscape through Innovation

Ali Alshimmari: Transforming Iraq's Retail Landscape through Innovation

Separator
Ali Alshimmari, Managing Partner

Ali Alshimmari

Managing Partner

Entrepreneurship in Iraq has always been a story of resilience and vision. Despite decades of challenges, Iraqi entrepreneurs have consistently demonstrated an ability to identify opportunities in a fast-growing consumer market. With a population eager for modern services and solutions, Iraq presents fertile ground for business ventures that can adapt global success stories to local realities.

Many forward-looking leaders are stepping up to build businesses that not only meet market demand but also introduce innovations that reshape industries and drive economic growth. Among such leaders is Ali Alshimmari, Managing Partner of Al Ameen Group (AG), whose journey reflects this entrepreneurial spirit. Recognizing Iraq’s potential as a consumer-driven economy, Al Shimmari and his team decided in 2012 to pivot their business toward retail solutions.

After carefully studying the market, they partnered with pioneering international companies best suited for Iraq’s evolving retail sector. This strategic move positioned AG as a trusted enabler for businesses seeking modern solutions.

Alshimmari attributes AG’s growth to a simple yet powerful formula: continuously monitoring market needs, listening to clients, and adapting proven global practices to Iraq’s context. The company’s commitment to delivery, operational continuity, and customer-focused guidance has enabled many clients to expand their businesses successfully.

Building on this foundation, Al Ameen Group has extended into Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM), creating its own branded products to further strengthen trust and recognition. Today, AG has become a household name in Iraq, offering a wide range of products including thermal printers, barcode scanners, and POS systems.

Under Ali Al Shimmari’s leadership, Al Ameen Group continues to embody the promise of Iraqi entrepreneurship, combining vision, adaptability, and innovation to power growth in one of the region’s most dynamic markets. Let’s read.

A company’s success is 10 percent strategic vision and 90 percent the ability to empower the people who bring that vision to life, because it’s not about you, it’s about how deeply you invest in others

What are the strategies you have adopted for building strategic partnerships and delivering high-quality results?

Our strategy is built on two pillars: transparency and added value. We believe selling products alone is not enough, what sets us apart is delivering integrated solutions where our products enhance efficiency and growth. By combining quality with competitive pricing, we ensure our clients see real outcomes rather than just plans or charts.

We are deliberate in selecting clients, treating their businesses as if they were our own, which fosters trust and long-term collaboration. Many of the companies we represent, some for over 12 years, have been integral in shaping our success stories in Iraq.

The foundation of these partnerships lies in mutual interest and a shared goal of transforming retail practices in the country. This focus has enabled us to build enduring relationships and deliver consistent, high-quality results.

My vision is to continue being a pioneer in delivering solutions that serve both businesses and government sectors

Describe your leadership style. How are you promoting a cooperative and productive work­place?

Doing business in Iraq is never easy, and success here requires more than theory, it demands adaptability.

When I started in 2005, I focused on building a strong reseller network across the country, training and supporting them to succeed despite limited capital. This created a new, locally driven business model that was once unthinkable. In 2024, we expanded our efforts by working with NGOs to train fresh graduates, helping them build skills and careers.

Some joined us, others became freelancers, creating a win-win ecosystem that strengthened both our workplace culture and business growth.

How do you keep yourself up-to-date with on-going industry trends to steer your organiza­tion towards the future?

I stay updated by attending expos, industry events, and continuously exploring new concepts and success stories that can be adapted to Iraq.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

My vision is to continue being a pioneer in delivering solutions that serve both businesses and government sectors. At the same time, I want to build a new model that engages fresh IT graduates in enhancing retail solutions and providing technical support.

Even if they are not permanent employees, we create opportunities for them through a freelance work structure. This not only develops their skills and careers but also strengthens the overall service ecosystem in Iraq, ensuring that innovation and growth go hand in hand.

Based on your experience in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the field?

My advice is simple, understand your market thoroughly and be clear about your own capabilities. Learn the power of saying “no” when necessary, because not every opportunity is the right one. Always base your decisions on data, not assumptions. And most importantly, never fall in love with what you do; stay objective so you can adapt, improve, and make the tough choices that drive real growth.

Ali Alshimmari, Managing Partner, Al Ameen Group

Ali Alshimmari, Managing Partner of Al Ameen Group, holds a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from NYIT. A visionary entrepreneur, he believes in living life with purpose and innovation, “We live once, so we must live it in a remarkable and pioneering way”, a philosophy reflected in his business journey.

Current Issue




🍪 Do you like Cookies?

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read more...