With the UAE’s infrastructure sector projected to experience substantial growth — reaching a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% between 2025 and 2030 — high-performance, reliable road construction equipment has never been more critical. Central to meeting this demand are partnerships that deliver both innovation and local expertise, notably the newly minted collaboration between Dynapac, a global leader in road construction technology, and Al Shirawi Trading, one of the UAE’s key distributors of heavy equipment.
The origins of Al Shirawi Trading’s alliance with Dynapac stretches back over two decades — a partnership that was thoughtfully developed from initial discussions to final agreements, reflecting our perseverance, long term commitment and dedication.
Fredrick Victor, Deputy Director – Machinery Equipment at Al Shirawi Trading describes this collaboration as a testament to perseverance, adding: “It is important to note that this partnership was 20 years in the making, from the initial contact to the signing of the agreement. Today, we are very proud to represent this premium brand of road equipment in the UAE. Now we are proactively working together with the support of all our business partners in ensuring the right presence and brand value to inform the market that Dynapac is back strongly in the UAE again.”
For Dynapac, Al Shirawi is an indispensable partner, providing a critical local footprint across the UAE market. Issam Gharaibeh, Regional Business Line Manager – MENA at Dynapac explains: “Al Shirawi has always been well known as one of the key players in UAE market for supply of heavy equipment and Dynapac is proud to have such an active partner. Ever since we first formed our partnership with Al Shirawi, we have noticed growth every year and we always appreciate their very strong attention to after-service and the aftermarket.”
At the heart of Dynapac’s wider regional strategy, as well as the UAE, is the popular SD2500 C/CS paver machine. Deployed across the GCC, the SD2500 combines compact versatility with powerful paving capabilities, uniquely suited for Middle Eastern conditions. Victor notes: “The SD2500 is highly sought after for its exceptional adaptability, ideal for projects ranging from tight urban spaces to extensive highway developments. Its robust design directly addresses the demanding climatic conditions of the UAE, delivering productivity, reliability, and sustainability.”
The paving industry across the UAE and GCC is rapidly changing; driven by trends including sustainability, advanced technological integration, and adaptability to diverse asphalt mixes. Dynapac has strategically positioned the SD2500 to align with these market needs. The SD2500 accommodates environmentally friendly asphalt mixes, including recycled and polymer-enhanced materials. Its sophisticated automation — incorporating the PaveManager control system, MATMANAGER, and MAT SCANNER — boosts accuracy, efficiency, and real-time fleet monitoring, directly responding to market demands.
Equipped with digital tools, operators can monitor and control the machine’s performance remotely, optimising efficiency and minimising downtime,”Issam explains. “Fuel Efficiency contributes to significant fuel cost savings, making operations more sustainable. The machine’s design also ensures superior traction and paving performance, even in challenging conditions. The digital interface, meanwhile, simplifies operation, allowing operators to focus on productivity and accuracy. Issam Gharaibeh adds that the SD2500’s sustainable credentials extend beyond its asphalt compatibility: “Advanced engine technology significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with the UAE’s stringent environmental targets. The BIOFUEL capability further enhances the machine’s sustainability profile.”
The Dynapac SD2500 features superior pre-compaction techniques and intelligent screed technology, facilitating paving widths up to 9 metres and thicknesses up to 310 mm. Issam emphasises the value these features bring to contractors: “This flexibility allows contractors to handle a wide range of projects, from narrow urban streets to expansive highways and airport runways.”
The paver’s robust cooling systems and heat-resistant components also specifically cater to the Middle East’s extreme heat, ensuring consistent performance under demanding conditions. Victor stresses the SD2500 has been rigorously tested to maintain operational efficiency even in extreme temperatures: “The machine is equipped with advanced cooling systems to ensure optimal performance even in high temperatures. Its robust design and heat-resistant components make it reliable for prolonged use in hot climates.”
Dynapac believes that operator efficiency is closely tied to comfort and usability. The SD2500 addresses this with a fully ergonomic, sliding operator platform, significantly reduced noise and vibration, and improved visibility. Issam explains further: “Operator comfort isn’t just an added luxury; it directly impacts productivity and precision. The intuitive Pave Manager interface, combined with superior visibility and comfort, enables operators to deliver consistently high-quality results.”
Additionally, innovations such as Dynapac’s new Spray paver SD2500 PROTAC — combining paving and spraying operations seamlessly in a single machine — highlight Dynapac’s continuous efforts to simplify paving processes.
One critical factor contributing to Dynapac’s strong market reputation is Al Shirawi’s comprehensive after-sales support network. According to Fredrick, Al Shirawi’s localised service expertise significantly reduces downtime:
“Our strategically located workshops across all the emirates in UAE provide rapid, round-the-clock assistance. Our teams of factory-trained technicians ensure equipment reliability through preventative maintenance contracts, responsive emergency services, and efficient spare-part availability. The availability of parts and local service expertise plays a crucial role in minimising downtime for contractors utilising the Paver 2500 SD. With readily available spare parts, contractors can swiftly address equipment issues without waiting for parts to be shipped from distant locations.”
“Our local service experts, familiar with the Paver SD2500 can diagnose and resolve technical problems efficiently, reducing the time needed for repairs and maintenance. In turn, service expertise ensures that regular maintenance schedules are followed, preventing breakdowns and enhancing the machine’s reliability. Of course, minimal downtime means contractors can maintain their project timelines, avoiding delays and additional costs.”
Looking ahead, Dynapac has ambitious plans for innovation, set to unveil groundbreaking technology at BAUMA 2025. Issam shares: “We’ll introduce a new generation of highway pavers. These pavers will feature advanced technology and enhanced performance standards. The event will also showcase advancements in digitalisation and electric equipment, supporting sustainable construction practices.”
Al Shirawi’s strategic outlook centres on a customer-first approach — exceeding client expectations with superior products and services. Fredrick concludes: “We are not only working at a high level of customer satisfaction but working towards a feeling of delighting the customer with our products and services. We will continue to engage with the road contractors and municipalities of the UAE to understand their needs and requirements and provide a complete solution.”