Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Dr. Sarwar Pedawi, Founder and Chairman of NorthLight Holding, discussed the evolution of entrepreneurship in the Kurdistan Region, the growth of his business group, and the company’s long-term goals in an interview this week.

Pedawi began his career in Kurdistan in the late 1990s, when there was yet to be infrastructure and a fairly new corporate sector.

“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 major venture, Kani Water, addressed a critical need for clean drinking water and later led to an exclusive partnership with Coca-Cola.

The foundation of NorthLight was shaped by Pedawi’s early experiences as a refugee in the Netherlands, where he developed an interest in Western telecommunication systems. After serving in the Gulf War as a captain in the Royal Netherlands Army Corps of Engineers, he pursued technical studies that further inspired his interest in innovation.

“NorthLight was built with the vision of bridging the technological divide and bringing Western standards to our region,” he said.

Originally rooted in telecommunications, NorthLight has since diversified. Pedawi highlighted the development of duty-free products, advanced quality control systems and the growth of companies like TarinNet and KITS as key milestones.

TarinNet, founded in 2005, was the first to offer wireless network systems in the region. In 2018, Pedawi restructured his business holdings, retaining TarinNet and KITS under the NorthLight group.

Innovation remains a central focus. Pedawi emphasized the importance of attracting talent aligned with the company’s culture. “We often pay above-market salaries and offer financial incentives for innovation,” he said.

NorthLight also prioritizes corporate responsibility. The company recently committed $13 million toward university dormitory housing, part of its broader effort to support education and national development.

“A stronger educational foundation benefits the whole country, and ultimately our business, by expanding the pool of qualified graduates,” he added.

Looking ahead, Pedawi sees growth opportunities in clean energy, waste recycling and long-term infrastructure projects. NorthLight is exploring the development of an environmentally friendly power plant and other initiatives aimed at contributing to sustainable progress.

Governance and compliance are also core to the group’s operations. Since its inception, NorthLight has partnered with a global auditing firm to maintain internal standards and navigate regional business differences.

“Sustainable success means aligning the group’s interests with the ambitions of our people,” Pedawi said, adding that employee compensation considers both financial performance and adherence to company values.

Addressing young entrepreneurs, Pedawi advised starting with a clear vision, remaining patient, and embracing failure as part of the journey.

“Stay curious, surround yourself with inspiring people, and never forget where you started,” he said.

Pedawi expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for accepting him as a refugee in 1980, and to the Kurdish region for achieving a level of stability that enables private enterprise to thrive.

“The Kurdish government has created a secure environment despite being in a difficult neighborhood,” he said.

NorthLight Holding operates in Iraq and the UAE, with a portfolio spanning telecommunications, consumer goods and infrastructure development.