Saud Bahwan Automotive and Toyota Motor Corporation recently celebrated a distinguished milestone marking 50 years of partnership and progress at the Al Bustan Palace hotel. The event celebrated a remarkable journey built on trust, innovation and shared success that has shaped Oman’s automotive landscape for five decades.
The grand ballroom reflected an elegant atmosphere that highlighted the legacy and values of both organisations. Guests were welcomed by a display of iconic Toyota vehicles representing each decade of the partnership; a visual testament to Toyota’s evolution in Oman. Inside, a specially designed “Milestones Wall” showcased key moments from Toyota’s journey in Oman, highlighting its consistent focus on quality, reliability and customer satisfaction.
The event brought together dignitaries, senior representatives from Toyota Motor Corporation and distinguished guests from Oman. The evening opened with a welcome address by Mr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed Saud Bahwan, Chief Executive Officer of Saud Bahwan Group, who reflected on the partnership’s enduring strength.
“What started in 1975 as a humble partnership has grown into one of the most successful collaborations in Oman’s automotive history, built on trust, integrity and a shared commitment to excellence,” he remarked.
He expressed his appreciation to Toyota Motor Corporation for its unwavering support and innovation over the years. “From the legendary Land Cruiser that conquered our deserts to the latest hybrid models driving us toward a sustainable future, Toyota has continuously set benchmarks for quality and reliability,” he said, acknowledging the generations of loyal customers whose trust has fuelled this enduring success.
Looking ahead, he added, “As we celebrate this golden jubilee, we are not just looking back with pride, but forward with determination. Together with Toyota, we are committed to leading the way in sustainable mobility, guided by innovation and inspired by the trust of our customers. Here’s to fifty years of excellence and to many more decades of partnership and progress.”
Following his address, Mr. Masaru Shimada, Chief Officer of the Toyota India and Middle East Division at Toyota Motor Corporation, spoke about Toyota’s deep connection with Oman and the significance of the partnership. Speaking with warmth, he described Oman’s significance in Toyota’s global journey not merely as a market, but as a partner in progress.
In a heartfelt tribute, Mr. Shimada honoured the late Sheikh Saud Bahwan, whose vision and determination first brought Toyota to Oman in 1975, a time when the brand was virtually unknown in the region. He spoke of how Sheikh Saud’s unwavering focus on customer satisfaction and after-sales excellence laid the foundation for success, a spirit carried forward by Sheikh Mohammed Bahwan and now Sheikh Abdullah Bahwan. “Thanks to the unwavering commitment of three generations of the Bahwan family,” he said, “Toyota has become an integral part of daily life in Oman.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Shimada reaffirmed Toyota’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility in step with Oman’s Vision 2040. He highlighted Toyota’s “multi-pathway” approach towards carbon neutrality, embracing hybrid, electric and hydrogen technologies and expressed pride in Oman’s pioneering role with Toyota Mirai vehicles as part of the nation’s first hydrogen initiative. Concluding on an inspiring note, he said, “Together, Toyota and Saud Bahwan Automotive will continue to move forward like two wheels of the same vehicle, driven by trust, innovation and the shared mission to produce happiness for all.”
A highlight of the evening was the premiere of the 50 Years Commemorative Film, featuring heartfelt stories from loyal customers and partners whose lives have been interwoven with Toyota’s journey in Oman.
“It was 1978 when I brought home my first Toyota Land Cruiser pick-up, a 1978 model,” recalled Mr. Omar Mohammed Saleh Al Mamari, a businessman from Sohar. “Back then, every journey meant courage; rough roads, long days and the dream of building something that could make a lasting difference.” His son Mr. Mohammed Omar Saleh Al Mamari continued the legacy in 1986 with a Hilux, followed by Mr. Mothalak, Mr. Abdullah and Mr. Salim, who now drives a 2024 Land Cruiser Wagon. “But the experience of owning a Toyota is much more than just a car,” said Salim. “It is our family’s story on wheels; four generations, one journey, built on trust and driven by passion.”
Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Ibrahim Yousuf Nasser Al Shizawi from Sohar fondly reminisced, “When I first stepped into the Toyota showroom in Sohar decades ago, I drove home in a Cressida. That car became my trusted companion on countless journeys across Oman and beyond. In 1992, my son followed in my footsteps and brought home a Cressida too. To this day, both cars remain with us, still running beautifully, admired by many in our community as timeless classics. The easy availability of genuine parts and the dedicated service from Saud Bahwan Automotive have kept them in perfect shape.”
His son, Mr. Basam Ibrahim Yousuf Al Shizawy, continued warmly, “Growing up, I used to watch my father’s Cressida with awe. It became a part of our family’s story. Today, I drive a RAV4 4WD, strong, reliable and always ready for work or adventure. For us, Toyota is not just a vehicle; it is part of who we are.”
Mr. Samir Sulaiman Zaher Al Kharusi shared his journey that spanned decades. “I have always admired Toyota’s 4WD range. Even during my school days, I dreamt of owning one. So when I graduated, I didn’t have to think twice; I bought my first Land Cruiser. It felt like a tradition to buy from Saud Bahwan Automotive. Their service, their attention to customers and their easy availability of parts made ownership effortless. In 2020, I brought home another Land Cruiser and both vehicles continue to perform flawlessly. I am already planning my next one in 2026. After all, some journeys deserve to continue and mine will always be with Toyota and Saud Bahwan Automotive.”
Also sharing her thoughts was Mrs. Thuraiya Khalfani Al Khanjiri, who spoke warmly about her family’s bond with Toyota. “My first car was a Corolla. For seven years, it never once let me down. Now I own a Camry and I am very happy with it as it is safe and I have no problem with it at all. Even after my daughter graduated, she chose a Toyota Raize. For our family, Toyota has always stood for quality, comfort and lasting peace of mind. Thank you, Saud Bahwan Automotive, for bringing such dependable cars to Oman. For me, Toyota will always be number one.”
The film also shone a spotlight on institutional partners who have powered Oman’s growth. Representing one of Oman’s most respected business families, Mr. Nailesh Kanaksi Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas, reflected on a relationship that extends far beyond business. “I congratulate Saud Bahwan Group and Toyota on completing 50 years of partnership. Ours is a relationship that goes back generations. For decades, our families have grown together in friendship, trust and respect. And I am confident that our children will carry this legacy forward for generations to come.”
“It all started in 1990,” said Sheikh Sultan Bin Soud Bin Ahmed Al Shidhany, Managing Director, Sultan Bin Soud Bin Ahmed Al-Shidhany Trading LLC. “Toyota has been with us in our journey, right from the tough terrains in our oil field operations from the interior to the coastal areas. Toyota’s quality and the support of Saud Bahwan Automotive as well as Chairman Mohammed Saud Bahwan and CEO Abdullah Mohammed Bahwan, we have powered our progress for 25 years. It is a relationship built on trust, commitment and shared success.”
From Al Maha Rent-A-Car, Sheikh Nasser Khamis Al Hashar, Chairman, Al Maha Rent a Car & Al Hajiry Trading shared his thoughts saying, “Congratulations to Saud Bahwan Automotive and Toyota on completing 50 remarkable years of partnership and progress. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed Saud Bahwan and Sheikh Abdullah Mohammed Bahwan for their steadfast support and invaluable contribution to the automotive industry in Oman.”
Following the film, guests were treated to a cultural performance that celebrated the deep ties between Saud Bahwan Automotive and Toyota Motor Corporation. Traditional Japanese and Omani performers came together in an elegant display of artistry and respect, symbolising the partnership and shared values of the two brands.
The evening then saw the unveiling of the 50-Year Anniversary logo, a symbol of endurance and progress. Against this backdrop, Mr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed Saud Bahwan, Chief Executive Officer of Saud Bahwan Group and Mr. Masaru Shimada, Chief Officer of the Toyota India and Middle East Division at Toyota Motor Corporation exchanged commemorative gifts, marking a moment of mutual appreciation and respect.
The celebration concluded with a dinner accompanied by a soft symphony of music. Each guest received a commemorative memento in recognition of their participation in this milestone event.
Outside the venue, the newly unveiled logo was projected onto the mountain opposite the ballroom, a striking visual that stood as a symbol of partnership and progress. Guests also viewed a special display of Toyota’s bZ4X electric vehicle, representing the future of mobility. The futuristic bZ4X stood as a powerful reminder that while the partnership celebrates 50 golden years, its vision remains firmly focused on tomorrow, driving forward into a new era of electrification and progress.
