Thani’s connection with Scania began 28 years ago, when he was just 22, and it remains one of the most defining partnerships of his career. More than a supplier relationship, it became a mentorship in engineering-led leadership.

“Scania taught me what efficiency truly means  not just as a process, but as a way of thinking,” he reflects. Through hands-on experience, Thani learned how to manage dealer networks, prioritize effectively, and approach problems with calm, structured reasoning. “They helped me understand that no matter how complex a challenge appears, it can be solved. That mindset has influenced Thani’s connection with Scania began 28 years ago, when he was just 22, and it remains one of the most defining partnerships of his career. More than a supplier relationship, it became a mentorship in engineering-led leadership.

every major decision I’ve made since.”

One of the earliest milestones in this journey was delivering city buses to Dubai, a project that was met with skepticism, even from within. “That initiative succeeded because we believed in it when others hesitated. It was a demonstration of conviction backed by discipline, values both Scania and Thani share.”

Thani credits Scania for its enduring commitment to education and operational excellence. “Their emphasis on training and long-term capability-building mirrors our own values as a group,” he says. “This is not just about moving machines, it’s about moving industries forward, responsibly and intelligently.”

Leadership Grounded in Principles

Beyond his executive responsibilities, Thani is a leader who finds meaning in structure, clarity, and accountability. He values simplicity and maintains a sharp focus on creating systems that serve people, not the other way around. “I've always believed in empowering people through process,” he says. “Leadership is not about control; it's about enabling purpose-driven execution.”

He also embraces a disciplined lifestyle, grounded in fitness, strategic focus, and continuous personal development. His dedication to his work is profound, viewing it as a core form of leadership a channel to build, refine, and leave something of enduring value.

5 Questions with Thani Al Shirawi

1. What’s your favorite way to start your day?
I start early and use that time to mentally align with the priorities of the day. It’s not about checking tasks off a list , it’s about anchoring my thinking around what matters most, and where I need to lead with clarity.

2. If you weren’t in this industry, what career would you have pursued?
To be honest, I wouldn’t have pursued anything else. I genuinely believe this industry chose me, it aligns perfectly with my mindset, my skillset, and my values. But if I had to give an alternative, it would be exactly what I do now. This isn't just a profession; it’s a way of thinking, structured, solution-driven, and deeply aligned with my passion for work and leadership. That’s always been part of who I am.

3. What’s the most memorable piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor?
That fear and failure are signals, not outcomes. If you allow them to stop you, you've misunderstood their role. I always say: fail, make new mistakes, learn from them, but don’t repeat the same one twice.

4. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Mahatma Gandhi. His approach to leadership was deeply human rooted in equality, simplicity, perseverance, freedom, and empathy. He embodied leadership by example, not by authority. In a world often driven by self-interest and power, Gandhi stood firm in his values and led with quiet strength. That kind of moral clarity and inner discipline is something I deeply admire and strive to reflect on in my own leadership.

5. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing well-structured strategies come to life. When ideas turn into actions, and actions into measurable progress, that’s the real reward. It’s about creating momentum through clarity and execution and knowing that what we build today moves others forward tomorrow.