Mohamed Alabbar: Architect of Dubai's Global Ambition

Born on November 8, 1956, in Dubai, Alabbar was the eldest of 12 children in a family led by a sea captain father. His upbringing instilled in him values of discipline and perseverance. A government scholarship enabled him to pursue a degree in Business Administration at Seattle University, graduating in 1981. Reflecting on his formative years, Alabbar once remarked, "My father taught me that no matter the size of the waves, a steady hand and a clear vision can navigate any storm."

Alabbar's career commenced at the Central Bank of the UAE, but his trajectory shifted when he became the founding director general of Dubai's Department of Economic Development in 1992. In this role, he collaborated closely with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to diversify Dubai's economy beyond oil. Alabbar emphasized, "We needed to build an economy that could stand on multiple pillars—trade, tourism, real estate, and technology."

He later became one of Sheikh Mohammed's chief economic advisers to improve the development and growth of both Dubai's tourism industry and global reputation.

Emaar Properties: Redefining Urban Landscapes

In 1997, Alabbar founded Emaar Properties, envisioning it as a catalyst for urban transformation. Under his leadership, Emaar delivered iconic projects:

• Burj Khalifa: The world's tallest building, symbolizing Dubai's ascent on the global stage.​

• The Dubai Mall: A retail and entertainment hub attracting millions annually.

• Downtown Dubai: A mixed-use development integrating luxury living with cultural landmarks.

• International Expansion: Emaar expanded to global markets including Egypt, Turkey, India, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, making it a globally recognized brand.

Alabbar's philosophy was clear: "We don't just construct buildings; we craft experiences that resonate with people's aspirations."

Emaar is a public joint-stock company, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, and has a valuation of US$16.8 billion as of August 2023 against the Net Asset Valuation of US$37.6 billion (AED 138.1B) as of December 2022 based on the valuation of assets done by third party valuer. Emaar has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern skyline of Dubai and has expanded its footprint internationally.

Dubai Mall: a leading global destination for luxury shoppers

The mall is part of the 20-billion-dollar downtown complex called Downtown Dubai that is adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, and includes over 1,200 shops. In 2011, it was the most visited building on the planet, and attracts over 54 million visitors each year.

Since its launch, The Dubai Mall has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most visited lifestyle and retail destinations. Within just five days of opening, the Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre sold over 61,000 tickets, signaling the mall’s instant appeal. By the end of 2009, the mall had welcomed more than 37 million visitors—averaging over 750,000 people per week. In 2010, footfall surged to 47 million, reflecting a 27% increase year-on-year, even as global economies grappled with the aftermath of the real estate downturn.

Dubai Mall’s momentum continued unabated. In 2012, it set a new benchmark by attracting over 65 million visitors, up from 54 million the previous year. This remarkable figure not only cemented its position as the world’s most-visited shopping and entertainment destination, but also outpaced entire global cities and iconic landmarks. That year, Dubai Mall drew more footfall than New York City (52 million), Los Angeles (41 million), Times Square (39.2 million), Central Park (38 million), and even Niagara Falls (22.5 million).

Burj Khalifa: A Monument to Vision, Ambition, and Architectural Excellence

Standing at a staggering 828 meters, Burj Khalifa is not merely the tallest building in the world—it is a bold statement of Dubai’s unrelenting ambition and a physical manifestation of its leadership’s visionary mindset. Rising from the desert sands, the tower pierces the skyline with elegance and engineering brilliance, representing the heart of Downtown Dubai and one of the most iconic structures ever built in modern history.

Inaugurated on January 4, 2010, the Burj Khalifa is more than a record-breaking skyscraper—it is a testament to what is possible when innovation, determination, and visionary leadership converge. Conceptualized by Mohamed Alabbar, the Chairman of Emaar Properties, the tower was designed to put Dubai on the global map as a center of excellence in real estate, tourism, and business.

“Burj Khalifa is a symbol of the UAE’s spirit—a beacon of progress that reaffirms our country’s role in shaping the cities of the future,” Alabbar remarked during its opening.

Designed by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and built by South Korea’s Samsung C&T, the Burj Khalifa redefined the boundaries of modern engineering. With more than 160 habitable floors, the tower features a combination of residential units, corporate suites, luxury hospitality via the Armani Hotel, and observation decks that draw millions of visitors each year.

The building’s triple-lobed footprint, inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, is not just aesthetically striking—it enhances structural integrity and wind resistance, critical for a tower of this scale. At the height of construction, over 12,000 workers from around the world contributed daily to what would become a marvel of 21st-century engineering.

The global resonance of Burj Khalifa cannot be overstated. It has attracted high-net-worth investors from across the world, catalyzed tourism growth, and inspired similar high-rise projects globally. The tower alone has become one of Dubai’s most photographed landmarks, featured in global media, Hollywood films, and luxury brand campaigns.

Moreover, its presence has driven up the value of surrounding developments, proving that landmark architecture can serve as an economic engine. Residential units in the tower are among the most sought-after addresses in the city, with resale values and rental yields consistently outperforming the wider market.

Alabbar's leadership is characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a belief in continuous learning. He often states, "You need to have the desire, the passion; you have to be brave and take actions. You might fall a few times, but you will get up."

His approach combines strategic foresight with a hands-on mentality, often engaging directly with teams across his ventures to foster innovation and accountability.