A global entrepreneur and business strategist, Mohamed Alabbar is the founding member and Chairman of Dubai-based Emaar Properties PJSC, the developer of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, since the company’s inception in 1997.
Currently, Mr. Alabbar is spearheading Emaar’s strategy of global expansion and business segmentation into healthcare, education, hospitality & leisure, shopping malls and financial services. Today, the company has a significant presence in 16 countries spanning the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Europe and North America.
Mr. Alabbar heads Emaar’s joint venture with Italy’s Giorgio Armani to develop the Armani-branded luxury hotel and resort chain in key international destinations. The first Armani Hotel opened in Burj Khalifa recently.
He is also the Chairman of Africa Middle East Resources, which provides strategic insights into unlocking the value of natural resource opportunities in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and the Subcontinent. The company focuses on finding and securing natural resources for key mining and energy stakeholders, emphasising on base metals, precious metals, and oil & gas.
Born in Dubai, educated in the US and with experience across all continents, Mr. Alabbar has extensive expertise in varied business sectors spanning real estate, banking & finance, shopping malls & retail, hospitality and tourism. He is well-known for his pioneering role in positioning Dubai as a world-class city. He served as Director General of Dubai Department of Economic Development, a member of the Dubai Executive Council and Dubai Economic Council.
Starting his career at the UAE Central Bank, Mr. Alabbar contributed to the growth of Dubai’s non-oil sector as Vice Chairman of Dubai Aluminum Company Ltd (DUBAL), and served as Vice Chairman of Dubai World Trade Center and Chairman of Dubai Cable Company. Mr Alabbar was the founder and Chairman of the Dubai Financial Market, the UAE’s first capital market.
Continuing his long association with Singapore, Mr. Alabbar is the Chairman of RSH Ltd., a Pan-Asian marketer, distributor and retailer for branded sports, golf, active lifestyle and fashion products in 30 countries. He is also the Chairman of Al Salam Bank, an Islamic bank based in Bahrain with operations across the Middle East & North Africa region.
FDi magazine, published by The Financial Times Group, named Mr Alabbar as ‘Middle East Personality of the Year.’ Arabian Business, the leading regional business magazine, ranked him fourth in its 2010 list of Power 100: The World’s Most Influential Arabs. Fortune magazine, in their issue of December 2007, named him among the top 30 in power positions globally.
A sought-after speaker at international forums and on broadcast networks worldwide, Mr. Alabbar was awarded an honorary doctoral degree in humanities from his alma mater, Seattle University. Mr. Alabbar works closely with regional NGOs, to create employment opportunities, develop small businesses and direct educational reform programs in the region. A keen sportsman, he is Chairman of the UAE Golf Association and is a professional equestrian endurance racer.