Mohamed Ali Alabbar – Founder, Emaar Properties | Chairman, Eagle Hills & Noon.com
Mohamed Ali Alabbar (Arabic: محمد علي العبار; born November 8, 1956) is an Emirati businessman, investor, and global entrepreneur best known as the Founder of Emaar Properties, the real estate giant behind landmark projects such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Eagle Hills, a private investment and real estate development company based in Abu Dhabi, and the Founder of Noon.com, one of the Middle East’s leading e-commerce platforms.
Early Life & Education
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Born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, eldest of 12 children.
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His father was a dhow captain, raising the family in Dubai’s Rashidiya area.
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Awarded a government scholarship in the 1970s to study abroad.
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Seattle University, USA – Graduated in 1981 with a degree in Business Administration.
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Received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Seattle University in 2007.
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Served on Seattle University’s Board of Trustees until 2016.
Career Journey
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Began career as a Banking Manager at the Central Bank of the UAE.
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1992 – Appointed Founding Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development, playing a key role in shaping Dubai’s economic policies.
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Established a close advisory relationship with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, contributing to the emirate’s tourism and global reputation.
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Emaar Properties – Oversaw expansion into residential, retail, and hospitality sectors, delivering iconic projects that transformed Dubai’s skyline.
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Founded RSH (Singapore) – A company specializing in marketing and retailing international fashion brands.
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Through Alabbar Enterprises, acquired stakes in luxury fashion retailer YOOX Net-a-Porter.
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Founder and Chairman of Africa Middle East Resources (AMER) and Tradewinds Corporation (Malaysia), focusing on leisure and hospitality.
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Leading the development of Dubai Creek Tower, envisioned as a new global landmark, recently reimagined as the “Female Burj Khalifa.”
Board Memberships & Leadership Roles
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Chairman, Eagle Hills (UAE-based real estate development).
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Former Board Member, Emaar Malls (until its merger with Emaar Properties in 2021).
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Board Member, Noor Investment Group (Dubai Group affiliate).
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Trustee, American University of Sharjah.
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Board Member, FII Institute (Saudi Arabia).
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Chairman, Zand – Dubai’s first digital bank serving retail and corporate clients.
Recognition & Influence
Mohamed Alabbar is widely regarded as one of the architects of modern Dubai, with his ventures spanning real estate, e-commerce, fashion, hospitality, and finance. His leadership has positioned him as a global business figure, driving innovation and investment across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Key Legacy
Alabbar’s career reflects a vision of transforming cities into global hubs of commerce, culture, and innovation
