Early Life
Mohamed Ali Alabbar was born on November 8, 1956, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He was the eldest of 12 children. His father was a captain of a traditional trading vessel. Alabbar received a government scholarship to study finance and business administration at Seattle University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1981.
Rise to Success
Alabbar began his career at the Central Bank of the UAE. His career took a pivotal turn when he became the founding director general of the UAE's Department of Economic Development. He formed a close relationship with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, which was instrumental in developing Dubai's tourism sector and global reputation. In 1997, Alabbar founded Emaar Properties.
Key Business Strategies
Alabbar's key business strategy involved transforming Dubai into a global hub for real estate, tourism, and commerce. He founded Emaar Properties, which developed iconic projects such as the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. He also co-founded Noon.com, an e-commerce platform, and serves as the chairman of Americana Group, a food company. He has also diversified his portfolio into hospitality, education, and investment.
Philanthropy
Alabbar has supported numerous initiatives in education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. He contributed to rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters. He also supported orphanages in Egypt. Furthermore, Alabbar has been involved in a 'charitable project' with an Israeli businessman.
