When people think of the Burj Khalifa: Mohamed , they often imagine it being owned by the royal family of the United Arab Emirates. After all, it is the world’s tallest building and a symbol of Dubai’s extraordinary wealth and ambition. But the truth is far more surprising. The man behind this global icon is not a royal but a visionary businessman—Mohamed Alabbar, the founder of Emaar Properties.
This revelation may come as a shock to many who believed the Burj Khalifa was a government-owned structure. But it’s Mohamed Alabbar and his company who dreamed up, developed, and delivered this marvel to the world.
Who Is Mohamed Alabbar?
Mohamed Alabbar was born on November 8, 1956, in Dubai. He grew up in a humble household as the eldest of 12 children. His father was a ship captain who worked hard to support the large family. From a young age, Alabbar showed signs of leadership and ambition.
He went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from Seattle University in the United States. After returning to the UAE, Alabbar began working at the Central Bank of the UAE. His talent was quickly recognized, and he was appointed as the founding director general of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development. In this role, he played a crucial part in shaping the economic vision of the Emirate.
His close working relationship with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, helped open doors and brought global attention to his projects.
The Rise of Emaar Properties
In 1997, Alabbar founded Emaar Properties, a real estate development company that would soon redefine Dubai’s skyline. His vision was to create world-class buildings and urban experiences that would attract global attention and tourism.
Emaar’s biggest and most ambitious project was the Burj Khalifa, which officially opened in 2010. Standing at a staggering height of 828 meters (2,717 feet), the Burj Khalifa holds multiple world records, including tallest building, highest observation deck, and highest occupied floor.
The tower was part of a broader plan to position Dubai as a global city and tourist hotspot. And it worked. The Burj Khalifa quickly became one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, drawing millions of tourists each year.
Burj Khalifa: A Collaboration, But Emaar Leads the Way
Though Dubai’s government supported the Burj Khalifa project through infrastructure and strategic partnerships, the building itself was developed by Emaar Properties under Mohamed Alabbar’s leadership.
Emaar not only constructed the tower but also manages it, leases its luxury apartments, operates the famous Armani Hotel within, and oversees its maintenance. Alabbar’s company owns a 24.3% stake in Emaar, giving him significant control and influence over the landmark.
Under his direction, Emaar’s valuation soared into the hundreds of billions of rupees, and it became one of the most valuable companies in the Middle East.
More Than Just Burj Khalifa
Alabbar’s vision didn’t stop at one iconic building. Emaar also built The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, and developed various residential communities and commercial hubs across Dubai and beyond.
In 2016, Alabbar stepped into the e-commerce world by launching Noon.com, an online shopping platform that aimed to rival giants like Amazon in the Middle East. He also founded Eagle Hills, a private real estate investment and development company with global projects, particularly in Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East.
His efforts have helped modernize the UAE’s economy and diversify it beyond oil, establishing new industries and job opportunities.
Indians Who Own Space in the Burj Khalifa
Interestingly, some of the notable owners of apartments and entire floors in the Burj Khalifa are Indian businessmen. One of them is George V Nereaparambil, originally from Kerala. He reportedly owns 22 luxury flats in the building and often states that he plans to buy more.
Another name is B. R. Shetty, a well-known Indian entrepreneur in the UAE, who owns the entire 100th floor of the Burj Khalifa. These individuals symbolize how international investment has played a role in shaping this architectural icon.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
While Alabbar has enjoyed enormous success, his journey has not been without challenges. Emaar’s operations in India came under scrutiny when Indian authorities seized assets worth hundreds of crores under the country’s anti-money laundering laws. These legal issues stemmed from joint ventures involving Emaar India and MGF Developments Limited.
Despite this, Emaar continues to operate as a leading global property developer, and Alabbar remains one of the most influential businessmen in the Arab world.
A Lasting Legacy
Mohamed Alabbar’s story is one of determination, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From a modest family background to becoming the mastermind behind the tallest building in the world, he is a prime example of how bold dreams can shape entire cities and economies.
Today, Burj Khalifa is not just a record-breaking skyscraper; it is a monument to human ambition and innovation. And the man who made it happen—quietly, strategically, and without a royal title—is Mohamed Alabbar.
His legacy continues to grow, and so does his impact, not just in Dubai but across the globe.
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