Mohamed Ali Alabbar is one of the most influential business leaders in the UAE and the world. Best known as the founder of Emaar Properties, he transformed Dubai’s skyline and helped turn the city into a global real estate and lifestyle destination. This complete informational guide covers his life, career, net worth, family, and role at Emaar, along with key facts to help you understand his success story.

Who Is Mohamed Alabbar?

Mohamed Alabbar (Arabic: محمد علي العبار) is an Emirati entrepreneur, investor, and visionary leader in real estate, technology, and retail. Born on November 8, 1956 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Alabbar began his journey from humble beginnings and rose to global prominence through strategic business ventures.

Alabbar graduated from Seattle University in the United States with a degree in Business Administration before returning to the UAE to start his career in business.

Early Career & Rise to Prominence

Mohamed Alabbar’s first big break came when he founded Emaar Properties in 1997, a real estate development company that played a major role in shaping modern Dubai. Under his leadership, Emaar delivered some of the UAE’s most iconic developments, including the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, helping position Dubai as a global real estate and tourism hub.

Aside from Emaar, Alabbar also launched several major companies:

• Eagle Hills – a private real estate development firm based in Abu Dhabi.
• Noon.com – one of the Middle East’s largest e‑commerce platforms.
• Americana Group – a large food and hospitality company operating franchises across the Middle East.
• Zand Bank – a digital bank headquartered in Dubai.
   

His diversified business interests range from technology and retail to hospitality and banking, showing his multi‑sector influence.

Mohamed Alabbar & Emaar Properties

Emaar Properties is the real estate giant that made Mohamed Alabbar a household name internationally. The company was founded in 1997 and quickly became one of the world’s most valuable real estate developers, especially known for mega projects in the UAE and beyond.

Major Emaar Projects

• Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world.
• The Dubai Mall – one of the largest shopping malls globally.
• Emaar Malls, Hotels, Resorts, and Residential Communities across the UAE and international markets.

Alabbar stepped down as Chairman of Emaar in 2020, but the company continues to shape urban development and high‑end real estate designs across multiple continents.

Mohamed Alabbar Net Worth (2026)

One of the most commonly searched topics is Mohamed Alabbar net worth. According to Forbes and other financial trackers:

• Estimated Net Worth (2025/2026): Around $2.3 billion – $2.7 billion USD.
• A major portion of this wealth comes from stakes in Emaar Properties, Americana Restaurants, and his investments in Noon.com, Eagle Hills, and other ventures.

His diversified business interests and international projects continue to contribute to his wealth, solidifying his position among the top UAE billionaires.

Family Life: Wife & Children

While Mohamed Alabbar is widely known for his business achievements, he keeps his personal life relatively private.

• Wife: Mohamed Alabbar is married, but the identity of his wife is not publicly detailed.
• Children: He has seven children, including Salama Alabbar and Rashed Alabbar.
   
  • Salama Alabbar is notable for her role in the corporate world, serving as Deputy Managing Director at Emaar Properties, showcasing a blend of family influence and professional leadership.

Some media sources mention other children like Shamsa, Mouza, Ali, Noor, and Haya Alabbar as well, highlighting his large family background.

Legacy & Global Influence

Mohamed Alabbar is more than a real estate developer; he is a visionary entrepreneur whose work has left a long‑lasting impact on global urban development:

• His companies operate in multiple sectors including real estate, e‑commerce, hospitality, and finance.
• Projects under his leadership span global cities and new markets, influencing how communities are built and experienced.
• He remains a respected figure in business circles and frequently features in lists of most impactful real estate leaders in the Middle East.

Final Thought

Mohamed Alabbar stands as a titan of contemporary business, blending real estate mastery with innovation and diversified investments. His journey from a young graduate to a global business icon reflects strategic vision, leadership, and commitment — making him one of the UAE’s most influential entrepreneurs.

FAQs

Who is Mohamed Alabbar?

Mohamed Alabbar is an Emirati businessman, founder of Emaar Properties, Eagle Hills, and a major investor in Noon.com and other global ventures.

What is Mohamed Alabbar’s net worth?

His net worth is estimated between $2.3 billion and $2.7 billion USD as of 2025/2026.

Does Mohamed Alabbar have a wife?

Yes, he is married, but his wife’s identity is generally kept private.

How many children does Mohamed Alabbar have?

He has seven children, including daughter Salama Alabbar, and sons like Rashed Alabbar.

What is Emaar?

Emaar Properties is a leading global real estate developer in Dubai, known for projects such as Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall.