Emaar's Alabbar Praises Indian Work Ethic

May 5, 2026

76 min

May 5, 2026 00:30

Emaar's Mohamed Alabbar reveals why he likes to hire Indians

## Alabbar's Hiring Preferences

Mohamed Alabbar, the founder of Emaar Properties, has expressed a strong preference for hiring Indian professionals. He attributes this to their commendable work ethic, discipline, and ability to handle crises effectively. Alabbar believes that these qualities are crucial for businesses to thrive in challenging times.

## Crisis Management Insights

Speaking at the Make it in the Emirates summit, Alabbar emphasized the importance of resilience and preparedness in business. He noted that companies must learn from past disruptions, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, to build a robust operational framework. This involves continuous risk assessment and maintaining a proactive approach to potential challenges.

## Employee Assurance During Crises

During recent economic uncertainties, Emaar took decisive steps to reassure its workforce by guaranteeing job security and maintaining salaries. Alabbar highlighted that this approach stems from lessons learned in previous crises and underscores the company's commitment to its employees and societal responsibilities.

## Positive Paranoia in Business

Alabbar advocates for a "positively paranoid" business culture, where ambition is tempered with caution. He stresses the need for companies to manage costs, technology, and market risks diligently while pursuing growth. This mindset is particularly vital in the property sector, where managing multiple stakeholders and financial flows is complex.

## Learning from Experience

Reflecting on his experiences since 1997, Alabbar shared how early challenges in Singapore shaped his crisis management strategies. He emphasized the importance of learning from each crisis to build a team capable of navigating future uncertainties effectively.

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