Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, has praised Indian professionals for their strong work ethic and dedication. He said Indians often top his hiring list because of their commitment and willingness to work at any hour, even late at night if needed. In a light-hearted way, he added that while talent is available worldwide, the level of hard work and discipline shown by Indians is hard to match.
Indian Work Ethic Is Globally Unmatched
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Mohamed Alabbar said at a summit in Abu Dhabi that while talent is important, the level of hard work shown by Indians is unmatched. He noted that Indian employees are highly committed and ready to respond even if called at 1 am. According to him, discipline and effort matter more than just smart work. Giving his own example, he said his IQ may be average, but his success comes from hard work and a “positive paranoia”, a strong drive to stay focused on work.
Who is Mohamed Alabbar?
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Mohamed Alabbar is the founder of Dubai-based developer Emaar Properties, known for building the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa. He started the company in 1997 and listed it on the Dubai stock exchange in 2000, later stepping down as chairman in 2020. A major part of his wealth comes from his 33% stake in Americana Restaurants, which runs several fast-food brands across the region. In 2014, he launched Eagle Hills, developing premium residential, hotel, and retail projects across multiple countries. He also holds stakes in Noon.com and Zand Bank.
India Is the Most Promising Market
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Alabbar also praised India as a market, calling it the largest, most stable, and fastest-growing economy today. He said there is no better alternative globally. This is why his company, Emaar Properties, is now partnering with universities to directly hire talent. He added that when talent stops working hard, dedication can outperform it, and Indians stand out because they stay committed even in tough times.
Resilience and Ability to Adapt
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Referring to the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 period, Alabbar said businesses need flexibility to survive. He highlighted that Indian professionals are quick learners and can easily adapt to new technologies, which makes them valuable on a global level.
Strong Presence in Global Projects
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He pointed out that Indian professionals play a major role in his projects worldwide, from Dubai to Europe. His remarks underline the growing reputation and trust in Indian talent in the global market, showing how strong their position has become internationally.
