When people think of the Burj Khalifa, they often imagine Dubai’s royal family or government behind its glittering success. But the man who truly owns and built this global icon is Mohamed Alabbar, a self-made Emirati entrepreneur and founder of Emaar Properties. From humble beginnings on Dubai Creek to leading one of the world’s most successful real-estate companies, Alabbar’s journey mirrors Dubai’s own transformation, ambitious, bold, and unstoppable.
Mohamed Alabbar: Early life and education
The journey to building the world’s tallest tower did not begin in a palace, but in a modest home. Mohamed Alabbar, born in 1956, grew up in Dubai’s Rashidiya area as the eldest of 12 children; his father was a traditional trading vessel (dhow) captain. This humble background fueled his extraordinary drive and ambition.Alabbar’s formal education took him across the world. He graduated in 1981 from Seattle University in the United States, earning a degree in Business Administration, which laid the foundation for his future empire. Upon returning to the UAE, he quickly rose through the ranks, starting at the Central Bank before becoming the founding director general of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development.It was during this time that he forged a crucial, career-defining relationship with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai. Tasked with improving the Emirate’s tourism and global reputation, Alabbar used his close position as a chief economic adviser to help execute the vision of transforming Dubai into a global hub. In 1997, he founded Emaar Properties, the company that would ultimately deliver that vision.
Emaar Properties: The real estate giant behind Burj Khalifa
In 1997, Alabbar founded Emaar Properties, with backing from Dubai’s leadership and a vision to create world-class urban spaces. The company soon became the crown jewel of Dubai’s real estate revolution, responsible for some of the city’s most famous landmarks:
- The Dubai Mall — one of the world’s largest shopping destinations.
- Downtown Dubai — the district that redefined luxury living.
- The Dubai Fountain — an engineering and entertainment masterpiece.
Emaar’s most iconic project, however, is the Burj Khalifa, which officially opened in 2010. Standing 828 meters tall, it remains the world’s tallest building, a global symbol of innovation, ambition, and design excellence.
What inspired the construction of the Burj Khalifa?
The inspiration behind the Burj Khalifa was more than a desire to build tall — it was about symbolism and ambition. In the early 2000s, as Dubai transitioned from an oil-based economy to tourism and services, Alabbar wanted a landmark that would announce the city’s arrival on the world stage. He envisioned a building that could rival New York, Shanghai, and London — a project that would place Dubai at the center of the global map.Architecturally, the design was inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, native to the Arabian desert, whose geometric symmetry influenced the tower’s Y-shaped base. The structure was engineered by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the same firm behind Chicago’s Willis Tower, combining Islamic design elements with cutting-edge technology. Alabbar described the Burj Khalifa as “a statement of the region’s confidence and its future” — a monument representing Dubai’s openness, multicultural energy, and limitless possibility.In short, the Burj Khalifa was born from an idea of identity: to show what Dubai could achieve through vision, collaboration, and courage
The truth about ownership and vision
Despite popular belief, the Burj Khalifa is not owned by the UAE government or any royal. It is owned by Emaar Properties, the publicly traded company founded and chaired by Mohamed Alabbar. As Emaar’s founder and key shareholder, Alabbar oversaw every stage of the project from design approvals to navigating the 2008 global financial crisis that nearly halted construction.The tower’s name honors Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE, in recognition of Abu Dhabi’s financial support during the crisis. Alabbar’s influence extends well beyond real estate. He has built a global business portfolio that reflects Dubai’s diversification:
Noon.com (2016): a leading e-commerce platform for the Middle East.- Eagle Hills: a private investment and development firm active in Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
- Zand Bank: the UAE’s first fully digital bank.
Through these ventures, Alabbar continues to modernize Middle Eastern entrepreneurship, combining innovation, digitalization, and sustainable development. Today, the Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters, housing luxury residences, corporate offices, and the world-famous At.mosphere restaurant, a living testament to Alabbar’s vision.
