One of the most prominent entrepreneurs from the Middle East, Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar—the company behind the construction of Burj Khalifa and numerous business and tourist developments in Dubai—revealed, in an interview for the business magazine Financial Times, part of his plans for expanding operations in Europe.
“I open my iPad and see projects in Madagascar, the development of Noon, Montenegro… and I think to myself—what a happy man I am,” Alabbar said in the interview published on the outlet’s website.
Alabbar, whose vision transformed Dubai into a global symbol of modern urbanism, reiterated that he is planning “something truly big” in Montenegro, expressing great excitement about the launch of his new project on the Adriatic coast.
“In Montenegro, we are planning something really large.”
“I want to build my own Bali,” Alabbar told the Financial Times, referring to his new resort project in Madagascar, adding that he has “something really big” planned for Montenegro.
According to him, the land has already been identified and the project is currently in the preparation phase. Montenegro, he emphasizes, has natural resources and a geographic position that make it an ideal destination for the development of luxury tourism and investment. In the interview, Alabbar radiates inspiring enthusiasm about the new projects that await him.
An Investment wave from the Middle East
Eagle Hills, a company backed by wealthy families from Abu Dhabi, has already carried out major projects in the Balkans—from Belgrade Waterfront to developments in Durrës, Albania. Montenegro, according to Alabbar, is a natural continuation of this investment cycle. His approach, he notes, also reflects the broader strategy of the United Arab Emirates—strengthening its presence through investments and infrastructure projects in countries with high growth potential.
“We are a small nation, but by investing in countries often overlooked by Western investors, can we build an economy of a billion people?” Alabbar emphasizes.
A visionary with a reputation for perfectionism
Alabbar is known as a visionary—but also as a demanding manager. While he admits that he can sometimes be too harsh, he insists that his drive comes from a desire to raise standards in development and business.
He notes that some candidates invited to job interviews at Emaar never even showed up. He describes his management style as loyal and generous, yet admits he can be strict.
“When executives make mistakes, I don’t give second chances,” Alabbar says.
From Dubai to the Adriatic
Alabbar’s company Emaar gained global fame for its monumental projects in Dubai, such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, while Eagle Hills focuses on developing luxury destinations across the Mediterranean and the Balkans.
As Financial Times writes, his business empire today stretches from Egypt to Serbia, and soon—to Montenegro. Through multiple statements to the media, Alabbar has expressed a special fondness for Montenegro and a desire to leave a mark there—one that he will be remembered by.
