LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT
I AM NOT A MAN DRIVEN BY MONEY , I AM DRIVEN BY THE WELLBEING OF MY SOCIETY
that have shaped the city and turned it from a trading hub into a global tourism and real estate hotspot .
First came waterfront mixed development Dubai Marina , announced in 2000 , and then the iconic Downtown Dubai – launched in 2003 and featuring Dubai Mall ( the world ’ s biggest ) and of course Burj Khalifa – the world ’ s tallest building .
Opened with great fanfare in 2010 while the rest of the world was still reeling from the financial crisis , the 828-m Burj Khalifa and development around it – which Alabbar once described as the “ most prestigious square-kilometre on earth ” – remains a statement of Dubai ’ s vision and ambition , and is testament to Alabbar ’ s own bold and visionary leadership skills .
“ You have to be brave and learn how to make big decisions ,” he once said .
For Alabbar , Burj Khalifa stretches beyond its imposing physical specifications . “ In Burj Khalifa , we see the triumph of Dubai ’ s vision of attaining the seemingly impossible and setting new benchmarks . The project is a declaration of the Emirate ’ s capabilities and of the resolve of its leaders and people to work hand-in-hand on truly awe-inspiring projects .”
Reaching greater heights Alabbar himself comes from relatively humble beginnings . One of 12 children , his father was a dhow ( traditional trading boat ) captain . Having excelled at school , he received a government scholarship to study at Seattle University , graduating in 1981 with a degree in Business Administration .
There is no doubt Alabbar has more than repaid the faith shown in him . “ I am not a
22 January 2024