During a recent appearance at the Emirati Media Forum, Mohamed Alabbar, the founder of Emaar and Noon, made headlines by announcing a massive Dh200 billion development project. Although the specific location remains a closely guarded secret, Alabbar emphasized that the ambitious plan was conceptualized during a period of regional unrest. According to the mogul, this forward-thinking approach reflects the core ethos of the UAE—a nation that refuses to let external challenges stall progress, fueled by an unwavering belief that the future will always be brighter.

Alabbar attributed the UAE’s resilience to a mindset he calls “positive paranoia,” a relentless drive that keeps the country’s leadership and institutions constantly evolving. Drawing from his experience navigating crises like the 2008 financial crash and the pandemic, he noted that the nation’s economic momentum remains robust even during difficult times. Looking ahead at the property sector, he expects the market to reach a state of healthy equilibrium by 2027, citing strong regulatory frameworks as a key pillar that protects investors and developers far more effectively than many Western counterparts.