Abu Dhabi – Mohamed Alabbar, the visionary founder of Emaar Properties and the man behind iconic projects like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, has declared Indian talent as the best in the world, citing their exceptional work ethic, discipline, and reliability as key reasons they top his hiring priorities.
Speaking at the “Make it in the Emirates” summit in Abu Dhabi on May 5, 2026, Alabbar praised professionals from India for their dedication and resilience, qualities he believes are essential for long-term business success in challenging environments.
“Indian talent is number 1 in the world,” Alabbar stated emphatically. He highlighted how Indian professionals consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to their work, often going beyond standard expectations. “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard,” he noted, adding that Indians are willing to take calls even at 1 a.m. if needed — a reflection of their dedication and “positive paranoia” towards execution, risk management, and adaptability.
Alabbar shared personal insights into his leadership philosophy, saying, “My IQ is average, but my hard work is the best. The harder you work, the luckier you will get.” He credited these traits with helping Emaar navigate major crises, including the 2008 global financial meltdown and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Emaar chief’s remarks underscore a merit-based approach focused on reliability and hustle rather than just academic credentials. He pointed out that professionals from the Indian subcontinent have played a crucial supporting role in Emaar’s global projects across real estate, retail, and hospitality.
Emaar has already translated this appreciation into action by partnering with institutions such as Raffles University in Rajasthan to recruit top Indian talent directly for roles in Dubai, Europe, and Asia.
Alabbar’s high praise comes at a time when India’s growing reputation as a global talent powerhouse is gaining wider recognition. With its vast pool of English-speaking, technically skilled professionals in fields like engineering, IT, management, construction, and finance, India has become a preferred source of human capital for many Gulf businesses. Indians constitute a significant portion of the UAE’s expatriate workforce and continue to make substantial contributions across key economic sectors.
This endorsement from one of the Middle East’s most influential developers not only boosts India’s global image but also highlights the value of cultural traits such as discipline and perseverance in high-stakes international business environments. As economies worldwide compete for skilled talent, Alabbar’s comments serve as a strong reminder that dedication and consistent performance often outweigh raw ability.
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