Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar and Noon and chairman of Eagle Hills, has affirmed that describing the UAE as a safe haven is no longer merely an impression, but a reality cemented by practical experience and the results the country has achieved over more than half a century.

He noted that the UAE's success rests on an integrated system of planning, foresight, and effective management that has strengthened its economic, commercial, and investment standing at the global level.

Speaking at a session entitled "The UAE: A Safe Haven and a Never-Losing Investment", in which he was interviewed by journalist Hamad bin Karam, editor-in-chief of Al Bayan, Alabbar said that crises and challenges are not exceptions in the journey of nations and societies, but part of the natural course of economic and human development. He stressed that the real difference lies in the degree of readiness and preparedness to deal with those variables — an approach the UAE has adopted for many years through investment in future planning.

This took place during the 11th edition of the UAE Media Forum, held yesterday under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. The forum was held under the theme "The UAE: A Red Line" and was organised by the Dubai Press Club at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai.

During the session, which was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, Alabbar affirmed that the UAE's global economic and investment standing — achieved under the vision of its wise leadership — did not come about through slogans or speeches, but is the fruit of an established approach built on proactive planning, foresight, and continuous institutional work. He noted that the UAE has demonstrated its ability to handle various variables and challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth and development.

Alabbar said that the various vital sectors of the country have shown the highest levels of cohesion in the recent period, noting that the economic, real estate, and financial sectors have maintained their positive performance, and that travel and business activity has continued unabated despite the repercussions of recent regional developments.

He added that what the country has witnessed in the recent period reflects the strength of its institutional structure and the confidence of the community and investors in its ability to handle challenges, affirming that the UAE experience has proven that early preparedness for the future and the proactive crafting of solutions before crises occur represent one of the most important factors behind the success and stability of the UAE's unique development journey.

Alabbar noted that the UAE's wise leadership has entrenched a culture of forward thinking and long-term planning, which has been reflected in the performance of the various national institutions that continue to work on anticipating challenges and opportunities and preparing for them by proactively putting the right solutions in place.

He added that the UAE has become accustomed to making major decisions and implementing landmark projects even in the most difficult circumstances, driven by firm confidence in the future and in the country's ability to continue its journey of growth and achievement.

Alabbar also addressed the international media coverage that accompanied recent developments in the region, affirming that some of the narratives that circulated did not reflect the actual reality witnessed in Dubai and the UAE, pointing out that the facts on the ground were clear through the continued normal operation of economic, commercial, and business activity.

He said that a world-class city of Dubai's stature, with the successes and international standing it has achieved, will always attract the attention of global media, affirming that the best response to any inaccurate narratives is to convey the facts and realities as they are and to highlight the achievements and positive indicators being realised on the ground.

At the close of the session, Alabbar extended his thanks to media professionals for their efforts in conveying information and facts with professionalism and responsibility, affirming that the media plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and consolidating confidence by presenting a realistic and objective picture that reflects the development and landmark achievements the country is witnessing.

He noted that trust has always been and remains one of the most important assets upon which the UAE has built its successes, and it is the foundation that supports the continuation of its development journey and enhances its ability to seize opportunities and transform challenges into new milestones of achievement and growth.

  • The cohesion of economic and financial sectors reflects the strength of the UAE model
  • The UAE has proven its ability to efficiently handle challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth
  • The UAE's global economic and investment standing did not come about through slogans or speeches