How Alabbar and Sajwani Continue to Shape Dubai's Skyline and Global Real Estate
Dubai's skyline, known for its sleek towers and ambitious designs, didn't appear overnight. It was built by leaders with bold ideas and strong determination. Two of the most important names behind this transformation are Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, and Hussain Sajwani, founder of DAMAC Properties. They're not just developers—they've helped turn Dubai into a global city. Today, they are still expanding, leading new projects and taking their vision beyond the UAE.
Mohamed Alabbar believes cities should offer more than tall buildings. His projects are designed to create full communities—places where people can live, work, and relax in one connected space. And that vision is clearly working.
Here's how Emaar performed in the first quarter of 2025:
- Property sales reached AED 19.3 billion, a 42% jump from last year.
- Revenue hit AED 10.1 billion, up 50% compared to Q1 2024.
- Future income looks strong with AED 127 billion in sales backlog.
- Income from malls, hotels, and entertainment grew 11%, to AED 2.6 billion.
Alabbar and Emaar have launched 12 new projects so far this year in the UAE. Some of the most talked-about developments include:
- The Heights Country Club & Wellness – A health-focused township
- Emaar Oasis – Homes surrounded by canals and green spaces
- Rashid Yachts & Marina – A luxury waterfront with marina access
- Dubai Hills Estate and Creek Harbour – Still expanding, with more homes, parks, and shops
Emaar is also growing overseas. In Egypt, they are planning to raise their total investments to $25 billion, with massive new projects in Cairo and along the Red Sea coast.
Alabbar is serious about sustainability. Emaar has improved its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) rating for the third time in four years. His goal is to build spaces that mix tradition, modern design, and smart planning. He wants to make cities more livable—not just more impressive.
Big Moves in High-End Real EstateHussain Sajwani made his name by creating luxury homes with global style. His company, DAMAC, is behind some of the most glamorous properties in the UAE. And in 2025, he's only getting bigger.
Here are some of DAMAC's current highlights:
- DAMAC Riverside – A new project near Expo City, with themed clusters, wellness zones, and floating entertainment areas
- DAMAC Lagoons – Expanding with new sections inspired by cities like Venice and Santorini
- DAMAC Safa Two – Featuring sky gardens and pools in the sky
- DAMAC Hills 2 – An eco-friendly township with its own services
- Branded Residences – Partnerships with global names like Versace, Cavalli, and de GRISOGONO
One of Sajwani's boldest new steps is in technology. In 2025, he announced a $20 billion plan to build data centers in the U.S.. These centers support cloud services and digital storage for businesses around the world. He's also planning more centers in Saudi Arabia.
This move shows how real estate is changing—buildings now support both people and technology. Sajwani is adapting by blending both worlds.
DAMAC already has a strong presence in the Middle East. Now, it's spreading to cities like London, New York, Miami, and more. This growth is backed by a clear focus: to create luxurious, branded living spaces for global buyers who want more than just a home—they want a full experience.
While these two titans dominate Dubai's real estate story, newer names are starting to shine as well. BNW La Perla, a premium waterfront township by BNW Developments, is one such project.
Located on Al Marjan Island, La Perla offers:
- 226 units across two towers
- 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments ranging from 1,030 to 4,589 sq ft
- Starting price: AED 2.3 million
- Total area: Over 110,000 sq ft
- Scenic views, luxury finishes, and high-end amenities
La Perla reflects the same values as Alabbar and Sajwani's work—lifestyle, quality, and modern comfort—but in a more peaceful coastal setting.
What sets Alabbar and Sajwani apart isn't just their buildings. It's how they see the future.
- Alabbar focuses on complete ecosystems. His aim is to blend housing, retail, green space, and business in one well-planned area.
- Sajwani focuses on branded experiences and expansion into tech, showing that luxury can now mean both real and virtual comfort.
Together, they've helped Dubai become more than just a tourist stop. It's now a model city for innovation and design.
Both Mohamed Alabbar and Hussain Sajwani continue to shape not just Dubai, but the way cities are built and lived in across the globe. Their work shows how real estate is evolving—from just constructing buildings to creating experiences and smart urban spaces.
And with projects like BNW La Perla now entering the scene, their legacy is set to inspire a whole new generation of developments that balance luxury, function, and innovation.
