In a rapidly evolving global economy where automation, artificial intelligence, and remote work are reshaping industries, human reliability has become a rare asset. Against this backdrop, Emaar Properties founder and developer of Burj Khalifa, Mohamed Alabbar, has highlighted a workforce he believes consistently stands out for Indian professionals.
Speaking at the ‘Make It in the Emirates’ summit, he framed success not around intelligence or technology alone, but around discipline, responsiveness, and the ability to stay dependable in moments of uncertainty.
Why Mohamed Alabbar Prefers Hiring Indian Employees in Emaar Group?
Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar has once again spotlighted the role of Indian professionals in global business success, praising their discipline, reliability, and strong work commitment. Speaking at the Make It in the Emirates summit, he said he consistently prefers hiring Indian talent because of their dedication and responsiveness, even beyond regular working hours.
Alabbar, who developed iconic projects like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, explained that long-term business success depends less on intelligence and more on execution, consistency, and effort in daily operations. Alabbar stressed that building strong teams and maintaining discipline matter more than raw intellectual ability.
Indian Professionals Have the Strongest Work Ethic in the World, Says Emaar Founder
Alabbar specifically pointed to the responsiveness of Indian professionals as one of their strongest qualities. He said their willingness to stay available during critical moments reflects a deep sense of ownership toward their roles. According to him, this level of dedication makes a major difference in high-pressure business environments.
He also emphasised that success requires continuous attention to detail, careful decision-making, and the ability to manage risks effectively. In his view, businesses must constantly evaluate opportunities while maintaining strong operational discipline.
Hard Work Matters More Than IQ in Business Success
Sharing his personal philosophy, Alabbar spoke about the importance of effort over perceived intelligence in achieving success. “I always tell people, from my own perspective, my IQ is average, but my hard work is the best. I believe in hard work,” he said, as per Gulf News.
He explained that consistent effort creates opportunities and improves outcomes over time, reinforcing the idea that discipline is a key driver of business growth.
Indian Talent is Reliable and Always Available
Alabbar also stressed that Indian professionals stand out because of their reliability in urgent situations. He said their readiness to respond at any time of day or night reflects a strong professional commitment.
“The harder you work, the luckier you will get. There’s a saying, hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard, and this is why I like to hire Indians, because they answer the phone even at one o’clock in the morning,” he added.
How the Indian Workforce Helped Global Companies Like Emaar Build Strong Businesses?
Alabbar linked workforce discipline directly to business growth and global expansion. He said companies like Emaar depend heavily on committed teams that ensure smooth execution across projects and markets.
He added that Indian professionals often bring consistency and stability, which helps organisations maintain performance even during challenging phases.
Mohamed Alabbar on COVID-19 and the 2008 Crisis
Alabbar also discussed how global crises such as the 2008 financial downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped his approach to business management. He said companies must stay alert, adapt quickly, and build systems that can survive uncertainty.
He added that Emaar took proactive steps during recent crises to ensure employee stability and protect salaries, based on lessons learned from past disruptions. He said businesses must prioritise resilience instead of reacting only after challenges emerge.
Why Indian Employees Are the First Choice for Global Hiring?
He further highlighted that a company’s reputation depends on how it treats employees during difficult times. According to him, stability and trust form the foundation of long-term success in any organisation. He said companies that protect their workforce during crises build stronger and more sustainable operations.
Alabbar concluded that global businesses increasingly rely on Indian professionals because of their strong work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to outcomes. He said these qualities make them a key asset in building resilient and high-performing organisations worldwide.
