{
  "id": 10734301,
  "title": "Mohammed Alabbar says his business is not real estate but the art of creating life through architecture",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/mohammed-alabbar-says-his-business-is-not-real-estate-but-the-art-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T15:32:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi/mohammed-alabbar-says-his-business-is-not-real-estate-but-the-art-of-creating-life-through-architecture-1.500692425"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mohammed Alabbar, the founder and chairman of Emaar Properties and Eagle Hills, recently emphasized that his business is not merely about selling real estate, but about the art of creating life through architecture. Speaking at a live session during LIVEX 2026, Alabbar likened a developer's role to that of a conductor, skillfully weaving together various elements to create something greater than the sum of its parts. He noted that the residential product itself is quite mundane, as one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts have remained largely unchanged for years. Instead, Alabbar believes that the true essence of development lies in the surrounding aspects, such as art, music, schools, wellness facilities, landscaping, lighting, and food offerings.\n\nAlabbar also shared his experiences from working in about 20 different countries, which taught him the importance of respecting the community. Developers should recognize themselves as guests in the community, he stated, and should listen to local residents and authorities rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. Maintaining what has been built is equally crucial, he added, cautioning against being a \"cheater\" and urging developers to invest in side parks and upkeep.\n\nBefore any sale, Alabbar's team initiates a process called \"activation,\" where they transform a space into a useful and welcoming environment before even selling any homes. This approach was exemplified in Belgrade, where the team cleared old ships from a riverside stretch, constructed cycling, walking, and running paths, playgrounds, and landscaped areas. They even opened food containers to the public. This early investment helped draw people to the area, leading to a significant increase in property values over a nine-year period, from approximately €1,700 to €6,000 per square meter.\n\nAlabbar sees technology and AI as tools that make developers smarter and more efficient. He cited the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project, which Eagle Hills recently announced, as an example. This project might not require a desalination plant due to recent advancements in recycling water from air conditioning condensation, showers, and sinks. The planning process has also accelerated, with tasks that once took months now being completed in hours using in-house digital tools. However, Alabbar reiterated that technology and speed are most effective when they contribute to creating living spaces that people desire. Ultimately, he believes the future community is defined not by buildings or smart systems, but by thoughtful design, local character, responsible stewardship, and the everyday spaces that foster social interaction.",
  "summary": "Abu Dhabi: Mohammed Alabbar, Founder and Chairman of Emaar Properties and Eagle Hills, has said his business is not selling property but creating life. He compared a developer’s role to that of a conductor, bringing together many different elements to create something greater. Speaking in a live conversation session at LIVEX 2026, joining remotely , Alabbar said the residential product itself is…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}