Hard Work Over Talent: Burj Khalifa Builder Explains Why He Prefers Hiring Indians

On May 6, 2026, Mohamed Alabbar, billionaire founder of Emaar Properties, highlighted the qualities he values most in employees. He emphasized that discipline, responsiveness, and relentless effort matter more than raw intelligence, citing Indian professionals as exemplary in these traits.

Alabbar’s Perspective On Hard Work

Alabbar candidly admitted that his own intelligence is “average,” but his success stems from hard work and persistence. He stressed that consistent effort, attention to detail, and resilience are critical for long-term business success, especially in uncertain global environments.

Why Indians Stand Out

The Emirati businessman praised Indian employees for their reliability and responsiveness. He noted that their willingness to take calls even at odd hours reflects a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. According to him, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”

Lessons For Business Resilience

Alabbar linked his hiring philosophy to broader lessons from crises like the 2008 financial crash and the COVID-19 pandemic. He argued that resilience must be built proactively, with teams that remain alert, reassess risks, and execute consistently under pressure.

Key Highlights

•⁠  ⁠Mohamed Alabbar praises Indian professionals for discipline and responsiveness

•⁠  ⁠Says Indians “answer calls even at 1 am,” showing commitment

•⁠  ⁠Believes hard work outweighs raw intelligence in business success

•⁠  ⁠Founder of Emaar Properties, developer of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall

•⁠  ⁠Stresses resilience, risk management, and execution as keys to survival

Sources: Times Now, The Financial Express, Hindustan Times, News18, Moneycontrol, The Economic Times