The UAE manufacturing sector, which currently accounts for 15 per cent of GDP, will be the key driver of the nation’s next phase of economic growth, said Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar Properties and Noon.com, and Chairman of Eagle Hills.
Speaking at the eighth Sharjah Investment Forum–World Investment Conference (SIF–WIC 2025), Alabbar urged the next generation of entrepreneurs to turn their attention to industry.
The discussion, titled “Vision, Venture, Value: Shaping the Region Through Leadership,” was moderated by entrepreneur Kris Fade and held in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
UAE manufacturing opportunity
Alabbar noted that while real estate contributes 12 per cent to the UAE’s GDP, manufacturing accounts for 15 per cent — and urged young innovators to “start small” and “build honestly.”
“Start small; buy a 3D printer for your house. Do it with honesty and make a good product,” he said.
Reflecting on his own journey, Alabbar said his early motivation was to overcome poverty, but that true success lies in discipline, integrity, and national contribution.
“Payback is not about donations. It’s about good manners, honesty, taking care of your family and your country. I do everything for my country,” he said.
Mohamed Alabbar advice
Alabbar also highlighted how his ventures have supported urban and economic development, noting that each project contributes around 5 per cent to a city’s GDP, creating employment and supporting small businesses.
“If my product is good, it will market itself,” he said, stressing that quality and integrity remain the foundations of enduring success.
On his e-commerce venture Noon.com, Alabbar said the platform was born out of a desire for Arabs to take ownership of their digital future.
“We are 400m Arabs who use technology five hours a day, but we have nothing to do with it. That made me angry, so I decided to do something about it,” he explained.
He concluded by underlining the importance of discipline in leadership.
“People say I’m brutal. I’m not brutal. I’m brutally disciplined — in learning, honesty, hard work, and quality. Stick with good people. Good people make us better human beings.”
Sharjah Investment Forum
The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) organised the Sharjah Investment Forum–World Investment Conference in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA).
The two-day event attracted more than 10,000 participants from 142 countries under the theme “Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.”
