Exploring Dubai’s Urban Ecosystem: Insights from a Visit with Investor Mohamed Alabbar

Amid the peak summer heat of July, I visited Dubai as part of a Montenegrin press delegation, invited by the prominent investor Mohamed Alabbar—the man behind the spectacular transformations that have made Dubai a symbol of futuristic urbanism and a global business hub. The purpose of our visit was to tour key developments and engage in direct conversations with the investor. While the scale and specifics of his planned investments in Montenegro remain undisclosed, Alabbar confirmed his interest during an in-person meeting on the second day of our stay.

We were accommodated at the modern Vida Dubai Mall Hotel, physically connected to the iconic Burj Khalifa. During our stay, we had the privilege of experiencing the developments of Emaar Properties, where Alabbar serves as CEO and a key shareholder. Our tours showcased some of the most ambitious architectural and urban projects in the Middle East, which blend luxury, functionality, and remarkable spatial planning.

Dubai Creek Harbour – A Visionary Urban Mega-Project

Dubai Creek Harbour is an ambitious project being developed along the shores of the historic Dubai Creek. It envisions an entirely new city that is spatially more than twice the size of Downtown Dubai, the current home of the Burj Khalifa.

At the heart of this development is the Dubai Creek Tower, a planned skyscraper set to surpass even the Burj Khalifa, aiming to redefine Dubai as the world capital of vertical architecture. While construction has currently been paused, the tower remains a critical component of the envisioned skyline.

The project also includes:

• Dubai Creek Marina, an elite harbor for luxury yachts
• A shopping complex anticipated to surpass the Dubai Mall in size
• Residential buildings overlooking lagoons, promenades, parks, and public spaces
• An eco-conscious design focused on sustainability, renewable energy, and natural ventilation

Dubai Creek Harbour represents more than just a financial investment; it symbolizes a new urban philosophy that integrates luxury with functionality and sustainable building practices.

An Urban Microcosm: Dubai Mall

Located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is not only the world’s largest shopping center, covering an imposing 1.1 million square meters; it serves as an urban microcosm where luxury, entertainment, gastronomy, and technology converge.

The statistics are nothing short of impressive:

• More than 1,200 stores, including all major global luxury and fashion brands
• The largest indoor aquarium and underwater zoo
• An Olympic-sized ice rink, cinemas, and children’s theme parks
• A direct view of the stunning Dubai Fountain, a world-class spectacle
• Over 100 million annual visitors

For Emiratis, the Dubai Mall serves as more than just a shopping destination; it’s a lifestyle space, a social center, and a significant tourist attraction. It exemplifies Dubai’s ambition to lead in global retail and experiential economies.

Residential Luxury at Dubai Hills Estate

If Downtown Dubai epitomizes vertical luxury, then Dubai Hills Estate serves as its horizontal counterpart. This masterplanned community by Emaar aims to blend nature, luxury, and infrastructure.

Key highlights of Dubai Hills include:

• The Dubai Hills Golf Club, featuring an 18-hole championship course with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Hills Park, the largest public park within any Emaar project, complete with cycling paths, barbeque areas, and playgrounds
• A recently opened Dubai Hills Mall, which emphasizes local experiences and mid-premium retail
• State-of-the-art schools and hospitals designed for family-oriented living

This district is emerging as a premium residential area for those who wish to enjoy proximity to city life without sacrificing suburban tranquility, making it a rare find in the region.

Financial Hub: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Dubai’s ambition extends to its financial districts, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It is not merely a business hub; it functions as a state within a state, endowed with its own legal system based on British common law.

DIFC features include:

• Over 4,000 registered firms, including banks, insurers, and innovative startups
• DIFC Courts, a specialized judicial system focused on commercial disputes
• Gate Avenue, a fashionable blend of business, fashion, and hospitality venues
• Ultra-modern architecture consisting of glass towers alongside traditional Arabic design elements
• Approximately 35,000 professionals from around the world

DIFC stands as a core component of Dubai’s economic identity—a symbol of global ambition and excellence in urban planning.

Insights: Montenegro vs. Dubai

In the realm of investments, capital inherently seeks optimal spaces, and with financial power flowing from core markets like the UAE—where speed and ambition define business practices—questions inevitably arise: Is Montenegro prepared for such transformative development?

Mohamed Alabbar is not merely a builder but a visionary, translating his ideas in a context where state and private capital work in tandem. In UAE, legal clarity facilitates swift action, while in Montenegro, the structures often seem disparate.

Legal Challenges: EU Principles vs. UAE Practice

As an EU candidate nation, Montenegro is bound to align its legal framework with European legislation, emphasizing transparency, public consultation, and environmental considerations. This can clash with the UAE’s faster-paced methods, characterized by direct negotiations and streamlined decision-making processes.

A Geographic Paradox: Montenegro’s Natural Beauty

Unlike Dubai, which arose from arid landscapes, Montenegro is rich in natural beauty—a double-edged sword. This allure requires protection and sustainable development, yet there’s growing pressure for expansive, often poorly regulated mega-projects.

Montenegro’s dilemma lies not just in attracting foreign capital, but in establishing a solid operational framework to manage it effectively. Despite the potential investment from figures like Alabbar, if there aren’t robust, clearly defined rules guiding development, risks abound.

Regulatory Framework: A Roadmap for Future Investment

Montenegro stands at a crossroads. It must seek investments—not indiscriminately, but with thoughtfulness and restraint. Defining clear spatial plans, maintaining ecological standards, and fostering a vision crafted by Montenegrin society are imperative.

Before inviting investors like Alabbar, the state must lay the groundwork, ensuring that any future development strategy prioritizes local interests over unchecked expansion. Only then can Montenegro become a genuinely welcoming space for impactful investment without compromising its natural heritage.