‘Don’t be a cheater, invest in public spaces’

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Mohammed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties and Eagle Hills, advocated for developers to focus on investing in community amenities and public spaces rather than just residential units to create more vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods. He highlighted the role of technology like AI in increasing efficiency and showcased innovative projects such as the Maldives Waterfront, which uses water recycling to reduce traditional infrastructure needs.

Mohammed Alabbar, Founder and Chairman of Emaar Properties and Eagle Hills, emphasized the importance of investing in public spaces and community amenities rather than focusing solely on residential units. Speaking remotely from Belgrade at the LIVEX 2026 conference, Alabbar described the role of developers as analogous to that of a conductor, orchestrating various elements to create vibrant communities.

Alabbar highlighted that conventional residential layouts—typically one-, two-, and three-bedroom units—have seen little innovation in recent years. The real value, he said, lies in the surrounding features that foster quality of life, including art, music, educational facilities, wellness centers, landscaping, lighting, and dining options.

Drawing on his experience working in approximately 20 countries, Alabbar stressed that developers are guests within the communities they enter and must engage with local residents and authorities to understand unique needs rather than applying a standardized model. He urged developers to prioritize the maintenance of what they build to preserve both brand reputation and residents’ long-term well-being. “Don’t be a cheater. Invest in the side parks,” he advised, underscoring the necessity of ongoing investment in communal spaces.

Alabbar also addressed the financial risks inherent in development projects, emphasizing the need for careful market analysis and global awareness when allocating equity. He said maintaining properties effectively helps protect the value of residents’ homes, which are often their most significant lifetime purchases.

Technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is transforming the development process, according to Alabbar. He noted that AI enables increased operational efficiency and smarter decision-making. For instance, the recently announced Maldives Waterfront and Marina project by Eagle Hills may not require a desalination plant, as new technologies can recycle water from air conditioning condensation and wastewater sources such as showers and sinks. This innovation could reduce reliance on traditional water infrastructure.

Alabbar also pointed to the accelerated pace of project planning enabled by digital tools. Tasks that previously took months can now be accomplished within hours through the application of in-house technological solutions, marking a significant shift in development workflows.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.