Mohammed Alabbar, founder and managing director of Dubai-based Emaar Properties, praised Indians for their work ethic and discipline, saying he preferred to hire them because of their dedication and commitment to work.Speaking during the Make it in the UAE Summit in Abu Dhabi, Alabbar discussed how companies can survive crises and operate under uncertainty, while also pointing to recent regional tensions linked to the Iranian conflict.Al-Abbar pointed out, “The harder you work, the greater your chances.”He added, as quoted by Gulf News: “There is a saying, hard work beats talent when talent fails hard work, and that is why I like to hire Indians, because they answer the phone even at one in the morning.”Al-Abbar stressed that companies need work teams capable of working efficiently even in difficult situations and sudden disturbances.Referring to the recent tensions in the region, he said that the UAE was able to manage the situation through planning and preparation.He said: “What happened recently was not expected, and our country showed its steadfastness and steadfastness in its planning under the guidance of our leadership, so we were able to survive successfully.”
He also talked about how companies are judged during crises, particularly in the way they treat employees under pressure.He revealed that one of the first decisions taken by Emaar during the recent crisis was to reassure employees that jobs and salaries would remain protected.“In the first week, we sent emails to everyone, all the employees. We told them that we would not be laying off any of the workforce. We would not be reducing their salaries,” he said.Alabbar added that maintaining confidence, stability and discipline becomes especially important when companies face uncertain circumstances.Similar praise for Indian employees has been expressed by Reiji Kobayashi, a Japanese businessman based in Bengaluru, who has previously highlighted the work ethic and dedication of Indian employees. Noting that many Indian employees often work longer hours than he does, he said their motivation and commitment pushed him to improve his productivity and work standards.
