Dubai-based Mohamed Alabbar, founder and managing director of Emaar Properties, has praised Indian workers for their strong work ethic and discipline, stating a preference for hiring them due to their dedication and commitment. Speaking at the Make it in the Emirates summit in Abu Dhabi, Alabbar discussed strategies for business survival during crises and uncertainty, also referencing recent regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
Hard Work Over Talent
Alabbar remarked, "The harder you work, the luckier you will get." He added, "There's a saying, hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard, and this is why I like to hire Indians, because they answer the phone even at one o'clock in the morning," as reported by Gulf News. He emphasized that companies need teams capable of efficient work during difficult situations and sudden disruptions.
Resilience During Regional Tensions
Referring to recent tensions, Alabbar noted that the UAE managed the situation through careful planning and preparedness. "What happened recently was not expected, and our country showed its steadfastness and the resilience of its planning under the directives of our leadership, so we managed to successfully survive," he stated. He also highlighted how businesses are judged during crises, especially regarding employee treatment under pressure.
Protecting Jobs and Salaries
One of Emaar's first decisions during the recent crisis, Alabbar revealed, was to reassure staff that jobs and salaries would remain protected. "In the first week, we sent emails to everyone, all the employees. We told them, we are not laying off any one of the workforce. We are not cutting their salaries," he said. He added that maintaining trust, stability, and discipline becomes especially important under uncertain conditions.
Similar Praise from Japanese Entrepreneur
Similar praise for Indian employees has come from Reiji Kobayashi, a Japanese entrepreneur based in Bengaluru, who previously highlighted their work ethic and dedication. He noted that many Indian employees often work longer hours than he does, and their motivation and commitment pushed him to improve his own productivity and business standards.
