Drive-Thru Mall and "Female Burj Khalifa" Planned for Dubai Creek Harbour
Dubai property pioneer Mohammed Alabbar has unveiled ambitious plans for Dubai Creek Harbour, including a world-first drive-thru mall for electric vehicles and a new tower dubbed the "female Burj Khalifa."
Key Facts:
Drive-thru mall: Located in Dubai Creek Harbor, it will be the first of its kind, allowing customers to shop from their electric cars.
"Female Burj Khalifa": A beautiful tower inspired by Marilyn Monroe, planned to be smaller than the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Project details: Dubai Creek Harbour will span 6 million square meters and is envisioned as the "new downtown."
Alabbar's insights: He shared lessons learned and mistakes made, including selling Emaar's hotels, which he called a "stupid mistake."
Emphasis on leadership and data: Alabbar stressed the importance of strong leadership and utilizing data for informed decision-making.
Dubai is set to embrace an exciting new development, as Mohammed Alabbar, the visionary behind Emaar and Noon, announced at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2024. The introduction of a groundbreaking drive-through mall in Dubai Creek Harbour will redefine shopping experiences, allowing customers the convenience of navigating the mall in their electric cars. This innovative concept marks a first in mall design, promising a unique blend of convenience and luxury.
In addition to the mall, Alabbar shared plans for the construction of a new tower in Dubai. Dubbed the 'female Burj Khalifa,' this tower aims to add a touch of elegance reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe, albeit on a smaller scale than its towering counterpart. The announcement was made during a session focused on the lessons of building a successful business empire, where Alabbar shared insights from his journey and the importance of learning from past mistakes.
One notable revelation was the decision to cancel the construction of a kilometer-long tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, a strategic move reflecting a deeper understanding of the real estate market dynamics. Alabbar highlighted the importance of the visual impact of towers on property value, drawing parallels to the desirability of views akin to those of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The Dubai Creek Harbour project, sprawling over six million square meters, is anticipated to emerge as the new downtown area, offering a blend of residential, retail, and leisure spaces. Alabbar's reflections on the transformation of Emaar into a publicly listed company underscored the challenges and responsibilities that come with such a status, emphasizing the discipline and transparency required in managing public investments.
Moreover, Alabbar candidly addressed a mistake in selling Emaar’s hotels, a decision he now views as misguided. This experience underscored the intrinsic value that quality hotels add to real estate developments, enhancing their appeal and financial performance.
The entrepreneur also emphasized the critical role of leadership and team dynamics in realizing visionary projects. Through his approach of leveraging data and surrounding himself with capable individuals, Alabbar highlighted the importance of collaboration and humility in the entrepreneurial journey.
This development reflects Dubai's continuous evolution as a hub of innovation and luxury, promising to attract global attention and investment. The drive-through mall and new tower are not just architectural endeavors but symbols of the city's forward-thinking ethos and its commitment to offering unparalleled experiences to residents and visitors alike.