“THEY ANSWER THE PHONE AT 1 AM”: ALABBAR HAILS INDIAN WORK ETHIC AT UAE SUMMIT. INDIAN PROFESSIONALS EARN HIGH PRAISE ON GLOBAL STAGE.
By Advocate Anjana Bhatia D.I, Consulting Editor, EmiratesReporter.com
Dubai, UAE- At a time when the world is searching for reliable talent, strong leadership, and committed workers, one statement at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 summit in the UAE captured international attention and filled millions of Indians across the globe with pride. During a powerful interaction at the summit, renowned Emirati businessman and founder of Emaar Properties, Mohamed Alabbar openly praised Indian professionals and workers for what he called their “strongest work ethic” and “unmatched dedication.” His comments instantly resonated across business circles, social media platforms, and among the Indian diaspora worldwide.
Emaar’s Mohamed AlAbbar (second from left) at MIITE 2026——– picture courtesy WAM
Speaking at the prestigious Make it in the Emirates 2026 summit, Alabbar said he prefers hiring Indians because they are disciplined, dependable, and committed to their responsibilities. In a remark that quickly became the highlight of the event, he humorously said, “They answer the phone even at 1 AM.” While the statement drew applause, the deeper message behind it was serious and meaningful. It reflected respect for a community that has spent decades helping build businesses, cities, and economies not only in the UAE but across the world.
The Make it in the Emirates summit itself has become one of the UAE’s most important industrial and economic platforms. Organized to strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector, attract investment, encourage innovation, and support economic diversification, the summit brings together government leaders, investors, industrial giants, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the globe. MIITE 2026 focused heavily on future industries, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, sustainability, logistics, energy, and smart technologies. It also highlighted the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for industry and innovation under its long-term economic vision.
Against this backdrop, Alabbar’s comments carried even greater significance. They were not casual praise. They came from one of the region’s most respected business leaders, a man who has built iconic global projects and managed teams from multiple nationalities for decades. When someone with such business experience speaks openly about trust, discipline, and reliability, the world listens carefully.
The reality is that Indians have long played a major role in the UAE’s development story. From engineers and doctors to teachers, bankers, technology experts, construction workers, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders, Indians have contributed to nearly every sector of the country’s growth. The skyscrapers of Dubai, the infrastructure networks, the hospitals, the retail sector, and even the digital economy carry the fingerprints of Indian talent and effort. The relationship between the UAE and India is not limited to trade agreements or diplomatic ties. It is deeply human. It is built on decades of shared work, shared dreams, and mutual respect.
What makes Alabbar’s statement powerful is that it touched on something beyond qualifications or academic degrees. He focused on attitude. In today’s competitive global economy, businesses are not only searching for intelligent people; they are searching for dependable people. Skills can be taught, but dedication, consistency, and responsibility are qualities that define long-term success. This is exactly what Alabbar highlighted when he explained the importance of staying “close to risk.” According to him, businesses survive crises and changing markets only when teams remain alert, responsive, and fully committed to the mission.
His words also challenged a growing global culture where shortcuts, instant success, and quick fame often receive more attention than patience and discipline. Alabbar reminded audiences that hard work still matters. He clearly stated that hard work and consistency often defeat talent when talent becomes lazy or careless. That message applies not only to Indians but to every young professional entering the modern workforce.
For Indians worldwide, these comments became a moment of emotional pride because they reflected a truth many families have lived for generations. Across the world, millions of Indians leave their homes, travel abroad, and work tirelessly to support their families and build better futures. Whether in the Gulf, Europe, America, Africa, or Asia, Indian professionals are often recognized for adaptability, resilience, and commitment under pressure. Their ability to work across cultures and remain focused even during difficult conditions has helped create a positive reputation globally.
In the UAE especially, Indian workers and professionals are not seen merely as employees; they are part of the nation’s growth journey. This is why statements like Alabbar’s matter deeply. They strengthen people-to-people ties and reinforce the respect shared between the UAE leadership, businesses, and the Indian community. At a time when global conversations are increasingly shaped by division and negativity, such recognition sends a powerful message of appreciation and unity.
Importantly, Alabbar’s praise was not about glorifying overwork or ignoring work-life balance. Instead, it was about reliability, ownership, and dedication to excellence. Every successful company, economy, or nation depends on people who take responsibility seriously. That spirit of commitment is what he chose to recognize publicly.
The applause that followed his remarks at Make it in the Emirates 2026 was more than a reaction to a humorous line about answering calls at 1 AM. It was acknowledgment of a workforce that has earned global respect through years of perseverance and contribution. For millions of Indians watching around the world, the message was simple yet deeply meaningful: hard work still earns recognition, and dedication still commands respect at the highest levels of global business.
