It’s not always one gets to meet visionaries and icons of a century but I was privileged to spend time in Dubai with the man who built the tallest building in the world the Burj Khalifa and other great things in his downtown Dubai showpiece dubbed ” the Centre of now “  I called my meeting with this great man a” close encounter of the 3rd kind” after the sightings and imaginary meetings between earthlings and extra terrestrials. Mr. Mohammed Alabbar is so driven by passion and vision that I consider him in the light of an extra terrestrial. But I can assure you he is human as human can be but with an insight so great I can be forgiven for seeing him in such unreal light.

The encounter at the Cigar lounge of Address residence on the 13th floor of the hotel apartments was almost casual. He walked in and cracked jokes and made all feel at home, then we asked questions and the man behind the Emaar group opened up on what gave birth to the tallest building in the world , the biggest mall in the world and the largest fountain in the world.

His first statement was profound.” We are not developing countries, we are young countries. UK and USA are old countries. London is over a 1000 years old but Dubai is still in its forties. So we are are like any other young country.” That statement redefined the paradigm of development for me as an African.it made me understand why the systems in some countries are not at the same level as others and the the advantage young countries have over older countries. Young countries can do amazing new things like Dubai has done and is still doing.

Mohammed Alabbar loves big projects usually in the area of about 2 million square metres.  Today his group Emaar controls over 25% of the property market in dubai and contributes over 4% of Dubai GDP. Downtown Dubai receives over 80 million visitors annually . His passion for projects are driven by his like for repetitive development of large sites with incredible designs.  So any large project with these hallmarks are likely to have the imprint of Mohammed Alabbar.

Fast forward to Abuja centenary city, the new interest of Mohammed Alabbar. The Emaar Group is joining the Eagle hills to develop what will become the centre of now in Africa.  His Interest in Nigeria is because Nigeria has the right dynamics, in size, economy and expectations. His initial investment of about $200 million will help grow more confidence in the country.  A man who invested about $180 million in dubai fountain will bring to Abuja the biggest mall in Africa, the tallest building in Africa and his famous Address residence and resort to Abuja.  In between the chitchat I sneaked in what I consider a joker”did you build Burj Khalifa out of pride? ‘ He smiled and in a rather casual manner said that if it wasn’t going t to make money he will not build it.  He came across as sincere in his believe that people need good homes,his passion is not just about money but the need to provide for people and always meeting the expectations of the people and never disappointing people who have paid you money to deliver.

Returning to Dubai from a career in investments in Singapore young Alabbar started his giant strides in development with just $15 million but today Emaar is worth over $35 billion and still growing.  Mohammed Alabbar who was proud to announce that he is now a grand father is an inspiring and engaging personality who should spend more time talking to people about visions and that anything is possible if you desire and pursue it. After all he built a dream out of sands in a desert of just a few million Emiratis.  He believes if it can be done in Dubai then Nigeria with over 170 million people and verdant vegetation would not be that difficult.  And for me I would say to him “welcome to Africa the centre of tomorrow”

The Address Hotels + Resorts set to open in Abuja Centenary City in Nigeria as part of brand’s global expansion 

Abuja Centenary City is aligned with the vision of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Government of Nigeria to energise the city and create a smart urban city hub of the future 
The Address Hotels + Resorts is the flagship hotel brand owned and operated by Emaar Hospitality Group, a subsidiary of global property developer Emaar Properties 
The Address has five properties in Dubai and management agreements in Kenya, Egypt and Turkey defining it  as a fast-growing global brand 
Defined by ‘Where life happens,’ The Address focuses on superb location, superior service and tangible guest benefits 

The Address Hotels + Resorts, the five star premium hotel brand of Emaar Hospitality Group, a subsidiary of Dubai-based global property developer Emaar Properties, is set to mark its entry into the Nigerian market as part of its international expansion strategy at the Abuja Centenary City. 

An ambitious city of the future, which ushers in a new era of economic prosperity to the country, Abuja Centenary City is a fitting tribute to the country on its 100th year of formation. Envisaged as a spectacular city hub, the 1,300 hectare master-planned community is the largest of its kind in Africa, and is developed by Eagle Hills, a private investment and real estate development company as part of a joint venture agreement with the Government of Nigeria. President Goodluck Jonathan had marked the groundbreaking of the project earlier this year. 

One of the most admired developers, Emaar Properties is the developer of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest and most-visited retail and entertainment destination which welcomed 75 million visitors last year and over 58 million visitors in the first nine months of 2014. 

The pioneer of integrated master-planned communities in Dubai, Emaar has successfully taken its development model to key international markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Pan-Asia, Europe and North America. Creating significant value to local economies through its path-breaking developments, Emaar has also proven its competencies in hospitality & leisure and shopping malls & retail. 

A highlight of Emaar’s approach to developing integrated lifestyle destinations is Downtown Dubai, the 500-acre, US$20 billion flagship development described as ‘The Centre of Now’ and featuring global icons including: Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and The Dubai Fountain, the tallest performing fountain. Emaar has launched several prestigious residential projects in Dubai which have received strong investor interest from international investors including from Nigeria. 

Highlighting the expansion plans of The Address Hotels + Resorts, Philippe Zuber, Chief Operating Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Nigeria is one of the fastest growing markets in Africa and serves as a perfect fit to complement our international expansion strategy. Abuja Centenary City offers an ideal and high-growth environment for us to establish our credentials as a premium hotel operator in the country.” 

With five prestigious properties in Dubai that are preferred by business and leisure visitors from Nigeria, The Address Hotels + Resorts has marked its global expansion with management contracts to operate The Address Marassi Golf Resort & Spa in Egypt. Additionally, the brand will operate The Address Masai Mara in Kenya, a retreat highlighted by the natural beauty of Kenya. 

The Address Hotels + Resorts has also launched The Address Residence Istanbul, a premium collection of 5-star serviced residences, which are part of the Emaar Square integrated community in Turkey.  This marks the first full-fledged hotel and serviced residence project of The Address Hotels + Resorts, in an international market. 

“We see a strong growth opportunity in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja Centenary City, to introduce our hotel brand that is defined by the philosophy of ‘Where Life Happens,’” said Mr. Zuber. “This means a focus on providing a more personal and approachable experience to guests, whether business, leisure or group travellers, in a vibrant lifestyle environment.” 

He added: “Our goal is to set a new benchmark in the hospitality sector of Nigeria through our unique ‘one-size-fits-one’ approach of creating exceptional lifestyle destination in Abuja Centenary City. The Address chooses central locations to offer its customers the best in entertainment, leisure and overall convenience. Abuja Centenary City, therefore, is a perfect fit to our brand philosophy.” 

The Address assures a bouquet of unique lifestyle experiences for all travellers within its properties. Diverse on-site food and beverage options, premier health and wellness facilities and iconic attractions in close proximity enhance the overall experience, differentiating it from its competitors. 

The five properties under The Address brand in Dubai include: The Address Downtown Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, The Address Dubai Marina, The Address Montgomerie Dubai and The Palace Downtown Dubai. “These properties are already familiar with visitors to Dubai. We seek to leverage the brand recognition of The Address Hotels + Resorts by further establishing our footprint in Nigeria,” said Mr. Zuber. Upcoming serviced residences in Dubai include: The Address Residence The BLVD, The Address Residence Sky View, and The Address Residence Fountain Views. 

Bilateral relations between Nigeria and Dubai are recording an all-time high. According to a report by Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, non-oil trade between Dubai and Nigeria accounted for almost  NGN 257 billion (AED 5.6 billion) in 2013. Inbound tourism from Nigeria to Dubai is also increasing led by increased airline connectivity. Only recently, Emirates Airline, the city’s global carrier, signed a MoU with Arik Air to expand operations in Nigeria and West Africa. 

About Emaar Hospitality Group: 
Emaar Hospitality Group LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, the Dubai-based global property developer, which manages Emaar’s hospitality and leisure projects across the region. Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality assets including hotels, serviced residences, golf retreats, a polo and equestrian club, lifestyle dining outlets and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club. 

The Address Hotels + Resorts, the five star hotel brand launched by Emaar Hospitality Group, brings a fresh identity to the hospitality and service sector of Dubai and the region. Vida Hotels and Resorts, a brand under Emaar Hospitality Group, is a refreshingly different hotel concept for the new generation of business executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers. Manzil Downtown Dubai, managed by Vida Hotels and Resorts, will open later this year. Manzil is defined by its contemporary Arabesque design elements and elegant décor that embodies the region’s cultural identity, and a diversity of culinary choices resonating the flavours of the Arab world. A new generation hotel brand targeting the fast-growing segment of value-conscious leisure and business travellers is being developed as a joint venture of Emaar and Meraas Holding. The new brand featuring an innovative authentic style will offer complete functionality, comfort and effortless service, defining its niche as the ‘best value’ hotels in Dubai. 
Emaar Hospitality Group manages a number of food and beverage venues across its hotel and leisure portfolio, and has expanded into the management of independent restaurants. 

About The Address Hotels + Resorts: 
The Address Hotels + Resorts, the five star premium hotel brand launched by Emaar Hospitality Group, brings a new identity to the hospitality and service offering of Dubai and the region. It also marks the integration of Emaar Hospitality Group to provide the entire gamut of services including operating hotels and resorts. 

The Address is a modern brand that focuses on a ‘one size fits one’ strategy where benefits to guests are the priority. Positioning its messaging as ‘where life happens’, The Address Hotels + Resorts offers a more personal and approachable experience to guests in a lifestyle environment, whether it be business, leisure or group travellers. 

‘Where life happens’ demonstrates the versatile approach of The Address to servicing every targeted customer – guaranteeing a first-class hospitality experience for every guest. 
The Address chooses central locations to offer its customers the best in entertainment, leisure and overall convenience. Diverse on-site food and beverage options, premier health and wellness facilities and iconic attractions in close proximity enhance the overall experience, differentiating it from its competitors. The experience offered is a key driver in the overall messaging of The Address. 

The Address features a bouquet of experiences offering a unique essence for business and leisure travellers within its properties. Its portfolio includes: The Address Downtown Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, The Address Dubai Marina, The Address Montgomerie Dubai and The Palace Downtown Dubai. 

The Address Hotels + Resorts has marked its global expansion with management contracts to operate The Address Marassi Golf Resort & Spa in Egypt, which is an integral part of the Marassi master-planned community developed by Emaar Misr. Additionally, the brand will operate The Address Masai Mara in Kenya, a retreat highlighted by the natural beauty of Kenya. The Address Hotels + Resorts has also launched The Address Residence Istanbul, a premium collection of 5-star serviced residences, which are part of the Emaar Square integrated community in Turkey.  This marks the first full-fledged hotel and serviced residence project of The Address Hotels + Resorts, in an international market. 

Emaar Hospitality Group plans to unveil The Address properties in key cities and tourist destinations in Middle East, China, the Indian Subcontinent, Europe and Southeast Asia.