Speaking in a CNBC interview that aired on Friday, Alabbar said the UAE’s ability to intercept incoming threats has underscored its reputation as a global safe haven.
The past days have proven that we are really a safe country.
The developer emphasized that the UAE’s long-term policy consistency and stability have been built over decades and cannot easily be undermined.
“If you were to look and study the trajectory of UAE policies, you will see consistency, you will see sustainability, you will see wisdom, you will see stability — all for one purpose: to create an incredible life for the people who live here,” he said. “You don’t build this over one year, two years: it took us over 40 years for the leadership to establish this.”
Alabbar added that recent developments are unlikely to weaken investor confidence in the UAE, noting that Dubai’s property market continues to attract strong interest.
“Success does not happen by luck,” he said. “Because of years of great policies, stability, competence and fairness that exist in this country, that really have pushed tremendous belief in this country and what the future holds.”
Alabbar also dismissed concerns about a major correction in Dubai’s property market, despite regional tensions. “I know my business well. I know the banking system. I know the business environment,” he said. “I have no concerns.”
He pushed back against predictions made by global ratings agency Fitch in 2025 about a 15% property price correction, calling the forecast “very unrealistic” based on his analysis of business data.
High Interception Rate Demonstrates Defense Capability
Alabbar’s comments come as figures released by the UAE Ministry of Defence on March 5 show that the country’s air defence systems have intercepted the vast majority of missiles and drones launched toward the UAE since the escalation began.
According to the ministry:
- 1,072 drones were detected, with 1,001 intercepted
- 196 ballistic missiles were detected, with 181 intercepted
- Eight cruise missiles were detected, with all eight intercepted
A total of 71 drones impacted on land, while two ballistic missiles struck inside the country and 13 fell into the sea, according to the ministry’s latest update. The figures highlight the scale of the attacks but also the effectiveness of the UAE’s layered air defence systems.
Meanwhile, the intensity of strikes across the region appears to be declining. Iranian ballistic missile launches were down 90% from the first day of fighting, while drone attacks have fallen 83%, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal on Friday.
Institutional Strength Reinforces Investor Confidence
Analysts say the UAE’s response to the crisis may ultimately reinforce investor confidence. Simon Wolfe, co-founder and managing partner of Marlow Global, said the country’s institutions and communications have remained strong despite the scale of the attacks.
“In the short term, there is a physical reality here that optimism cannot shortcut. Airports, ports and energy infrastructure will take weeks to come back online, and the disruption to trade flows and aviation connectivity is real and immediate,” Wolfe told Gulf Business this week.
However, Wolfe said the UAE’s response demonstrates the strategic qualities that attracted global investors to the country in the first place.
“Look at what the UAE has actually done in the face of an extraordinary assault: its institutions have held, its government has communicated with clarity, and it has called for negotiated resolution within days of being targeted,” he said. “And perhaps most importantly, the air defences have, in large part, held. This demonstrates exactly the kind of strategic maturity that made it attractive to global capital in the first place.”
The UAE real estate sector has demonstrated operational resilience in early March 2026, with Dubai recording sustained transaction activity despite heightened regional tensions.