Official Italian records show that the honour was conferred on the Emirati businessman and founder of Emaar Properties on 22 May 2025.
Emirati businessman Mohamed Alabbar has been awarded the rank of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy. According to the official records of the Presidency of the Italian Republic, the decision to confer the honour on Alabbar was made on 22 May 2025. A statement by the Embassy of Italy in the United Arab Emirates said that the decoration had been awarded by the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella. The news was published on the “Italy in UAE” Instagram page, together with a photograph showing the Italian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Lorenzo Fanara, presenting the award to Alabbar.
The Order of the Star of Italy recognises individuals who have made special contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between Italy and other countries, as well as stronger ties with Italy.
“His Excellency Mohamed Alabbar awarded of the honour of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, bestowed upon him by His Excellency Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic. As a true friend of Italy, Mr Alabbar stands as vital bridge between Italy and the United Arab Emirates, fostering ever-stronger cultural, economic and commercial ties” the citation accompanying the award states.
It further notes that his significant investments in Italy’s real estate and hospitality sectors reflect a deep appreciation for the “Made in Italy” designation and the Italian way of life.
Alabbar is the founder and chairman of Emaar Properties, the Dubai-based real estate development company. He also serves as chairman of Eagle Hills, an Abu Dhabi-based private real estate investment and development company, and as chairman of the board of Zand Bank.
His business activities are also relevant to Montenegro. On 3 October 2025, Eagle Hills Montenegro announced that it had signed a cooperation agreement with local partners in Ulcinj to establish Eagle Hills Ecovillage Shas, a company intended to develop an eco-tourism destination in the Šas area.
According to Eagle Hills, the proposed EcoVillage Shas development is expected to combine hospitality, nature and cultural heritage, with plans including environmentally conscious accommodation, wellness and recreational facilities. These details represent the company’s announced plans for the project.
