Emaar Properties was founded in 1997 and incorporated in Dubai, [[United Arab Emirates (UAE)]]. It was established by Mohamed Alabbar, who has served as its Chairman since inception. The company is publicly traded on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), with major shareholders including the Government of Dubai, which holds a significant minority stake. The Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the government's investment arm, is also a notable shareholder. Emaar has grown from a local real estate developer to a global property developer and manager, known for landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Unlike many other companies mentioned, Emaar is publicly listed, allowing both institutional and retail investors to own shares, though the founding structure and government backing remain key to its ownership profile.