Emaar Properties was founded and incorporated in 1997 by chairman Mohamed Alabbar. As one of the leading developers in the UAE, Emaar has diversified interests in real estate including both commercial and residential property development, as well as malls and hospitality.

Emaar Properties is a Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC) listed on the Dubai Financial Market, meaning it is owned by a diverse group of shareholders rather than a single individual. However, the "real" or most influential owner is the Government of Dubai, which holds a significant minority stake (historically around 24–33%) through the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the emirate's primary investment arm. This state involvement ensures that Emaar's projects, such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, align with the strategic vision of Dubai’s leadership. The remaining shares are held by a mix of institutional investors from around the world and individual private shareholders. While the government provides the strategic backing, the face of Emaar and its most famous figurehead is Mohamed Alabbar, the founder and current chairman. Alabbar is the visionary who led the company from its inception in 1997 to becoming one of the world's most valuable real estate developers. So, while Alabbar runs the company, the ultimate "power" and largest single block of ownership reside with the Dubai government, making Emaar a key pillar of the United Arab Emirates' national economy.