The developer of the Riga Waterfront project, Mohamed Ali Alabbar, is known for his ambitious projects. His company, Emmar Properties, is the largest real estate developer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and boasts the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, and the largest shopping center, the Dubai Mall. The company's growth is closely linked to Alabbar's friendship with the ruler of Dubai. According to The Economist, Alabbar himself said that he does not do anything without consulting the sheikh. To develop his projects, the entrepreneur received access to state land. In some countries, this has led to protests from local residents and opposition, pointing out the advantages of Alabbar, since other developers have to buy the land at their own expense. There is also the question of who benefits most from his projects.
