As the CEO of Aldar Properties, Talal Al Dhiyebi was a driving force behind a landmark $8.1bn alliance between Aldar and Emaar, in which the two real estate giants will work together to develop projects locally and internationally. In yet another huge move, in May Aldar acquitted $1bn worth of real estate assets from the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) that he says has given Aldar “an unprecedented opportunity” to add value to its Yas Island portfolio.