Salama Abbar: The Visionary Emirati Entrepreneur Redefining Modern Luxury
From Boutique Beginnings to a Digital Fashion Revolution
Introduction
Salama Mohammed Al Abbar is an Emirati entrepreneur and a pioneering figure in the world of luxury retail and digital commerce. Known widely as Mohamed Alabbar’s daughter, she has carved her own path through vision, hard work, and an unrelenting passion for fashion and innovation. As the founder of Symphony Boutique and BySymphony.com, Salama Abbar has played a vital role in shaping Dubai’s identity as a global fashion destination.
Her journey embodies the rise of a new generation of Emirati women who blend creativity with entrepreneurship. With an eye for detail and a deep understanding of customer psychology, Salama has created a brand that bridges the gap between international luxury and regional identity.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Salama Mohammed Al Abbar |
| Nationality | Emirati |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Business Administration & Finance – American University of Sharjah (2007) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Fashion Retailer |
| Known For | Founder of Symphony Boutique and BySymphony.com |
| Father | Mohamed Alabbar (Founder of Emaar & Noon.com) |
| Industry | Fashion, Retail, E-commerce |
| Recognition | Listed among Most Influential Emirati Women (2024) |
| Career Start | Analyst at Ernst & Young (2007) |
Early Life and Education
Born into a business-driven family in the United Arab Emirates, Salama Abbar inherited a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship. Her father, Mohamed Alabbar, is one of the most influential business figures in the Middle East, best known for founding Emaar Properties—the company behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa—and the e-commerce platform Noon.com.
Salama’s upbringing was marked by exposure to creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking. She pursued higher education at the American University of Sharjah, earning degrees in both Business Administration and Finance in 2007. This dual qualification equipped her with analytical insight and business acumen—skills that would later define her success in the retail industry.
The Beginning of Her Career
Salama Abbar’s professional journey began in the world of finance. After completing her studies, she joined Ernst & Young as an Analyst between 2007 and 2008. This role provided her with valuable exposure to auditing, corporate structures, and strategic decision-making. However, her creative instincts soon led her to a different path—fashion and design.
Her passion for style and luxury evolved into a vision to create something truly unique for Dubai’s elite consumers. She aimed to develop a space that combined international sophistication with the distinctive elegance of Emirati culture.
Founding Symphony: The Boutique that Redefined Luxury
In 2008, Salama Abbar founded Symphony, a luxury concept store located on Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue. The boutique quickly became a symbol of elegance and taste, representing not just fashion but also empowerment and creativity.
Under her leadership, Symphony became known for its carefully curated selection of international designer brands—from Alexander McQueen to Saint Laurent—alongside regional talents like Madiya Al-Sharqi and Razan Al-Azouni. Salama’s vision was not to simply sell fashion but to create an experience—a blend of art, culture, and design that spoke to modern Emirati women.
Digital Transformation: Launch of BySymphony.com
Recognizing the shift toward digital retail, Salama expanded her business online through BySymphony.com. This platform brought the boutique’s luxury experience to a wider audience, merging traditional exclusivity with modern accessibility.
BySymphony.com became one of the first Emirati-run luxury e-commerce platforms to reach international clients. It reflected Salama’s understanding of consumer behavior and her ability to adapt to evolving global trends. Her foresight placed her among the top young entrepreneurs driving digital transformation in the Gulf region.
Supporting Local Talent and Global Brands
Salama Abbar’s approach to business goes beyond profit—it’s about creating opportunity. She has continuously championed local designers, providing them with visibility on both regional and global stages.
By integrating regional brands into Symphony’s collections, she helped position Emirati designers alongside renowned global names. Her efforts have strengthened the UAE’s reputation as a growing fashion hub, attracting designers, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts from around the world.
Business Philosophy and Leadership Style
Salama’s success stems from her distinctive philosophy—luxury should be personal, timeless, and innovative. She believes that true luxury isn’t just about price tags or brand names but about authenticity and emotional connection.
Her leadership style reflects balance—combining creative intuition with analytical business insight. As an entrepreneur, she emphasizes customer experience, digital integration, and empowerment of women in business. Her adaptability and attention to detail have turned Symphony into a brand synonymous with trust and sophistication.
Achievements and Recognition
Salama Abbar’s entrepreneurial journey has earned her widespread respect in both fashion and business circles. In 2024, she was named among the Most Influential Emirati Women, a recognition of her contribution to the evolution of UAE’s retail and fashion landscape.
Her story serves as an inspiration to young Arab women who aspire to build independent careers while embracing their cultural identity. Through her boutiques and digital platforms, she has helped redefine what it means to be a modern Emirati entrepreneur.
Legacy and Impact
Salama Abbar’s legacy lies in her ability to bridge tradition and modernity. Her ventures showcase how Emirati values of elegance and hospitality can thrive in a globalized, digital world.
By blending high-end international brands with local craftsmanship, she has played a key role in promoting Dubai as a luxury fashion destination. Her forward-thinking approach continues to inspire a new wave of creative entrepreneurs who view business not just as commerce, but as culture and innovation.
Conclusion
Salama Abbar stands as a testament to how vision, education, and creativity can merge into lasting success. As Mohamed Alabbar’s daughter, she carries a powerful legacy, but her achievements are entirely her own—built through perseverance and an eye for modern elegance.
From founding Symphony Boutique to pioneering luxury e-commerce in the Middle East, she has shaped the future of retail in ways that combine beauty, innovation, and empowerment. Her journey is far from over, but her influence on the UAE’s fashion and entrepreneurial landscape is already monumental.
FAQs About Salama Abbar
1. Who is Salama Abbar?
Salama Abbar is an Emirati entrepreneur and the founder of Symphony Boutique and BySymphony.com, known for revolutionizing the luxury retail scene in Dubai.
2. What is Salama Abbar known for?
She is known for her innovative approach to fashion retail, blending international luxury brands with local Emirati designers.
3. Where did Salama Abbar study?
She graduated from the American University of Sharjah with degrees in Business Administration and Finance.
4. What companies has she founded?
She founded Symphony Boutique and BySymphony.com, both recognized for redefining the fashion retail experience in the UAE.
5. Who is her father?
Her father is Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties and Noon.com.
6. What is her legacy in the fashion world?
Her legacy is her contribution to promoting Emirati fashion globally and transforming luxury retail through creativity and digital innovation.
