Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon on Thursday met in his Jerusalem office with a leading UAE businessman. According to Israel's Channel 2 TV report, Sharon held talks with Mohammed Ali Alabbar, Emaar's chairman, over the planned Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
According to the report, Alabbar offered Sharon not to destroy the housing units and other facilities in the would-be evacuated settlements in return to US$ 56 million. Sharon's response was not reported.
Earlier in the day, Alabbar met in Ramallah with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas.
Emaar Properties boasts an asset base of US$ 7.7 billion (including land). The company is involved in many real estate projects in Dubai.
