The UAE’s thriving real estate market has become a goldmine for ambitious agents, with top performers making millions in commissions. Many have left stable careers behind to chase success in Dubai’s property sector, securing record-breaking deals and splurging on luxury investments.
Egyptian expatriate Rasha Ibrahim initially moved to the UAE in 2007 as a flight attendant, earning Dh6,000 per month. However, her career took a turn when she entered the real estate industry. Last year alone, she closed property deals worth nearly Dh2 billion. Meanwhile, Uzbek national Ahmedov abandoned a promising legal career to pursue real estate and, in 2023, made his most significant sale yet – a villa worth Dh205 million.
These high-achievers are among a select group of agents who have capitalized on Dubai’s booming luxury property market, earning multi-million-dirham commissions. Some work tirelessly around the clock to cater to their clients, while others specialize in niche markets to maximize their efficiency and expertise.
Russian agent Vladimir Minaev has been a fixture in the UAE’s real estate scene since 2015. Last year, he leased an apartment for Dh4.4 million – one of the highest rental deals in Dubai’s history. Arriving in the UAE with no English skills, Minaev dedicated himself to mastering the language, a move that helped him become the top agent at Metropolitan Real Estate for the past four years.
Beyond their professional success, many agents have rewarded themselves with lavish purchases. Ahmedov celebrated one of his biggest commissions by purchasing not one but two Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUVs—one for himself and another for his wife. Minaev prefers investing in luxury watches, fashion, and cars, believing that presenting the right image is key to closing deals with high-net-worth clients. One of his clients even struck a connection with him over a Patek Philippe watch, leading to a successful transaction.
For Ibrahim, the real reward was real estate itself. With her largest commission of Dh2.5 million, she invested in a three-bedroom beachfront property worth Dh6.7 million. Today, that investment has nearly doubled in value and brings in Dh550,000 in annual rental income. “Real estate is the best steady investment – tangible and safe,” she said.
Not all agents splurge on material goods. Vitaly Gamayunov, a broker at Whitewill, marked his biggest sale—an Dh84 million penthouse on Bluewaters Island—by taking a dream vacation to the Maldives, staying at the ultra-luxurious JOALI Being resort.
Overcoming Challenges
For many of these realtors, the road to success was far from easy. Ibrahim’s journey began when she invested in a property and was dissatisfied with the service she received. “I studied everything about the project and realized I knew more than the agent. That’s when I thought, ‘I can do better,’” she said. She juggled a full-time airline job and real estate side gig for almost a decade, often flying long-haul routes and heading straight to property viewings upon landing.
Her big break came in 2018 when she became a full-time real estate agent, but the COVID-19 pandemic derailed her career when she was laid off. “Those were hard times,” she recalled. “I risked my health during the pandemic to meet buyers and close deals.”
Others faced economic downturns. Indian agent Himanshu Sharma, who transitioned from an engineering career to real estate in 2006, faced financial ruin during the 2008 recession after purchasing a Dh3.6 million apartment in Dubai Marina. “I still don’t know how I survived that time,” he said. Seeing many clients lose their life savings to failed off-plan projects, he vowed only to sell ready properties moving forward. Today, he manages a portfolio of over 3,000 investors, specializing in Dubai’s financial district.
Similarly, Artur, a specialist in Palm Jumeirah properties, made his mark during the pandemic, catering to Emirati buyers and tripling his clients’ investments within three years.
Going the Extra Mile
For Dubai’s top agents, success is about more than just selling properties—it’s about building relationships. Minaev, who specializes in high-end homes, believes firsthand experience is crucial. After closing a deal on two adjacent Bvlgari villas for Dh160 million, he celebrated by staying at a Bvlgari resort in Bali. “If I don’t experience the luxury myself, how can I convince my clients to invest in it?” he said.
Minaev also takes a personalized approach to clients, researching their interests before meetings. “I have one client who is passionate about Tesla stocks and another who loves football. Before meeting them, I always brush up on the latest news in their fields. We’re not just selling homes—we’re creating connections.”
Ibrahim, known for her relentless work ethic, never misses a client’s call, even at 3 a.m. “If I’m not available, someone else will be,” she said. Despite setbacks, she remains committed to her clients and often helps them secure future deals, even if they initially work with another agent.
Artur acknowledges that his demanding career often takes a toll on his family. “Sometimes, I start watching a movie with my wife and son, but by the time I finish a client call, the movie is over, and my son is asleep,” he said. To show appreciation, he showers his wife with gifts, recognizing that their success is a team effort.
Despite the industry’s lucrative potential, top agents emphasize that success doesn’t come overnight. “Many rookie agents assume it’s an easy path to quick money,” Ibrahim noted. “But this is a high-pressure field with no fixed schedule. Newcomers need at least six to eight months of financial cushion before they start seeing results. Even after their first sale, they never know when the next one will come.”
As Dubai’s real estate market continues to thrive, these elite agents remain at the forefront, navigating challenges, closing record-breaking deals, and reaping the rewards of their hard work.
