One sale can transform a career, and for Abu Dhabi-based broker Tamara Cortan, that moment came at a single off-plan property launch. A former flight attendant who lost her job during the pandemic, Cortan entered the real estate sector and quickly made her mark. In just one evening, she closed deals for three buyers, each purchasing two units, earning the equivalent of two years of her previous salary in a single day.
“I brought three buyers with me to a property launch; each of them bought two units,” Cortan recalled. “All the sales representatives were busy with my clients. I was running from one table to another like a bee. I earned two years’ worth of my previous salary in a single day. But more than the money, my heart was full.”
Now working with Crompton Partners in Abu Dhabi, Cortan says the profession demands persistence, patience, and trust. “There’s no salary,” she explained. “You give out a lot of free advice, and sometimes clients close with another agent. When you chase, clients run. You’ve got to listen – really listen – to what people need.”
The UAE’s property sector has long been regarded as one of the most lucrative in the region. Driven by new off-plan launches, Golden Visa residency incentives, and government policies positioning the country as a global investment hub, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to attract a steady stream of international buyers. For brokers, this environment brings the possibility of enormous commissions—but also an unpredictable income.
Cortan credits her success to skills she first developed as a flight attendant. “I learned to communicate with people from every culture, stay composed under pressure, and deliver service at a high standard,” she said. “All of that prepared me for real estate.”
Her busiest hours often stretch late into the evening. “From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the phone doesn’t stop ringing,” she said. “No two days are the same. You never know who you are going to meet.”
Other brokers share similar experiences. Aisha M, a 29-year-old based in Dubai, described the highs and lows of the profession. “Some months, I close a deal that pays more than what most people earn in half a year. Other months, I walk away with nothing. That’s the reality—there’s no guaranteed income, but the upside is huge.”
Brokerage firms say many agents are breaking into the “millionaire club.” The Metropolitan Group reports that 177 of its brokers have achieved dirham-millionaire status since joining, with four surpassing Dh37 million in commissions. One recent recruit reached Dh60 million in sales within just two weeks of joining.
“We provide our agents with structured and continuous learning, enhancing skills at all levels to meet the ever-evolving demands of the market,” said Mike Fleet, Deputy CEO of Metropolitan Group.
With off-plan launches continuing to fuel activity and international buyers maintaining strong interest, real estate remains one of the UAE’s most dynamic—and potentially rewarding—professions.
