Real estate is central to the UAE's economic identity. Once heavily dependent on oil, the country has diversified rapidly — and the property sector has been one of the most powerful engines of that transformation. It attracts significant foreign direct investment, supports related industries, and underpins iconic landmarks from the Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah.
Beyond towers and resorts, real estate generates employment across construction, architecture, engineering, retail, and hospitality. It has also shaped communities: residential developments, commercial centres, schools, and leisure facilities have raised living standards and deepened civic life across the Emirates.
International investors are drawn by stable regulation, tax-free ownership structures, and transparent market data — conditions that have made Dubai in particular a top-tier global investment destination for both luxury residential buyers and commercial tenants.
It is in that context that Arabian Business has identified the senior personalities driving UAE's dynamic real estate markets. Here are the 25 brokers who defined the sector in 2024.
Real Estate Legends 2024 — Full Rankings
1. Ben Bandari 2. Honey Deylami 3. Riad Gohar 4. Conor McKay 5. Anthony Abou Jaoude 6. Rasha Ibrahim 7. Kianoush Darban 8. Barnaby Crompton 9. Sarah Serhan 10. Chris Boswell 11. Sam Horani 12. Charlie King 13. Andrew Cummings 14. Fabricio Saltini 15. Ezio D'Ercole 16. Joelle Raad 17. Fabio Lombardi 18. Fakhreddin Minooeifar 19. Philip Zarif 20. Farooq Syed 21. Mohammed Fares 22. Qurat Ul Ain 23. Soufie Jnidee 24. Lina Allaoa 25. Leigh Borg
UAE Real Estate Legends — Profiles
### Ben Bandari - Rank: 01 - Designation: Founder - Company: Ben & Core Real Estate
Ben Bandari's profile is a testament to deep expertise and an entrepreneurial spirit. Recognised as one of the industry's most accomplished specialists over 22 years, he has overseen sales exceeding AED 22 billion and managed landmark projects including the Palazzo Versace condominiums and D1 Tower. He founded Ben & Core Real Estate in 2020 — during a period when the pandemic paralysed most businesses — demonstrating his capacity to operate in adverse economic conditions. His MBA-level education is reinforced by a firm grounding in marketing. Bandari also provides sales and marketing consultancy at R. Evolution Real Estate.
His client book — built on a foundation of integrity — includes titans of business, politicians, celebrities, and royalty. His appearance on the Emmy-nominated show Million Dollar Listing UAE speaks to his standing in the profession.
"I do not consider working in the Dubai real estate market just a job or a career but a lifestyle," Bandari says. "You need passion for this business — for all its success stories, there is no time to rest. The market remains equally competitive as before."
### Honey Deylami - Rank: 02 - Designation: Executive Partner - Company: Dubai Sotheby's International Realty
Honey Deylami is one of the most prominent brokers at Dubai Sotheby's International Realty, with more than 19 years of experience. She has consistently closed record-breaking deals in Dubai's luxury segment, focusing on properties valued at AED 30 million and above. Her analytical approach and deep market knowledge make her a trusted investment advisor. Total transaction value across her career exceeds AED 20 billion, and she manages luxury property portfolios across multiple global markets.
She is widely respected for her strategic positioning of client assets. Her current listings include over AED 5 billion worth of luxury properties in Dubai and more than £1 billion in other international markets. Developers reportedly invite her to preview major launches ahead of the general market.
"You can bet that if Honey is listing your property, the price is going to rise before she even picks the phone," a peer notes.
### Riad Gohar - Rank: 03 - Designation: CEO - Company: BlackOak Real Estate
Actor, pharmacist, and real estate entrepreneur — Riad Gohar defies easy categorisation. He entered Dubai's property market in 2005, later relaunching his agency under the Fine & Country international franchise. After establishing dominance in brokerage, he launched the development arm of the SLS hotel brand, which recorded AED 600 million in first-year sales. He subsequently founded BlackOak Real Estate, a boutique high-net-worth investment house focused on select projects and premium assets. His role on Million Dollar Listing UAE raised his public profile further.
Outside real estate, Gohar is committed to family, music, and sport. He has reached two of the Seven Summits and is studying Mandarin. His partnerships with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and his market commentary on sustainable economic development have made him a credible voice beyond the transaction floor.
### Conor McKay - Rank: 04 - Designation: Broker - Company: Bellview Real Estate
Irish-born Conor McKay is among the most recognised names in UAE luxury property. He is the leading broker in Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Hills, and in 2022 brokered the most expensive property sale in Dubai's history at that time. That year he sold AED 1.12 billion worth of real estate, followed by AED 750 million in the period prior. PropertyFinder ranked him among the UAE's top 10 estate agents. In Q1 2024, McKay sold the two most expensive villas in Dubai, totalling AED 500 million.
McKay was inspired to enter the industry by Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles and moved to Dubai in 2017 on a one-way ticket. He faced initial rejection due to his youth and lack of experience but secured a role at a brokerage firm. His first Dubai deal was a rental; by December 2018 he had completed his first villa sale. His landmark transaction — a 10-bedroom Palm Jumeirah villa with 70 metres of private beachfront for AED 280 million — cemented his reputation. He is 26 years old, and industry insiders expect him to claim the top ranking in the near future.
### Anthony Abou Jaoude - Rank: 05 - Designation: CEO - Company: Primestay
Anthony Abou Jaoude is a versatile real estate professional serving as CEO of Primestay and associate partner at Provident Real Estate. He was named Dubai's Top Broker from 2018 and received the Emaar Top Sales Award in 2020. Born in Kent, Ohio, and raised in Lebanon, he holds academic degrees in advertising, marketing, and psychology from Notre Dame University in Lebanon. He managed MRE961 in Lebanon until 2013, then moved to Dubai in 2014 with $500 in savings, rapidly rising through the ranks at Provident Real Estate.
Specialising in off-plan investment, property management, vacation rental, and interior design, Abou Jaoude has built a comprehensive service offering. He runs an online academy for aspiring real estate professionals and hosts the Dubai Stars podcast. His book Take Charge and Take Action, covering Dubai's real estate market, reached Amazon bestseller status.
### Rasha Ibrahim - Rank: 06 - Designation: Senior Sales Manager - Company: Metropolitan Premium Properties
Egyptian-born and French-educated, Rasha Ibrahim has carved out a strong position in Dubai's luxury real estate sector. Her interest in the industry emerged early — she began working as a translator at international exhibitions at age 16. A career in aviation followed, including a management role with the presidential airline of the Al Nahyan royal family in Abu Dhabi, while she pursued real estate part-time.
She joined Meraas/Dubai Holding part-time before transitioning to full-time in 2018, where she rapidly excelled in sales. By 2021, she had sold more than AED 1 million of artwork. In 2022 she achieved over AED 5 billion in real estate investment and was awarded the Number 1 Sales Achiever Black Onyx Award from Meraas. Known as the "Queen of Bulgari Island" for her record transactions there, Ibrahim's disciplined focus on luxury remains a defining characteristic.
### Kianoush Darban - Rank: 07 - Designation: Associate Partner - Company: Driven Properties
Tehran-born Kianoush Darban began his real estate career in the UK in 2012. Now a leading luxury property broker in Dubai, he is best known for selling a villa on Jumeirah Bay Island for AED 175 million. PropertyFinder has recognised him for outstanding performance and innovation.
### Barnaby Crompton - Rank: 08 - Designation: Founder - Company: Crompton Saltini
Barnaby Crompton brings 24 years of real estate experience to Dubai, where he has been based since 2008, specialising in Emirates Hills. He founded Crompton Partners Estate Agents — later rebranded as Crompton Saltini — and sold the most expensive property in Emirates Hills, the XLV Residence. He is widely regarded as a commercially astute and ethical figure in the super-prime market.
### Sarah Serhan - Rank: 09 - Designation: Associate Partner - Company: Ben & Core Real Estate
New Zealand-born Sarah Serhan has lived in Dubai for 11 years, focusing on the upper end of the market in Dubai Hills Estate. Despite a competitive environment, she sold more than AED 100 million in properties in 2023 alone. She joined Ben & Core Real Estate in 2024 and is widely tipped as one of Dubai's rising stars in luxury real estate.
### Chris Boswell - Rank: 10 - Designation: Consultant - Company: Edwards and Towers
Active in Dubai's luxury real estate market since 2006, Chris Boswell holds benchmark records for price per door and some of the highest-value sales on Palm Jumeirah. In Q1 2024, he sold one of the most exclusive villas on Jumeirah Bay for $42.2 million.
### Sam Horani - Rank: 11 - Designation: Associate Partner - Company: Provident Real Estate
Syrian-born Sam Horani has lived in Dubai since 2002. He made headlines by selling a five-bedroom penthouse in Como Residences for AED 500 million ($136 million) — a record for the penthouse category. Horani left a career as a kitesurfing instructor in 2017 to enter real estate. His creativity and emphasis on long-term client relationships have driven consistent success in Dubai's luxury market.
### Charlie King - Rank: 12 - Designation: Partner - Company: Allsopp & Allsopp Private Office
With more than 12 years in the industry, Charlie King holds the record for the largest ultra-luxury home sales at Allsopp & Allsopp. In 2023, he closed the company's biggest-ever transaction by square footage at Al Barari. He positions the Private Office as a premier advisory offering tailored experiences to ultra-high-net-worth clients.
### Andrew Cummings - Rank: 13 - Designation: Head of Residential, ME - Company: Savills
A former senior government official, Andrew Cummings is the only agent to be named PropertyFinder's "Dubai Outstanding Agent of the Month" twice in a single year. In 2023, he sold AED 760 million worth of commercial property. As head of residential at Savills, his mandate is to grow the business across the Middle East while leveraging the firm's international network.
### Fabricio Saltini - Rank: 14 - Designation: Founder - Company: Crompton Saltini Real Estate
Brazilian expatriate Fabricio Saltini has lived in Dubai for 16 years, spending 13 of those in luxury real estate. Known for his commitment to knowledge, partnership, and client care, he has closed multi-billion-dirham transactions. His focus on a specialist segment and his UHNWI client base have made him a standout performer.
### Ezio D'Ercole - Rank: 15 - Designation: Manager - Company: Morgan's International Realty
Ezio D'Ercole began his real estate career in 2011 across markets including Mallorca, Bali, London, and Dubai. Ranked as one of Dubai's real estate legends by Arabian Business, he remains committed to client-oriented service, drawing on his global market experience to meet demanding client expectations.
### Joelle Raad - Rank: 16 - Designation: Associate Director - Company: Dubai Sotheby's International Realty
Joelle Raad works at Dubai Sotheby's International Realty as an Associate Director, with a background in marketing and hospitality before moving to real estate. She specialises in off-plan and resale luxury properties, with notable sales of branded residences including Four Seasons Private Residence and One Zaabeel. She speaks English, Arabic, and French, enabling her to build a diverse client base.
### Fabio Lombardi - Rank: 17 - Designation: Private Office Advisor - Company: Engel & Völkers Private Office
Italian by origin, Fabio Lombardi built his career in tourism and hospitality before transitioning to luxury real estate advisory. He holds a Master's Degree in Economy of Tourism and spent time with Emirates Airline, giving him a strong foundation in customer service and sales. Based in Dubai since 2009, he has established a reputation for professionalism and client satisfaction at Engel & Völkers Private Office.
### Fakhreddin Minooeifar - Rank: 18 - Designation: Founder and Chairman - Company: Mallorca Properties
Fakhreddin Minooeifar founded Mallorca Properties after identifying an underserved segment: large-volume real estate transactions. The firm specialises in buy-side investment, asset management, and consultancy for institutional and high-net-worth clients. Minooeifar's recent highlights include involvement in one of Dubai's largest residential land deals, valued at AED 690 million ($187.6 million) in Dubai Marina. Over the past decade, he has transacted more than AED 20 billion, maintaining a focus on innovation and value creation even in tougher economic conditions.
### Philip Zarif - Rank: 19 - Designation: Consultant - Company: Morgan's International Realty
Philip Zarif entered Dubai real estate in 2022, focusing on the Al Barari neighbourhood. He speaks English, French, and Arabic, and brings over ten years of broader professional experience — including as a certified personal trainer and former basketball player. He operates in a market where off-plan sales surged 73% and Q1 2024 recorded 35,100 transactions.
### Farooq Syed - Rank: 20 - Designation: CEO - Company: Springfield Properties
Farooq Syed founded Springfield Properties in 2008. He holds a Business Administration degree from the American University of Sharjah and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Under his leadership, the firm serves more than 4,000 clients annually across luxury residential and commercial property. He also runs the largest Dubai real estate YouTube channel, educating investors on market trends.
### Mohammed Fares - Rank: 21 - Designation: Private Office Advisor - Company: Engel & Völkers Private Office
Mohammed Fares has been in Dubai residential sales since 2004, becoming the first Private Office Advisor at Engel & Völkers Dubai. He focuses on building elaborate investment portfolios for international investors. In 2024, he reached almost AED 1.2 billion in sales and ranked number one in total transactions. To date he has closed over 800 deals totalling more than AED 2 billion.
### Qurat Ul Ain - Rank: 22 - Designation: Founder and Chairperson - Company: DRE Homes Real Estate
Qurat Ul Ain co-founded DRE Homes in 2007 and has built it into one of Dubai's leading agencies despite significant market challenges. The company operates under the motto "Service Beyond the Sale," with careful listing management and a client-first philosophy. Beyond real estate, Ul Ain is passionate about mentorship, offering training and consultation to aspiring business leaders.
### Soufie Jnidee - Rank: 23 - Designation: Founder and CEO - Company: Golden Oak Properties
Soufie Jnidee has brought a global perspective to Dubai real estate, with prior experience in Australia, East Africa, and London. She specialises in asset flipping, generating $2.7 million in profit from a $2.1 million portfolio in 22 months. Under her leadership, Golden Oak Properties managed a $7 million portfolio that achieved a 78% return — setting new benchmarks in Dubai property investment.
### Lina Allaoa - Rank: 24 - Designation: Associate Partner - Company: Driven Properties
Lina Allaoa has been instrumental in Dubai's real estate market since joining Driven Properties. In 2022 alone she recorded over AED 2 billion in sales and sold the most expensive townhouse in the UAE at AED 35.5 million — a five-bedroom property on Jumeirah Bay (Bulgari Island). She also closed an apartment in Bulgari Resort and Residences at a record AED 12,624 per square foot. Dubai apartment and villa prices rose an average of 20.4% and 22.1% respectively in Q1 2024.
### Leigh Borg - Rank: 25 - Designation: Executive Partner - Company: Dubai Sotheby's International Realty
Leigh Borg has spent over 11 years specialising exclusively in Emirates Hills. He has completed more than 100 deals above AED 100 million and, in 2017 alone, sold AED 180 million worth of property within the community. Before joining Dubai Sotheby's International Realty, he worked in private equity, where he refined his negotiation and deal-closure skills. He is the preferred agent of many affluent families and UHNWIs seeking properties in Emirates Hills.
Dubai's Q1 2024 market activity — more than 34,000 transactions, 20% above the prior year — continued to create opportunities for elite brokers. Borg and his peers are well positioned to benefit from the structural demand driven by population growth, Dubai's removal from the FATF grey list, and persistent rental pressure in the villa segment.
Economic Insights: Dubai Property Market Q1 2024
- The Dubai Land Department reported a 5.8% increase in rental registrations from January to March 2024. - 6,526 units were delivered in Q1 2024, with 46,086 more expected by year-end. - March 2024 saw record residential transaction volumes, with 13.2% year-on-year growth. - Off-plan sales surged 20.2%, while secondary market sales grew 2.2%. - Off-plan transactions accounted for 58% of total sales volume, driven by new launches from major developers.
With rising figures across every metric, UAE real estate is set for another robust year — and the 25 brokers profiled here are at the forefront of that growth.
