As Dubai’s property market continues to shatter data and seize world consideration, the realities behind the offers are not often as polished as they seem on display screen. Within the newest episode of AB Majlis, Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Enterprise, sat down with Million Greenback Itemizing UAE stars Ben Bhandari and Rami Wahood to unpack what actually modified in season two, from heightened stress and private threat to the evolving dynamics of Dubai’s ultra-competitive actual property market.
“It’s utterly totally different. You possibly can’t evaluate it in any single approach, form or type,” Wahood mentioned. “It goes deep into our private lives, the drama is approach larger, and there’s much more on the road. Greater stakes, larger properties, larger offers – it’s simply approach higher.”
Greater solid, larger properties, larger stress
For Bhandari, founding father of Benco Actual Property and an government producer on the present, season two additionally introduces new personalities and better expectations after the success of the debut season.
“We’ve received new solid members, new drama, and a brand new sponsor bringing larger and higher properties,” he mentioned. “Numbers don’t lie. Inside 48 hours of the premiere, we hit primary on STARZPLAY and shattered all expectations.”
However with that success got here intense stress.
“There was so much on the road for me personally,” Bhandari mentioned. “Season one did rather well, and we wished to be primary immediately. After we premiered midweek and have been quantity 5, I used to be truthfully dissatisfied. Then by Friday morning, we have been primary.”
He additionally admitted that showing on actuality TV was removed from straightforward at first.
“I used to be petrified in season one. I used to be shaking. Even in entrance of the inexperienced display screen, my knee was shaking and I needed to maintain my leg,” he mentioned. “This season, we’re all far more comfy in our pores and skin.”
Exhibiting vulnerability on display screen
Wahood, an government companion at fam Properties and considered one of Dubai’s top-performing brokers, mentioned season two allowed viewers to see a extra genuine aspect of him.
“As soon as the cameras began going into my private life, that’s what actually introduced the power out,” he mentioned. “That scene with my mum was considered one of my favourites. It was an attractive second.”
Bhandari agreed, saying Wahood “stepped it up” this season by exhibiting extra of his actual character. “That huge Rami character – he let it out this time.”
Why Million Greenback Itemizing belonged in Dubai
Bhandari first acquired the license to carry Million Greenback Itemizing to the UAE again in 2015, years earlier than filming started.
“I stored pondering, why isn’t this present right here?” he mentioned. “We’ve among the finest properties on the earth – the Burj Khalifa, man-made islands, insane actual property drama day by day. After New York and LA, there’s no higher place on the planet.”
After years of rejection, the challenge lastly gained momentum following a pivotal pitch in Abu Dhabi. “It was simply an concept, however he cherished it. That’s when all of it got here to life.”
Wahood mentioned the present’s success within the UAE was inevitable. “Dubai is actual property and actual property is Dubai. It match completely hand in hand.”
A market breaking world data
The dialog additionally turned to Dubai’s booming property market and the inflow of world wealth.
“We’ve surpassed each main market on the earth, together with Miami and Singapore, particularly within the ultra-luxury section,” Wahood mentioned. “Houses above $10 million – we’ve shattered data, and the yr isn’t even over.”
Bhandari mentioned the surge has had a direct influence on his enterprise. “We’ve quadrupled our income in comparison with final yr. The present has helped tremendously with landlords, builders, consumers and recruitment.”
Actuality TV vs actuality
Regardless of the glamour, each have been eager to emphasize that the present doesn’t mirror the total grind of brokerage life.
“9 out of ten offers fall via,” Bhandari mentioned. “Individuals suppose we’re simply closing offers and making thousands and thousands in fee, but it surely’s excessive threat, excessive stress. It’s not straightforward in any respect.”
He shared an instance of a former present author who switched careers after watching the method up shut. “She joined actual property and advised me, ‘I can’t sleep, I’m depressed, I cry each night time.’ She thought it will be straightforward – it’s not.”
Wahood echoed the warning to younger brokers impressed by the present. “You’re seeing the highlights. There’s a lot extra taking place behind the scenes. It takes time, effort, and actual product information to succeed.”
What viewers can anticipate subsequent
Whereas season two already showcases bigger properties and worldwide scenes – together with episodes filmed in London – Bhandari hinted that the most important moments are nonetheless to return.
“The drama actually builds,” he mentioned. “What folks will keep in mind isn’t simply the offers – it’s the relationships, the fallouts, and the way these relationships evolve.”
Season two of Million Greenback Itemizing UAE is now streaming on STARZPLAY.
