The real estate brokerage industry in Dubai and across the UAE continues to grow steadily, as more new businesses take advantage of the 100% foreign ownership law. Industry experts say this shift is helping international investors and entrepreneurs enter the market with ease, especially in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi.
“Today, most new real estate consultancy and brokerage firms are being set up with full foreign ownership,” said Jim Swallow, Commercial Director at advisory firm Sovereign PPG. “Local partnerships are mostly limited to older joint ventures or specific developments that still require local participation.”
Property Sales Remain Active Despite Price Cooling
Although there are signs that property value growth may slow later in 2025, real estate activity remains high. Dubai’s residential market recently recorded its best-ever sales month in April, and buyer interest continues, particularly from investors in Europe, Asia, and other Gulf countries.
Even if prices stabilize or decline slightly, the volume of transactions remains encouraging for agents and brokerage firms. According to brokers, the demand for investment-grade real estate has not weakened.
“The buyers are still here. Maybe we as brokers just need to work harder to close deals,” said one Dubai-based agent.
Brokerage Boom Expands Beyond Dubai
While Dubai remains the UAE’s busiest real estate hub, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are also witnessing an increase in brokerage activity. In particular, Ras Al Khaimah is attracting first-time international investors, prompting overseas brokerage firms to open offices there.
With no longer a requirement for local sponsorship since the 2021 update to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, most new entrants prefer to operate as fully foreign-owned businesses.
Previously, setting up a real estate brokerage required a 51% local partner, but that is now optional unless a property is located in areas where local ownership is still mandated.
Career Interest Among Young Professionals
There’s also a growing number of graduates and young professionals entering the UAE’s real estate industry, viewing it as a lucrative career path.
The Dubai Land Department reports over 25,800 licensed brokers in the emirate, and the number is steadily increasing. Many are drawn by the opportunity to earn commissions in a thriving market and the appeal of flexible entrepreneurship.
To become a registered broker in Dubai, individuals must:
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Enroll in a training course with Dubai Real Estate Institute
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Pass an exam conducted by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency)
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Apply for a broker license
Existing Firms Adjust Ownership Models
Many existing real estate companies have already shifted to full foreign ownership, especially where the local partner was previously inactive or silent.
“Where the local partner was not involved in daily operations, many companies have opted to transfer full ownership,” Swallow said. “In other cases, investors retain a stake via holding companies to reduce risk exposure.”
The flexibility introduced by the ownership reforms is seen as a major reason behind the ongoing growth in the real estate services sector.
