As Dubai’s property market continues to shatter data and seize international 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 strain and private threat to the evolving dynamics of Dubai’s ultra-competitive actual property market.
“It’s utterly totally different. You possibly can’t examine it in any single manner, form or type,” Wahood stated. “It goes deep into our private lives, the drama is manner greater, and there’s much more on the road. Larger stakes, greater properties, greater offers – it’s simply manner higher.”
Larger forged, greater properties, greater strain
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 forged members, new drama, and a brand new sponsor bringing greater and higher properties,” he stated. “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 strain.
“There was loads on the road for me personally,” Bhandari stated. “Season one did very well, and we wished to be primary right away. After we premiered midweek and had been quantity 5, I used to be actually upset. Then by Friday morning, we had been primary.”
He additionally admitted that showing on actuality TV was removed from simple 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 stated. “This season, we’re all far more comfy in our pores and skin.”
Displaying vulnerability on display screen
Wahood, an government associate at fam Properties and considered one of Dubai’s top-performing brokers, stated season two allowed viewers to see a extra genuine facet of him.
“As soon as the cameras began going into my private life, that’s what actually introduced the vitality out,” he stated. “That scene with my mum was considered one of my favourites. It was an exquisite second.”
Bhandari agreed, saying Wahood “stepped it up” this season by exhibiting extra of his actual persona. “That large Rami character – he let it out this time.”
Why Million Greenback Itemizing belonged in Dubai
Bhandari first acquired the license to convey Million Greenback Itemizing to the UAE again in 2015, years earlier than filming started.
“I stored considering, why isn’t this present right here?” he stated. “We’ve got a few of the finest properties on the planet – the Burj Khalifa, man-made islands, insane actual property drama every single day. After New York and LA, there’s no higher place on the planet.”
After years of rejection, the venture lastly gained momentum following a pivotal pitch in Abu Dhabi. “It was simply an concept, however he liked it. That’s when all of it got here to life.”
Wahood stated 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 international data
The dialog additionally turned to Dubai’s booming property market and the inflow of worldwide wealth.
“We’ve surpassed each main market on the planet, together with Miami and Singapore, particularly within the ultra-luxury phase,” Wahood stated. “Houses above $10 million – we’ve shattered data, and the 12 months isn’t even over.”
Bhandari stated the surge has had a direct influence on his enterprise. “We’ve quadrupled our income in comparison with final 12 months. The present has helped tremendously with landlords, builders, patrons and recruitment.”
Actuality TV vs actuality
Regardless of the glamour, each had been eager to emphasize that the present doesn’t replicate the total grind of brokerage life.
“9 out of ten offers fall by way of,” Bhandari stated. “Individuals assume we’re simply closing offers and making hundreds of thousands in fee, nevertheless it’s excessive threat, excessive stress. It’s not simple 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 informed me, ‘I can’t sleep, I’m depressed, I cry each night time.’ She thought it could be simple – 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 count on 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 stated. “What folks will bear 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.
