The afternoon light cascades across Villa Flora’s pristine marble floors, casting geometric shadows through floor-to-ceiling windows that frame a manicured golf course. Here in DAMAC Hills, real estate mogul Ben Bandari adjusts his impeccably tailored blue suit sleeve, revealing a gleam from his luxury watch. His pink silk tie captures the light as he gestures toward the stunning panorama.
“Not bad, right?” he quips, the understatement hanging in the air like fine perfume, setting the tone for what is not just a glimpse into luxury living but a dive into a burgeoning career in real estate.
The Intriguing World of Reality TV
To millions of viewers across 60 countries, Bandari stands out as the breakout star of *Million Dollar Listing UAE*, an Emmy-nominated reality show currently filming its highly anticipated second season. The first season shattered viewership records on STARZPLAY, becoming the number one show just 24 hours after its premiere.
“It’s been a really, really great experience, and the exposure has been tremendous,” Bandari reflects, noting how the show has transformed his life. “Everywhere I go, everyone knows Ben Bandari. I have random people, literally daily, in the real estate world congratulating me on season two.”
While casual viewers see him as the consummate real estate professional—serious, focused, and all business—behind the cameras, colleagues recognize him as a strategic mastermind with five years of pitching before finally collaborating with Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Aldar Properties. Recently, DAMAC joined as a sponsor for Season 2, forming a powerful alliance among the UAE’s leading property influences.
“In terms of business, it’s been amazing,” Bandari continues. “Sellers who’ve watched the show reach out to offer their properties exclusively. Buyers want to connect with someone they’ve seen onscreen.” He notes the influx of chocolates from developers and real estate firms eager to collaborate, a testament to the influence of television.
The Other Side of Reality TV
However, while his televised success has inspired many to enter the real estate arena, Bandari emphasizes the dichotomy between reality and the glamorous depiction on TV. “Once they dive into the industry, they quickly find out it’s not as easy as it seems. It’s a lot of hard work, stress, and rejection. Nine out of ten deals fall through; it’s a numbers game that requires discipline.”
Bandari outlines the competitive nature of Dubai’s market: “It’s cutthroat. With 26-27,000 registered brokers, newcomers often assume it’s a quick cash grab, but it’s far more complex.” He hints at Season 2’s expansion to 12 episodes, teasing, “the two weeks we’ve filmed had more drama than all of Season One. But it’s not trash TV; it’s real estate arguments and strategic negotiations.”
Ventures Beyond Real Estate
Bandari’s exposure through the show has also catalyzed his newest venture, DevCore Properties—a project sales and marketing firm working with developers on land acquisition, design, and construction. “We have our own in-house architects and consultants,” he explains, further solidifying his status in Dubai’s complex property sector.
DevCore has already secured its first client—LEOS International, a UK developer favoring a collaborative approach. Their latest project, Weybridge 5 in Dubailand, features state-of-the-art units starting at around $1,300 per square foot, introduced as fully furnished. “Once it’s handed over, you can rent it out and pay the installments from rental income,” he adds, showcasing a keen eye for market needs.
An Unremarkable Start Ashore in Dubai
Born and raised in Vancouver to Iranian parents, Bandari has witnessed Dubai’s transformation from numerous angles. Arriving in 2002 with CAD 700 to his name, he entered Dubai during its freehold revolution—a time marked by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s decree allowing foreigners to buy property. As Bandari recalls, “Media City, Internet City didn’t exist. It was dark at night.”
His earlier career was tumultuous. A university dropout, he struggled in various jobs, scraping together a living in Canada before a family connection led him to Dubai. Joining a company that paid a mere $436 monthly, he lived in a cramped one-bedroom apartment with five roommates—a life far from the luxury and influence he would later know.
A Mother’s Guidance
Everything shifted when his mother visited Dubai and was horrified by his living conditions. Taking matters into her own hands, she began contacting real estate firms. Bandari, inspired by her initiative, joined Better Homes, where he opted for a commission structure over a fixed salary. Remarkably, his mother ended up working alongside him in real estate, adding a unique dynamic to their relationship and professional lives.
“My first month, I sold a villa in The Meadows for $545,190,” he recounts. “That first sale netted me $5,451, and I progressively increased my monthly income, eventually averaging over $54,519.”
Weathering the Storms of Financial Crisis
His journey wasn’t without setbacks. The 2008 global financial crisis devastated his earnings, wiping out half his wealth overnight when a developer absconded with funds from a major building sale. Yet, rather than retreating, he recalibrated and launched BenCo Real Estate during the pandemic, drawing from lessons learned during the crisis. “All successful real estate companies that emerged recently set up during downturns,” he notes.
Philosophy of Leadership and Mentorship
Today, Bandari balances his diverse portfolio—managing his brokerage, television career, and DevCore—while mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals. His leadership style is defined by accessibility and a “horizontal management” model. “I sit with my staff; there’s no hierarchy. Everyone’s equal,” he emphasizes.
“I’m essentially there for each one of them, whether it’s answering calls or helping with client meetings. Juggling multiple businesses is challenging, but it’s crucial for our success,” he expresses with determination.
Building a Legacy
Despite his ambition, Bandari prioritizes mentoring future talents in the industry. “Don’t think you can do it alone. Find a mentor. Spend time listening to them; learn how they negotiate,” he advises, highlighting the importance of growth through experience and guidance.
As our conversation draws to a close, another potential transaction flashes on his phone. A far cry from his humble beginnings, Ben Bandari—once a university dropout with just $510—has etched his name as a key figure in Dubai’s luxury real estate scene. “The driving force behind my ambitions today isn’t merely financial; it’s about building a legacy,” he asserts. Bandari envisions a future where BenCo expands internationally, navigating multiple markets to make its mark.
In this dynamic and demanding industry, he surmises, “You’re only as relevant as your last transaction and as impactful as the people you groom along the way.”
