Latest news with #MillionDollarListingUAE
Arabian Business
05-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Million dollar broker: How reality TV star Ben Bandari built his AED22bn Dubai real estate portfolio
In a city sculpted from ambition and bold moves, Ben Bandari deals in certainties. When we meet at Villa Flora, a mansion that embodies Dubai's particular brand of opulence, Bandari's calculated confidence feels like part of the property's fixtures. His gestures – the meticulous cuff adjustment, the practiced sweep of an arm toward the golf course vista – telegraph a man who has transmuted Dubai's relentless optimism into quantifiable assets: $5.99 billion in transactions over two decades. 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, Bandari adjusts his impeccably tailored blue suit sleeve, revealing a gleam of his luxury watch. His pink silk tie captures the light as he gestures toward the panorama. 'Not bad, right?' he says, the understatement hanging in the air like fine perfume. Reality TV transforms business To millions of viewers across 60 countries, Bandari is the breakout star of Million Dollar Listing UAE, the Emmy-nominated reality show currently filming its highly anticipated second season. The first season broke viewership records on STARZPLAY, becoming the number one show within 24 hours of its premiere. 'It's been a really, really great experience, and the exposure has been great,' says Bandari, reflecting on 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.' For the casual viewer, Bandari appears as the consummate professional – serious, focused, all business. Yet behind the cameras, colleagues know him as the strategic mastermind who spent five years pitching the show before finding the right partners in Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Aldar Properties. Most recently, DAMAC has joined as a sponsor for Season 2, creating a triumvirate of the UAE's most influential property players backing the program. 'In terms of business, it's been amazing,' Bandari explains. 'Sellers who've watched the show contact me to give their properties exclusively. Buyers reach out because they want to deal with someone they've watched. And developers send boxes of chocolates every week, asking us to come to their sales offices.' The show's success has provided unprecedented recruitment opportunities. 'A lot of agents want to work for me and for BenCo real estate,' he notes, describing how his personal brand has grown exponentially since the show's premiere. The reality behind reality TV While Bandari's televised success has inspired many to enter real estate, he cautions against assuming the job is as glamorous as it appears. 'Once they dive into the industry, they quickly find out it's not as easy as it seems on television. On TV, it just shows the listing appointment, the open houses, and closure of deals.' The reality includes 'a lot of hard work, a lot of stress, a lot of rejection. Nine out of ten deals pretty much fall through. It's a numbers game that takes discipline to become successful.' He emphasises the fierce competition in Dubai's market. 'It's a very cutthroat industry. There's 26-27,000 registered real estate brokers. People are jumping into the industry because they think it's quick money and fast cash. It's not.' The upcoming second season will expand to 12 episodes, with Bandari once again starring alongside Riad Gohar and Rami Wahood, joined by new cast members Sara Serhan and Mai Khaled. 'The two weeks that we've filmed, I can assure you there's more drama than all of Season one,' Bandari reveals, though he's quick to clarify: 'It's not trash TV. It's arguing about real estate, it's arguing about who's listing.' Beyond the brokerage The TV exposure has supercharged Bandari's newest venture: DevCore Properties. 'We're a project sales and marketing company that works with developers from land acquisition to design to build.' DevCore functions as both the consultant and sales arm for developers navigating Dubai's complex property sector. 'We have our own in-house architects and consultants. We know all the contractors in this country. We can advise them on the right path.' The venture has already secured its first major client. 'Our first developer on board is LEOS International, a UK developer that's been on the market for about three years. We'll be handling their sales and marketing for Weybridge 5, their fifth building in Dubailand with about 190 units.' He describes the project as a 'state-of-the-art' and 'sexy' building with studios, one, two, and three-bedroom units priced at approximately $1,300 per square foot. 'The good thing about this building, which LEOS has never done, is they're selling it fully furnished at this price. It's turnkey, so once it's handed over, you can rent it out and from the rental income, you can pay the instalments.' From dropout to Dubai icon Few have observed Dubai's rise from as many vantage points as Bandari. When he arrived in 2002 with CAD 700 (approximately $510) in his pocket, Dubai had just begun its freehold revolution. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's decree allowing foreigners to buy property in designated areas was transforming the emirate from regional outpost to global luxury destination. 'Media City, Internet City didn't exist,' Bandari recalls of early Dubai. 'It was dark at night. There was really nothing there. And 70 per cent of Sheikh Zayed Road today was not around.' Born and raised in Vancouver to Iranian parents, Bandari's early career was tumultuous. 'I was a dropout, a university dropout. I came from a very strict family where you had to be a doctor or an engineer. I did retail. I was a telemarketer. I was pretty much scraping, hustling, trying to make money in Canada.' His fortunes changed when a family connection led to Dubai, where he accepted a position paying just $436 monthly. 'I was the lowest-paid Canadian on the planet. I lived in a one-bedroom with five people. It was like military – we'd wake up in the morning and all stand in line to take a shower.' The intervention What truly transformed his career's trajectory was his mother's visit to Dubai. Appalled by his living conditions, 'My mom pretty much challenged me,' he recalls. 'She started calling real estate companies herself.' This led to Better Homes, where Bandari rejected $2,726 salary for a 50/50 commission structure. In an unexpected twist, his mother joined him in real estate. 'My mom actually wanted to work as well. She's like, 'it'll be fun, and I'll show you how it's done.'' The decision paid immediate dividends. 'My first month, I sold a villa in The Meadows, all off-plan, $545,190, 2 per cent – $10,903. I made $5,451,' he recounts. 'The next month I made $10,903, the month after, my third month, I made $21,806.' By 2004-2006, Bandari was averaging over $54,519 monthly. Surviving boom and bust When the 2008 global financial crisis hit, Bandari faced devastation. 'We sold a building, literally a $190.8 million building in Waterfront. The payment was due right before everything collapsed. The developer ran off with the money.' Half of his wealth disappeared overnight. Instead of retreating, he recalibrated. This experience informed his decision to launch BenCo Real Estate during the pandemic. 'I learned my lesson in 2009, 2008. All the real estate companies that set up and started their empires today… they set up during a crisis.' Leadership philosophy Today, Bandari manages his brokerage, television career, Bandari Investment Group, and DevCore while mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals. His management style reflects his journey from shared apartment to luxury real estate empire. 'My leadership philosophy, my management philosophy is basically take care of your people and your people will take care of you,' he explains. 'I try to establish more of a friendship with the people who work at BenCo and DevCore.' This philosophy manifests in his office arrangement. 'I don't have an office for myself, so I sit with the staff. Our business model is horizontal management, not vertical. There's no hierarchy. Everyone's the same, including myself.' Despite managing 60-70 staff members across two businesses, 'I'm basically there for every single one of them. I answer their calls, I answer their messages. If they need me to meet a client, I try and take time. Juggling the two businesses, my own clients, the TV show – it's difficult, but I know this is what's going to elevate and make me successful.' Building a legacy For all his ambition and business acumen, Bandari has a surprising focus on mentoring the next generation. 'Don't think you can do it all on your own,' he advises. 'Find someone that can mentor you, even if it means working for three, four months for free or on a lower salary, just to sit by them, listen to them, listen to the way they talk, how they negotiate.' As our conversation concludes, his phone lights up with details of another potential transaction. In a city defined by ambition, Ben Bandari – once a university dropout with $510 to his name – has become as fundamental to Dubai's luxury real estate sector as the Burj Khalifa is to its skyline. 'Now the driving force for me today is not just to save money. We've already made the money,' Bandari says. 'I want to build a legacy. BenCo Real Estate – we go international, we have maybe 20 branches here, London, China, the US. This is what really turns me on right now.' In this industry, he concludes, 'you are only as relevant as your last transaction – and as effective as the people you've taught along the way.'
Campaign ME
24-04-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Starzplay achieves 2.5x revenue growth with ADIO support
Subscription video-on-demand service, Starzplay, has reported record-breaking financial and operational milestones in 2024 with the strategic support of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The company's revenue has successfully surpassed the AED 370 million mark, reflecting the success of its long-term growth strategy and strategic partnerships and exhibiting over 2.5x revenue growth since the partnership's commencement in 2022. Since partnering with ADIO in 2022, Starzplay says it has witnessed exponential growth, strengthening its regional footprint. Its headquarters at Abu Dhabi's Yas Creative Hub, now with over 40 employees, serve as a hub for AI-driven content curation, fan engagement, and streaming innovation. With Abu Dhabi investing heavily in media infrastructure, including Yas Creative Hub and advanced cloud services, the UAE capital aims to cement its role as a regional powerhouse for digital entertainment, driven by the rise of major players like Starzplay. 'Starzplay is a prime example of how Abu Dhabi is shaping a dynamic, innovation-led digital economy,' said His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO. 'By supporting companies like Starzplay to grow and innovate, we are empowering high-growth companies to create jobs and drive industry transformation. The results achieved in 2024 are a testament to this successful collaboration and reinforce the emirate's position as a global hub for media, entertainment and technology.' Starzplay also has launched its AI-powered Starzplay Fantasy Sports, leveraging support from ADIO. This Abu Dhabi-developed platform allows fans to engage with live matches in real-time. Its personalisation engine utilises advanced machine learning to provide users with tailored recommendations, improving retention and engagement rates. 'Our partnership with ADIO has played a key role in our journey,' said Maaz Sheikh, CEO of Starzplay. 'ADIO's support has helped us expand our operations and introduce many solutions, such as AI-driven content discovery, improving the overall entertainment experience. As we look toward the future, we are committed to reinforcing Abu Dhabi's leadership in the global media landscape.' Starzplay further claims that its growth has boosted Abu Dhabi's creative economy, creating jobs in media, production and technology while supporting the Abu Dhabi Film and TV Commission's goals. Its investment in local content, including hit UAE series such as Kaboos and Million Dollar Listing UAE, has solidified the emirate as a leading hub for content creation, filmmaking and entertainment in the region. With ADIO's support, Starzplay will boost content production and invest in live sports and AI-driven experiences to enhance its digital offering.
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Record breaking reality series ‘Million Dollar Listing: UAE' returns for a highly anticipated second season
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Following the record-breaking success of its debut season, Million Dollar Listing: UAE is set to return for an unmissable second installment. Co-produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi and STARZPLAY, this STARZPLAY Original will once again immerse viewers in the high-stakes world of luxury real estate in the UAE. Filming has begun, and new episodes are set to premiere at the end of this year. The series, exclusively licensed from NBCUniversal Formats, will feature an extended 12-episode run, offering deeper insights into the lives of top real estate brokers navigating multimillion-dollar deals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Returning cast members include veteran realtor and Executive Producer Ben Bandari, along with Riad Gohar and Rami Wahood. This season also welcomes two dynamic new brokers, Sarah Serhan and Mai Khaled, promising fresh rivalries, bold deals and more drama than ever before. Million Dollar Listing: UAE season 2, has partnered with Aldar and DAMAC, further reinforcing the series' strong ties to the region's premier luxury real estate developers. 'At Image Nation Abu Dhabi, we are committed to producing high-quality, locally relevant content that resonates with audiences across the region. The success of Million Dollar Listing: UAE demonstrates the growing appetite for premium, homegrown reality formats and we are proud to bring a second season to viewers. By showcasing the UAE's dynamic real estate market and diverse talent, this series continues to reinforce the country's position as a global media and entertainment hub', said Ben Ross, CEO of Image Nation Abu Dhabi. "The success of the first season of Million Dollar Listing: UAE, highlights STARZPLAY's commitment to delivering premium, locally relevant content," said Maaz Sheikh, CEO of STARZPLAY. "As the UAE's only homegrown entertainment platform of its kind, we're excited to bring our audience a second season with even higher stakes, bigger deals, and more compelling personalities. Million Dollar Listing: UAE, a STARZPLAY Original, not only entertains but also showcases the dynamism and ambition of the UAE to viewers around the world." Season 1 of the series was a major success for STARZPLAY, breaking platform records and becoming one of its top-performing original series. The show's popularity soared even further when it was picked up international streaming platforms Hayu and Roku, climbing global streaming charts and attracting a growing international fanbase. With momentum building, anticipation for Season 2 is already at an all-time high. Stay tuned for more updates as Million Dollar Listing UAE gears up for its return, delivering an exclusive look into the luxury property market, high-stakes negotiations and the elite lifestyles that define the UAE's real estate scene. Million Dollar Listing: UAE is produced by Navigation Films and has Emmy-nominated and BAFTA award-winning producer Marc Lorber serving as Executive Producer. About Image Nation Abu Dhabi Image Nation Abu Dhabi is one of the Middle East's leading film studios with a mission to unlock the potential of the region's creative talent to bring its vibrant storytelling to the world. The company has built its reputation on breaking boundaries and unleashing imagination through content ranging from award-winning films and TV programs to documentaries and non-scripted series, produced in partnership with a global network of content creators, distributors, and channels. By catalyzing ideas, talent, and enterprise, the studio fosters dialogue and builds relationships that help bridge cultural gaps. Image Nation productions have been screened at film festivals across the globe and received the film and TV industry's highest honors, including Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Emmys. In delivering on its mission, Image Nation also plays an important role in realizing Abu Dhabi's vision to shape a competitive, sustainable, and globally open economy and positioning the emirate as a regional content creation hub. About STARZPLAY STARZPLAY ( is the leading subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan, delivering a premium mix of Hollywood blockbusters, exclusive original productions, Arabic series, popular Turkish dramas, live sports, and family-friendly programming. With strategic partnerships including major global studios such as Warner Bros., Disney, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, AMC, BBC, Falcon Films, and Image Nation Studios—its primary production partner for STARZPLAY Originals—the platform offers an extensive library tailored specifically to regional tastes. STARZPLAY also provides top-tier Turkish content through collaborations with MADD TV, TRT, and ATV, and showcases elite live sports coverage including Italian Serie A, Dutch Eredivisie, UFC, cricket, rugby, boxing, golf, and basketball. With over 2.5 million subscribers and more than 18 million app downloads, STARZPLAY is continually reshaping the digital entertainment landscape. The platform delivers high-quality streaming in HD and 4K on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IPTV services, complemented by user-friendly iOS and Android apps supporting offline viewing. Leveraging advanced AI-driven recommendations and interactive offerings—including Fantasy Sports gaming, STARZ ON (ad-supported free streaming), and STARZPLAY Store (premium content rentals and purchases)—STARZPLAY ensures a personalized entertainment experience for every viewer. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi with additional offices in the UAE and Pakistan, STARZPLAY is backed by renowned international and regional investors led by evision (part of e& Group), along with ADQ, Lionsgate, GE, and SEQ — further solidifying its market leadership across the MENA region and beyond. Instagram: @starzplayarabia | X: @STARZPlayArabia | LinkedIn: STARZPLAY About NBCUniversal Formats NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal International Studios, is the international sales division for all formats created within the production, broadcast and streaming divisions of NBCUniversal and Sky Studios, as well as select third parties. The division fosters an array of strategic alliances, co-production and co-development partnerships to bring new and existing content to the global market. NBCUniversal Formats represents a vast and diverse slate of non-scripted and scripted formats. Leading brands include international success series "Top Chef," hit game show "Hollywood Game Night," Emmy® Award-winning comedy showcase "Saturday Night Live," global franchise "The Real Housewives," entertainment formats "World of Dance" and "Songland," in addition to scripted formats "Suits," "House," "The Sinner," "The Good Place" and "Superstore," among others. About DAMAC Properties DAMAC Properties has been at the forefront of the Middle East's luxury real estate market since 2002, delivering award-winning residential, commercial and leisure properties across the region and internationally, including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, the Maldives, Canada, the United States, as well as the United Kingdom. Since then, the company has delivered more than 48,000 homes with over 50,000 more in diverse planning and development phases. Joining forces with some of the world's most eminent fashion and lifestyle brands to create tremendous living experiences, such as with Versace, Roberto Cavalli, or de GRISOGONO. With a consistent vision and momentum, DAMAC is building the next generation of luxury living across the globe. Visit us at Follow DAMAC Properties on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube(@DAMACofficial). About Aldar Aldar is the leading real estate developer, manager, and investor in Abu Dhabi, with a growing presence across the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East North Africa, and Europe. The company has two core business segments, Aldar Development and Aldar Investment. Aldar Development is a master developer of a 62 million sqm strategic landbank, creating integrated and thriving communities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah's most desirable destinations. The delivery of Aldar's developments is managed by Aldar Projects, which is also a key partner of the Abu Dhabi government in delivering housing and infrastructure projects across the UAE's capital. Internationally, Aldar Development wholly owns UK real estate developer London Square, as well as a majority stake in leading Egyptian real estate development company, SODIC. Aldar Investment houses a core asset management business comprising a portfolio of more than AED 42 billion worth of investment grade and income-generating real estate assets diversified across retail, residential, commercial, logistics, and hospitality segments. It manages four core platforms: Aldar Investment Properties, Aldar Hospitality, Aldar Education, and Aldar Estates. For more information on Aldar please visit
