Women Are Reshaping Dubai’s Real Estate Brokerage Industry

A considerable movement of workers has occurred among women entering the Dubai real estate as they have made up a new record number of women under contract according to BrokerageFinder’s analysis, using the Dubai Land Department records. According to the results from 2026, new registrations by female brokers were greater than 40%, both in the first and second quarters, marking the highest percentage of female entries to this industry.

This increase indicates the attraction that Dubai properties has for women as a career. In addition, this growth indicates the continued progression of the entire industry.

Female Participation Surpasses All Historical Records

BrokerageFinder‘s report found that, in Q2 2026, women accounted for 40.1% of all new registrations.

Key numbers are as follows:

• Female registration was 40.1% in Q2 of 2026
• Historically the average has been closer to 35%
• In 2025 women made up 36.3% of all new registrations 
• The increase in women’s registration from 2025 to 2026 is an increase of 11%

Some people may view the changes for females entering the industry as slow to change; however, many experts feel this represents an important change in workforce participation throughout the entire industry. According to Matt Whitmore, CEO of BrokerageFinder, the increase in female brokers is an encouraging sign of merit-based business, relationship-building and performance. Many women coming into this business have had previous exposure to trends in the property investment in Dubai.

Strong Market Growth Continues To Attract Talent

The growth of the Dubai real estate market is bringing in new professionals as a result of an increase in transaction activity.

There are many factors driving recruitment in the industry:

• Rising population
• Increased demand from international investors
• Growth in the residential sector
• Increased activity in commercial markets
• Increased opportunities for entrepreneurship

Areas such as Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Village Circle are continuing to contribute significant volume to the market creating many career options for those working in sales with Brokerage firms.

Why More Women are Choosing Careers in Real Estate

According to many industry veterans, the industry has significantly changed over the past 20 years. Linda Muldoon, owner of Urban Nest, says that many women were drawn to the real estate industry because of the flexibility it offers compared to many other professional industries. She goes on to state that as the industry has grown more professional and competitive, there is now the need for equal effort from all individuals in order to succeed.

Studies show that today’s new entrants to the real estate industry are driven by:

• Growth in their careers
• Financial independence
• Creating money
• Creating their own business
• Rewarding their performance

This trend is consistent with changes in the UAE and around the world with respect to the workforce. The increasing activity of off plan properties for sale in Dubai is creating an additional opportunity for brokers to enter into the market.

Brokerage Culture Transformed Over the Years

Brokerages are now creating a wider variety of working environments to accommodate the modern workforce and the changing expectations that come with being a professional. These different working models attract many types of workers and contribute positively to the Dubai real estate market.

Louise Heatley, CEO of Exclusive Links, commented on how professionals are drawn to many types of workplace cultures. Competitive office environments attract some, while collaborative businesses focused on mentoring, development and building relationships appeal to others. The increasing demand for luxury apartments for sale continues to provide high service levels to clients across different residential communities.

Women Continue To Overcome Industry Challenges

While there have been signs of progress in the industry, challenges persist for female professionals. According to Francesca Alexandra, Senior Director at Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, she felt the need to work harder than most of her peers to build her credibility early in her professional career. Francesca approached challenges from creating an opportunity to show her capability and professionalism.

Her experience reflects what is occurring worldwide in many traditional males dominated workplaces, where being an expert with experience and consistently performing is often the standard for long-term success. When professionals advise clients looking for 4 bedroom apartments for rent in Dubai, they rely on their expertise and trust in building their reputation rather than on their demographics.

A More Diverse Industry Benefits Clients

According to experts, increased diversity will ultimately improve broker performance and client results.

Some of the benefits of a more diverse workforce are:

• Larger range of viewpoints
• Better knowledge of customers
• More effective relationship development skills
• More effective communication skills
• Workforce that better represents the demographic make-up of clients

More women are coming into work in all types of residential property related to the real estate investment Dubai. Due to better diversity within the working population, brokerages are becoming more similar to the investor groups or client groups they are servicing. The commercial properties for sale in Dubai is also benefiting by having a larger and more diverse pool of talent available for employment opportunities.

How the Changes Affect the Overall Future of the Industry

As real estate market continues to develop into a more professional and balanced environment, the demand for the best real estate in Dubai also will create additional opportunities for well-qualified advisors. As the number of women becoming registered brokers continues to increase significantly, this represents a positive shift in attracting talented and motivated professionals who want to develop long-term careers within the industry.

Industry leaders believe that this trend will continue, as there will be more opportunities for females in positions of leadership and as entrepreneurs. Continued activity involving luxury properties for sale will remain a principal driver for growth across all high-end property segments.

The Future of Brokerage Firms in Dubai

With women continuing to make up over 40% of new brokerages being established, the industry is entering a new generation of development within the workforce. This is expected to continue support for real estate brokers in Dubai. There are many companies investing in recruiting, training and developing programmes to help at attracting and retaining the best talent.

All major real estate company in Dubai should benefit from having an expanding and varied pool of talent. As transaction activity continues strong and the number of people participating in the market are increasing, the increasing presence of women will be instrumental in helping to influence the direction of the Real Estate marketplace in Dubai going forward.

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