November 2, 2025 · By Thomas Bakker
Trust is the Cornerstone of Dubai's Real Estate Market
The real estate market in Dubai is completely different from that in Europe or the United States. Instead of quantity, it revolves entirely around quality and trust. Many real estate agents consciously choose to list fewer properties online. Not because there is no supply, but because the risks are high. A property is only listed on platforms once an agent knows the seller well.
This is all related to the Form A system: a mandatory agreement that grants the agent the right to promote a property. The problem? The seller can revoke that permission at any time, without reason and without penalty.
This creates an unstable working environment.
Imagine: an agent invests 10,000 AED in professional photography and marketing, and does months of work, but another agent calls the seller directly and hijacks the deal.
Such practices occur regularly, leading many agents to deliberately obscure locations or use vague photos. In Dubai, listing agents are vulnerable and easily replaced. This has fostered a culture of suspicion and caution.
Quality Over Quantity for Buyer's Agents
Where the selling agent has little power, the real influence lies with the buyer's agent. Especially in the luxury segment, buyers do not want to be bothered by a dozen different agents. They seek calm, expertise, and a professional approach. Most high-net-worth clients prefer to deal with just one point of contact. They do not have the time or inclination to constantly receive explanations from agents who have not done their homework.
It often happens that an agent must speak to 10 colleagues to arrive at the right deal. Of those ten, seven are unusable or offer fake listings. Two others are priced too high or offer something that does not suit the client. Only one agent delivers real value. This is why in Dubai, it is not about who has the most properties, but about who enjoys the most trust from the buyer. Agents who separate the wheat from the chaff and only forward the right options win in the long term.