Recruitment in Dubai: Debunking the Myths

These days, many people complain about recruiters. But let’s take a step back and analyze the situation objectively. Over the past 4–5 years, I have worked in recruitment and have seen the industry from the inside.

Tens, maybe even hundreds of thousands of people have opened companies in Dubai without the slightest understanding of how to run a business here. Yet, they are absolutely convinced they know what they’re doing simply because they have "been in this business for 10, 20, or 30 years" elsewhere.

But friends, being a chef and owning a restaurant are two entirely different things.

As a result, these business owners struggle to build a team. They hire a recruiter for $1,500–$2,800 per month and expect them to solve all their problems—including their lack of knowledge, incompetence, and financial limitations.

Real Cases: The Real Estate Market

Startups, as well as companies that have been on the market for 15–25 years but remain relatively unknown, are all looking for real estate agents.

The business owner’s expectations:

• Agents should work on commission only (50/50 split, or in the best case, 70/30 or 75/25 if the client is brought by the agent).
• Agents must have their own car, driver’s license, RERA card, client base, and relevant experience.

What do companies offer in return?

• Office space, a SIM card (not always).
• Promises of quality leads, training, mentorship, and exclusive projects.
• A visa—only after the first or second closed deal.
• A commission that is promised to be paid "immediately" or within two weeks.

Every real estate agency owner in Dubai says the same thing. And agents are expected to take their word for it.

The Reality Behind the Promises

I have worked at 16 different real estate companies, and not a single one delivered on their promises.

• CRM systems either don’t work or are poorly managed.
• "Quality leads" turn out to be worthless.
• Training is non-existent.
• Agents have to pay for their own car, fuel, parking, laptop, and SIM card.

Employers want agents who already have everything—including their own visa—so that they don’t have to spend money on them. And when agents ask: "What do you offer in return?", the answer is always: "We provide high-quality leads."

But those leads do not exist and never will.

And then, the business owner wonders why no qualified agents want to join their startup. And if they do, they are often unqualified, inexperienced, or demand a base salary.

The reason is simple: there are companies like FAM Properties, Allsopp & Allsopp, and others.

• FAM Properties has exclusive rights to all of City Walk.
• Large agencies get all the high-demand properties.
• Startups are left with low-liquidity, difficult-to-sell listings.

Even an unqualified but smart agent will choose a well-known, established agency over an unknown startup with uncertain prospects.

Who’s to Blame? The Recruiter, of Course!

I am tired of explaining: ? Opening a real estate agency in Dubai is easy—all you need is $6,500. ? But attracting qualified agents to an unknown company takes 6–12 months and at least AED 650,000 ($177,000) for branding, marketing, and a proper recruitment strategy.

Yet, 90% of business owners can’t even define their recruitment strategy. Instead, they start talking about their business plans—failing to understand that these are not the same thing.

When I ask company owners: "What is the goal of your business?" They start telling me long-winded stories.

But the answer is simple: The goal of any business is profit. Not "providing high-quality services," not "creating a harmonious society"—those are just tools or byproducts. If your business is not focused on profit, it’s not a business—it’s charity.

Now, try explaining to a business owner who doesn’t even know their business goal why they need $177,000 for a recruitment strategy to attract just 4–10 real estate agents.

Practically impossible.

The Recruiter’s Impossible Mission

So, a recruiter hired for $1,500–$2,800 is expected to:

• Perform a miracle and attract qualified agents willing to spend at least AED 2,500 per month (on transportation, fuel, parking, etc.).
• Work from 7 AM to 9 PM, with no days off.
• Conduct 20 interviews per day just to close 3–5 positions per month.
• Post job ads on LinkedIn and Indeed at their own expense.
• Work without a proper CRM, AI tools, or recruitment software.

The result? Recruiters physically cannot remember all candidates and provide proper feedback. Employers leave them neither time nor energy for this.

Reality vs. Illusions

Every real estate business owner swears that:

? They have top-quality leads.

? They have a perfectly optimized CRM.

? They pay commissions honestly and on time.

But I have interviewed 10,000 real estate agents and their managers. And they all say otherwise.

Why should we believe business owners and not 10,000 agents?

Conclusion

Recruitment in Dubai is not just about "finding people." It is a complex system that requires a well-planned strategy, investment, and an honest approach to employees.

If a business owner does not understand these principles, does not know how to build a team, and refuses to invest in people, their company is doomed to fail.

And the recruiter is not the one to blame.