From facing stereotypes to having their efforts overlooked, women in real estate in the UAE encounter unique challenges. Nadia Cortes, a real estate agent at TheRealtorDubai, shared her experience of closing a highly demanding deal. “I was selling a prime plot on Palm Jumeirah to a major developer in Dubai who was very aggressive,” she explained.
Despite the property being a signature plot, negotiations dragged on for six months with repeated delays. Nadia often found herself as the only woman in the room and struggled with the language barrier, as she didn’t speak Arabic. “There were moments when I felt like crying,” she admitted.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
Against all odds, Nadia successfully closed the deal and earned a higher commission than initially agreed. “The relationships I built during that deal remain with me, and it’s one of those sales that truly shaped my career,” she shared.
Today, Nadia is not only a successful business owner but also one of nine women chosen for the UAE’s SheForShe mentorship program, designed to help women excel in the real estate sector.
The program, led by Property Finder, offers guidance from industry leaders to help women advance their careers.
The Gender Gap in Real Estate
Neha Sharma, a mentee from Gulf Sea Real Estate, echoed similar struggles. “I’m often the only woman in the room, and it’s tough when senior men take credit and financial rewards for work I’ve done,” she said.
Sevgi Gur, Chief Marketing Officer at Property Finder, highlighted systemic barriers women face in male-dominated fields. “Women are often seen as less competent in leadership roles and are labeled as ‘bossy’ or ‘difficult’ for being assertive. There’s also a gender pay gap, which affects both immediate earnings and long-term financial security,” she explained.
The SheForShe Mentorship Program
The fully funded SheForShe mentorship program addresses these challenges by pairing female mentees with experienced professionals. Over six months, participants receive one-on-one mentoring, attend skills workshops, and join exclusive networking events.
Sevgi emphasized that the program aims to drive systemic change. “By sharing the success stories of today’s female leaders, we hope to inspire others and build confidence to help women achieve more,” she said.
Women’s Strengths in Real Estate
Linda Muldoon, a mentor from The Urban Nest, discussed the advantages women bring to the industry. “Being a woman can be an asset when viewing properties. Women’s empathy and emotional intelligence often help build trust and foster quicker client relationships,” she noted.
Neha Sharma agreed, adding that her mentorship experience has been invaluable as she transitions into a leadership role. “Having a mentor who’s walked this path before is priceless. It’s a gift I hope to pass on to other women in the future,” she said.
Despite challenges, women in the UAE’s real estate sector are breaking barriers, one deal at a time, and paving the way for a more inclusive industry.
