Dubai's brokerage sector is entering a more demanding phase, with clients judging firms on the quality of their advice rather than their visibility or size. Gulf News examined the shift in June 2026 and featured CBA Real Estate, which closed Dh332.5 million in property transactions over the previous two quarters.
A maturing market
As competition between agencies rises, buyers, sellers and investors have become more sophisticated. They expect accurate market intelligence, realistic pricing and guidance supported by data, not recommendations driven by the need to close a sale.
The cost of poor advice is real:
- A property priced wrongly can sit unsold for months.
- Weak negotiation can erode value for either side.
- Buyers guided by inexperience may commit to projects that do not suit their financial goals or timing.
The result is a change in what a broker is for. The role is moving from facilitator to advisor, and expertise and judgement are becoming the main points of difference.
How CBA approaches it
CBA attributes its recent results to operational discipline, advisor performance and the use of technology in decision-making, rather than rapid expansion. Dr. Salman Bin Ali, CEO, said clients now expect a higher standard of advisory.
"We view technology as an enabler, not a replacement for expertise," said Dr. Salman Bin Ali.
The company plans to invest between USD 500,000 and USD 1 million a year in AI initiatives, including large language model integration, owner intelligence platforms and internal technology development.
Senior property advisors Zain Wilkins and Serdar Gurbanov also contributed to the report. Wilkins spoke about how every transaction demands preparation and strategy, with accountability that is immediate. Gurbanov said trust is earned through knowledge, consistency and results.
What it means for clients
For anyone buying or selling in Dubai, the practical takeaway is to test an advisor's knowledge before appointing them. Ask how they arrived at a price, what recent transactions support it and what risks they see. A good advisor should be able to answer clearly, and should be willing to say when a deal is not right.
As the market grows more competitive and more informed, the brokers who last are likely to be those who combine local knowledge with sound data and honest guidance.
About CBA Real Estate
CBA Real Estate is a Dubai brokerage founded at the end of 2022 by Dr. Salman Bin Ali, who leads the company as CEO, with Yelena Chuiko as Managing Partner. The firm is registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency under ORN 39665.
This story was first reported by Gulf News in June 2026.