AB Majlis podcast: Million Dollar Listing UAE stars Ben Bandari and Rami Wahood on pressure, ambition and season two stakes

As Dubai’s property market continues to shatter records and capture global attention, the realities behind the deals are rarely as polished as they appear on screen. In the latest episode of AB Majlis, Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sat down with Million Dollar Listing UAE stars Ben Bhandari and Rami Wahood to unpack what really changed in season two, from heightened pressure and personal risk to the evolving dynamics of Dubai’s ultra-competitive real estate market.

“It’s completely different. You can’t compare it in any single way, shape or form,” Wahood said. “It goes deep into our personal lives, the drama is way bigger, and there’s a lot more on the line. Bigger stakes, bigger properties, bigger deals – it’s just way better.”

Bigger cast, bigger properties, bigger pressure

For Bhandari, founder of Benco Real Estate and an executive producer on the show, season two also introduces new personalities and higher expectations after the success of the debut season.

“We’ve got new cast members, new drama, and a new sponsor bringing bigger and better properties,” he said. “Numbers don’t lie. Within 48 hours of the premiere, we hit number one on STARZPLAY and shattered all expectations.”

But with that success came intense pressure.

“There was a lot on the line for me personally,” Bhandari said. “Season one did really well, and we wanted to be number one straight away. When we premiered midweek and were number five, I was honestly disappointed. Then by Friday morning, we were number one.”

He also admitted that appearing on reality TV was far from easy at first.

“I was petrified in season one. I was shaking. Even in front of the green screen, my knee was shaking and I had to hold my leg,” he said. “This season, we’re all much more comfortable in our skin.”

Showing vulnerability on screen

Wahood, an executive partner at fam Properties and one of Dubai’s top-performing agents, said season two allowed viewers to see a more authentic side of him.

“Once the cameras started going into my personal life, that’s what really brought the energy out,” he said. “That scene with my mum was one of my favourites. It was a beautiful moment.”

Bhandari agreed, saying Wahood “stepped it up” this season by showing more of his real personality. “That big Rami character – he let it out this time.”

Why Million Dollar Listing belonged in Dubai

Bhandari first acquired the license to bring Million Dollar Listing to the UAE back in 2015, years before filming began.

“I kept thinking, why isn’t this show here?” he said. “We have some of the best properties in the world – the Burj Khalifa, man-made islands, insane real estate drama every day. After New York and LA, there’s no better place on the planet.”

After years of rejection, the project finally gained momentum following a pivotal pitch in Abu Dhabi. “It was just an idea, but he loved it. That’s when it all came to life.”

Wahood said the show’s success in the UAE was inevitable. “Dubai is real estate and real estate is Dubai. It fit perfectly hand in hand.”

A market breaking global records

The conversation also turned to Dubai’s booming property market and the influx of global wealth.

“We’ve surpassed every major market in the world, including Miami and Singapore, especially in the ultra-luxury segment,” Wahood said. “Homes above $10 million – we’ve shattered records, and the year isn’t even over.”

Bhandari said the surge has had a direct impact on his business. “We’ve quadrupled our revenue compared to last year. The show has helped tremendously with landlords, developers, buyers and recruitment.”

Reality TV vs reality

Despite the glamour, both were keen to stress that the show does not reflect the full grind of brokerage life.

“Nine out of ten deals fall through,” Bhandari said. “People think we’re just closing deals and making millions in commission, but it’s high risk, high stress. It’s not easy at all.”

He shared an example of a former show writer who switched careers after watching the process up close. “She joined real estate and told me, ‘I can’t sleep, I’m depressed, I cry every night.’ She thought it would be easy – it’s not.”

Wahood echoed the warning to young agents inspired by the show. “You’re seeing the highlights. There’s so much more happening behind the scenes. It takes time, effort, and real product knowledge to succeed.”

What viewers can expect next

While season two already showcases larger properties and international scenes – including episodes filmed in London – Bhandari hinted that the biggest moments are still to come.

“The drama really builds,” he said. “What people will remember isn’t just the deals – it’s the relationships, the fallouts, and how those relationships evolve.”

Season two of Million Dollar Listing UAE is now streaming on STARZPLAY.