Dubai turns a deeper shade of Sotheby’s blue as top agents join the all-star team
Since its inception in 2013, Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty has been a driving force in the UAE luxury property market. From record-breaking villas on Jumeirah Bay Island and Emirates Hill to exclusive branded residences from historic brands like Baccarat, the agency doesn’t just operate in the top end of the market – it steers it. This summer, the agency bolstered its leadership further by welcoming four of the GCC’s most esteemed agents, increasing the size of its brokerage team by 6%.
A greater presence in District One
Among the new recruits is Jason Barrowclough, a broker renowned for his stellar performance in MBR City and Meydan. Affectionately known in the emirate as ‘Mr. Meydan’, Barrowclough has consistently secured high-value transactions in Meydan and District One, transacting over AED 670 million in sales over the past two years. As a new quarter begins, Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty anticipates an increased presence in this coveted area, which is the only exclusive villa community in such proximity to Downtown Dubai.
Jason commented, “Mohammed Bin Rashid City is the only area His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has put his name to, which says all you need to know about its ambition and vision. District One is particularly unique in the sense that it’s the closest villa community to Downtown Dubai, making it ideal for those seeking a blend of quiet family living with city convenience. The crystal lagoon also adds the waterfront living element, bringing further appeal to those seeking a peaceful lifestyle without compromising on convenience.”
Jason prides himself on knowing the ins and outs of District One, from every street and shop to the nuances of the property market in this exclusive area.
The broader super-prime market
Joining Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty as Associate Directors is dynamic duo Regan Faulkner and Ioana Armeanu, who specialise exclusively in super-prime properties valued above AED 50 million – a market that is steadily heating up. Together, they have sold over AED 373 million worth of homes over the past year, solidifying their reputation as leading experts in Dubai’s luxury real estate market.
In the past twelve months, the Dubai prime and super-prime markets have remained notably buoyant, driven by a surge in demand and a squeeze in supply. In 2023 for instance, Dubai recorded 431 sales above $10m (80% higher than the London luxury market), with an additional 190 sales in the first half of 2024.
Even stronger still, home sales above the $25 million mark have soared. In 2023, there were 56 homes sold above this price figure and 27 homes in the first half of 2024 – a dramatic increase from just 2 homes in 2019.
A truly disruptive new recruit operating in the same market is Conor McKay – a broker synonymous with record-breaking transactions. McKay’s recent milestones include the landmark AED 280 million villa sale on Palm Jumeirah and the sale of the largest plot ever in Emirates Hills. McKay started his career in real estate in 2017 and has picked up momentum every year since. In the first quarter of 2024, Conor sold the second and third most expensive villas to date in that period, turning over AED 500 million in the space of three months.
He is a natural fit for Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, which holds various luxury real estate records of its own. In June, the agency made headlines with the sale of the most expensive villa on Jumeirah Bay Island for an astounding AED 240 million, as well as the sale of a palatial 19-bedroom mansion in Emirates Hills for AED 148 million in March.
Joining Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty as an Associate Director, Conor brings a wealth of experience to Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and Dubai Hills mansions.
Chris Whitehead, Managing Partner at Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, said that the expansion is “not just about numbers, it’s about quality. Our team, both new and existing, are innate talents who bring relentless energy and expert knowledge to their domains, aligning perfectly with the values and ambitions we have cultivated at Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty.”
He added, “We are proud to have built the most robust and experienced network of agents in Dubai. This period marks the beginning of a transformative era for both our agency and the careers of our team members. Together, we are poised to raise the bar even higher and redefine the standards of luxury real estate in UAE.”
Final thoughts
In a city where the sky is quite literally the limit, Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty is poised to continue the upward trajectory it has enjoyed since 2013. With its growing team, the agency aims to capture an even greater share of burgeoning areas like District One, Dubai Hills Estate, and Tilal Al Ghaf, which are quickly becoming the most coveted areas in the Dubai super-prime property sector.
As part of the global Sotheby’s International Realty network, which boasts 26,500 agents across 84 countries and territories, Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty is uniquely positioned to offer clients unrivalled access to the world’s most exclusive properties in Dubai and beyond.
