You’re thinking about joining RE/MAX in Dubai. Maybe you’re tired of your 9-to-5, or you’ve seen friends make serious money selling villas in Palm Jumeirah. You want to know: How much does RE/MAX pay in Dubai? The truth? It’s not a salary you’re signing up for-it’s a commission engine. And if you know how to drive it, you can earn far more than most office jobs ever offer.
Here’s the quick answer
RE/MAX doesn’t pay agents a base salary in Dubai. Instead, you earn a percentage of every sale you close-typically between 50% and 90% of the commission, depending on your experience and performance. Top agents make AED 200,000 to AED 800,000+ per year. New agents often earn AED 30,000-AED 80,000 in their first year. Your income isn’t set by the company. It’s set by your hustle.
How RE/MAX Works in Dubai
RE/MAX isn’t like a corporate real estate firm where you clock in, get a paycheck, and collect a fixed bonus. It’s a franchise model. That means the Dubai office is run by local owners who set their own terms. You’re not an employee-you’re an independent contractor. You rent desk space, pay your own marketing, and keep the lion’s share of what you earn.
When you list a AED 3 million villa in Emirates Hills and sell it, the total commission is usually 2%-so AED 60,000. That money gets split between the listing agent (you) and the buyer’s agent. If you brought both sides, you might keep all AED 60,000. Then RE/MAX takes a cut-say, 10% to 50%-depending on your deal. The rest? That’s yours.
Think of it like running your own small business. You’re the CEO, sales team, marketer, and admin. RE/MAX gives you brand recognition, a CRM, training, and access to their global network. But you’re the one making the calls, showing properties, and closing deals.
Why Choose RE/MAX Over Other Dubai Agencies?
Dubai has over 500 real estate agencies. So why pick RE/MAX?
- Global brand power: If a buyer from London or Moscow is searching for a Dubai property, they see RE/MAX first. Their website gets millions of visits a year.
- Training programs: RE/MAX offers free monthly workshops on negotiation, legal changes, and digital marketing. You don’t need to pay extra.
- Technology tools: You get access to their proprietary CRM, mobile app, and listing syndication tools that auto-post your listings to Property Finder, Bayut, and Dubizzle.
- Network effect: RE/MAX agents in Dubai work with agents in Canada, Australia, and the UK. International buyers often come through these connections.
Compare that to a small boutique agency. They might offer you 95% commission, but you’re on your own for leads, branding, and tech. You’ll spend more time chasing clients than closing them.
How Much Can You Actually Earn?
Let’s break it down with real numbers from agents working in Dubai right now.
New agent (0-6 months): You might close 1-2 deals a month. Average deal value: AED 1.8 million. Commission split: 50% to you. After RE/MAX’s cut (say 40%), you take home about AED 18,000 per deal. That’s AED 36,000-AED 72,000 in your first six months. Most new agents don’t make their first sale until month three. Be patient.
Mid-level agent (1-3 years): You’re closing 3-5 deals a month. Average deal value: AED 2.5 million. Commission split: 70% to you. RE/MAX takes 20%. Net per deal: AED 35,000. Monthly income: AED 105,000-AED 175,000. That’s AED 1.2M-AED 2.1M annually.
Top performer (3+ years): You’re closing 6-10 deals a month. Deals are bigger-AED 4 million to AED 10 million. You keep 80-90% of the commission. RE/MAX takes 10-15%. One AED 8 million sale? You walk away with AED 128,000 after fees. Top agents here make over AED 800,000 a year. Some hit AED 1.5 million.
Real example: A female agent in Jumeirah closed 12 deals in 2025-all luxury condos. Her total commission before splits: AED 1.2 million. After RE/MAX’s 15% cut, she took home AED 1.02 million. That’s AED 85,000 a month. No salary. Just results.
What’s the Catch?
It sounds too good to be true? It’s not. But here’s what nobody tells you:
- No safety net: No sick pay. No vacation days. If you don’t sell, you don’t eat.
- Upfront costs: You’ll pay AED 5,000-AED 10,000 in licensing, training, and marketing setup. Some offices require a monthly desk fee of AED 1,000-AED 2,500.
- Competition is fierce: There are over 15,000 licensed agents in Dubai. You need to stand out.
- Market swings: If the market dips (like in 2023), deals slow down. Top agents build savings for those months.
You’re not just selling property. You’re selling trust. You need to be available 24/7. Clients text you at midnight asking for photos of a villa. You show properties on weekends. You answer emails during Eid. This isn’t a job. It’s a lifestyle.
How to Get Started With RE/MAX in Dubai
- Get your RERA license. You need a valid real estate broker license from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency. Cost: AED 2,000-AED 3,000.
- Choose your RE/MAX office. Dubai has 8+ branches. Visit them. Ask about their commission splits, training, and support. Don’t just pick the one with the flashiest office.
- Ask for a mentor. The best offices pair new agents with top performers for the first 90 days.
- Start building your pipeline. Use WhatsApp, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Post videos of properties. Comment on local expat groups. Be visible.
- Track everything. Use RE/MAX’s CRM. Log every call, every showing, every follow-up. Your pipeline is your income.
RE/MAX vs. Other Top Dubai Real Estate Agencies
| Agency | Typical Commission Split to Agent | Monthly Desk Fee | Marketing Support | Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RE/MAX | 50%-90% | AED 1,000-AED 2,500 | High (global platform, CRM, syndication) | Free monthly workshops, online courses |
| CBRE | 40%-60% | AED 3,000-AED 5,000 | Medium (corporate branding) | Limited |
| Sotheby’s International Realty | 60%-80% | AED 2,000-AED 4,000 | High (luxury focus) | Specialized luxury training |
| Property Finder (in-house agents) | 30%-50% | AED 500-AED 1,500 | High (traffic from app) | Basic |
| Local boutique agency | 80%-95% | AED 0-AED 1,000 | Low (you pay for ads) | None |
If you’re just starting out and want structure, RE/MAX is one of the best bets. If you’re already experienced and have your own clients, a boutique agency might give you more cash. But if you want to scale fast, RE/MAX’s global reach is unmatched.
What You Need to Succeed
- A reliable car: You’ll drive from Downtown to Dubai Hills daily. Fuel and parking add up.
- A smartphone and data plan: You’ll be on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Zoom all day.
- Patience: Your first sale might take 3-6 months. Don’t quit.
- A thick skin: People will ghost you. Deals will fall through. You’ll hear “no” 20 times before one “yes.”
- A financial buffer: Save at least AED 10,000 to cover 3 months of expenses while you build.
Success here isn’t about luck. It’s about consistency. Show up. Follow up. Stay visible. Track your numbers. The market rewards those who don’t quit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do RE/MAX agents in Dubai get a base salary?
No. RE/MAX agents in Dubai are independent contractors. You earn commissions on every sale you close. There’s no monthly paycheck. Your income is 100% performance-based.
How long does it take to start earning with RE/MAX in Dubai?
Most agents make their first sale between 2 and 6 months after starting. The first few months are about building your network, learning the market, and getting your listings live. Don’t expect income right away. Focus on activity, not immediate results.
Is RE/MAX better than Property Finder or Bayut for new agents?
Yes, for most new agents. Property Finder and Bayut are listing portals-they don’t train you or give you clients. RE/MAX gives you brand trust, training, CRM tools, and access to international buyers. You’re not just posting listings-you’re building a business with support.
Can I work part-time with RE/MAX in Dubai?
Technically, yes. But it’s not recommended. Real estate in Dubai moves fast. Buyers expect instant replies. Listings get snapped up in hours. If you’re only available on weekends, you’ll lose deals to full-time agents who are always on. Most successful agents treat this like a full-time job-even if they started part-time.
What’s the biggest mistake new RE/MAX agents make?
Waiting for leads to come to them. The best agents don’t sit at their desks. They post daily on Instagram, join expat Facebook groups, host open houses, and follow up with every inquiry-even if it seems small. Your next client could be the guy who asked about a studio in Al Quoz last month. Don’t let him slip away.
Ready to start?
If you’re serious about earning in Dubai’s real estate market, RE/MAX gives you the tools, the brand, and the network. But it won’t hand you success. You have to go out and grab it. Book a meeting with a local RE/MAX office this week. Ask for their new agent onboarding plan. Bring your questions. And remember-your first commission check won’t come from the company. It’ll come from you.
