AB Majlis podcast: Million Dollar Listing UAE stars Ben Bandari and Rami Wahood on pressure, ambition and season two
As Dubai’s property market continues to break records and capture the world’s attention, the facts behind the deals are rarely as polished as they appear on the screen. In the latest episode of AB MajlisTala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian businesssat down with Million Dollar Listing UAE stars Ben Bhandari and Rami Wahood to reveal what really changed in season two, from high pressure and personal vulnerability to the dynamics of Dubai’s highly competitive real estate market.
“It’s completely different. You can’t compare it in any way, shape or form,” Wahood said. “It goes deep into our personal lives, the drama is huge, and there’s a lot of it. Big stakes, big buildings, big deals – it’s the best.”
Big characters, big buildings, big pressure
For Bhandari, the founder of Benco Real Estate and the executive producer of the show, the second season also introduces new people and high expectations after the success of the first season.
“We have new actors, new drama, and new sponsors bringing bigger and better properties,” he said. “The 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 great pressure.
“There was a lot that affected me personally,” said Bhandari. “The first season did very well, and we wanted to be first from the beginning. When we played for the first time during the week and we were in fifth place, I was honestly disappointed. Then on Friday morning, we were in the lead.”
He also admitted that appearing on reality television is not easy at first.
“I was frustrated in the first season. 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 more comfortable in our own skin.”
It shows the risk on the screen
Wahood, a senior partner at Fam Properties and one of Dubai’s most successful agents, said the second season allowed viewers to see his true side.
“When the cameras started coming into my life, that’s what took the energy out,” she said. “That scene with my mom was one of my favorites. It was a great moment.”
Bhandari agreed, saying Wahood has “stepped up” this season by showing his true personality. “That great character of Rami’s – he pulled it off this time.”
Why the million dollar listing was from Dubai
Bhandari first got a delivery license Million Dollar Listing in the UAE back in 2015, years before filming began.
“I’ve been thinking, why isn’t this show here?” he said. “We have some of the most beautiful buildings in the world – Burj Khalifa, man-made islands, crazy real estate drama every day. After New York and LA, there is no better place in the world.”
After years of rejection, the project finally gained momentum following a summit in Abu Dhabi. “It was just an idea, but he loved it, that’s where it all came from.”
Wahood said the show’s success in the UAE was inevitable. “Dubai is real estate and real estate is Dubai. It fits perfectly in the hand.”
A market that breaks world records
The conversation also turned to Dubai’s booming property market and the influx of global wealth.
“We have passed all the major markets in the world, including Miami and Singapore, especially in the luxury segment,” said Wahood. “Homes over $10 million – we’ve broken records, and the year isn’t over yet.”
Bhandari said this operation had a direct impact on his business. “We’ve quadrupled our revenue compared to last year. This show has been a huge help to landlords, developers, buyers and renters.”
Reality TV vs reality
Despite the glamour, both wanted to emphasize that the show is not a complete reflection of life for sale.
“Nine out of ten contracts go through,” Bhandari said. “People think we just close deals and make millions at work, but it’s high risk, high pressure. It’s not easy at all.”
He shared an example of a former programmer who changed careers after watching the process up close. “He joined real estate and told me, ‘I can’t sleep, I’m depressed, I cry every night.’ He thought it would be easy – it wasn’t.”
Wahood echoed a warning to young agents inspired by the program. “You see the highlights. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes. It takes time, effort, and real product knowledge to be successful.”
What viewers can expect next
While the second season has already featured major buildings and international scenes – including episodes shot in London – Bhandari revealed that the biggest moments are yet to come.
“The drama is really edifying,” he said. “What people will remember is not just the deals — the relationships, the issues, and how those relationships evolved.”
The second season Million Dollar Listing UAE now streaming on STARZPLAY.
