The Growth of Dubai’s Real Estate and What It Means for Careers

Mike Fleet, Deputy CEO, Metropolitan Group, discusses how the brokerage firm’s recognition as a top workplace enhances its ability to attract and retain talent

Mike Fleet, Deputy CEO of Metropolitan Group, is at the forefront of transforming the real estate landscape in Dubai. Under his leadership, the company has been recognised as one of the best workplaces in 2024, securing third place in the Large Business category by Great Place to Work. This accolade highlights Metropolitan's commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, making it a preferred destination for top talent in the competitive real estate market.

With a focus on employee development and a robust training academy, Fleet ensures that agents are equipped to excel in a rapidly evolving industry. In an exclusive interview with REM TIMES, he shares insights on how these recognitions influence career opportunities and the innovative strategies Metropolitan employs to thrive amidst Dubai’s booming real estate market.

Q. Metropolitan Group has achieved its highest ever ranking in the Best Workplace™ in 2024 in the Large sized business category by the Great Place to Work, placing third. How has this recognition influenced the company’s ability to attract and retain top talent in the highly competitive Dubai real estate market?

Metropolitan Group has achieved a significant milestone by being ranked in the top 20 workplaces in Asia by the Great Place to Work, a global authority on workplace culture. As the only real estate brokerage to achieve this distinction, the Group has reinforced its reputation as a premier employer in the Asia region and a preferred destination for real estate talent.

At the Great Place to Work’s recent awards ceremony, the Metropolitan Group was ranked 17th Best Large Workplaces™ in Asia in 2024 and 6th in the Large Business category in the Best Workplaces in the Middle East™️ 2024. These rankings are based on confidential employee feedback and an audit of management practices and workplace culture.

These recognitions, coupled with our previous accolades as the #1 Best Place to Work for Women in the GCC in 2022 and Best Workplaces for Millennials for two consecutive years, has cemented our reputation as an employer of choice and significantly enhanced our ability to attract and retain top talent in the competitive Dubai real estate market.

These prestigious awards have become a powerful tool in our recruitment efforts. High-calibre professionals are increasingly drawn to Metropolitan Group, impressed by our repeated ability to validate our unique culture and ranking among top global brands operating in the region like McDonald’s and DHL. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional workplace culture and employee experience.

Our repeated high placements in these rankings have directly contributed to our success in filling key leadership positions. Our consistent improvement in the rankings — from 10th to 6th and now 3rd in the UAE — demonstrates our ongoing dedication to creating a unique environment where our employees can flourish and excel. This unique achievement sets us apart in the Dubai real estate market, as we are the first and only real estate brokerage to ever make the list.

High-performing agents who have joined us from other leading firms have not only transitioned smoothly, but have also achieved even greater success, validating our promise of growth and career advancement. Our ranking as one of the best workplaces has become a key differentiator for the Metropolitan Group, making us a highly desirable destination for top talent and strengthening our position in the competitive real estate sector. As part of our ongoing efforts to attract top talent, we recently hosted an event at our new luxury office in Al Salam Tower in Dubai. Potential new hires had the opportunity to gain exclusive insights into the tools and strategies that Metropolitan agents use to achieve high levels of sales success.

Q. Dubai’s real estate market has seen substantial growth in recent years. What trends do you see driving this growth, and how do these trends impact career opportunities within the real estate sector? How is Metropolitan Group positioning itself to take advantage of these trends and what skills or qualities are you looking for in new hires?

Dubai’s real estate market has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven by several key trends. One major factor is the city’s reputation as a safe and stable place to live and do business. This reputation is reinforced by favourable government policies, such as streamlined processes for business setup and residency, as well as attractive taxation benefits. These elements contribute to the city’s appeal as a prime destination for both living and investment.

The influx of foreign investment is another significant trend. The government’s initiatives to facilitate property investments and ease visa processes have attracted a diverse range of international investors, including high-net-worth individuals and investors from various countries. This growing interest in Dubai’s real estate market reflects a broader trend of seeking stable and rewarding investment opportunities.

Another trend is the increasing interest in branded residences and luxury living. Investors are drawn to Dubai’s unmatched luxury lifestyle, resulting in a growing influx of investors from various nationalities. This trend underscores the importance of understanding high-end real estate dynamics and catering to an elite clientele.

These trends have created a thriving real estate market, resulting in increased career opportunities within the sector. The expanding market means an increasing number of professionals and investors are relocating to Dubai. For instance, we are seeing a notable number of British real estate agents moving to Dubai to capitalise on the lucrative opportunities here.

At Metropolitan Group, we are positioning ourselves to take full advantage of these trends. We have developed a comprehensive training programme for talented salespeople who may not have prior real estate experience but possess proven sales skills and a strong client network. This two-week training programme, supplemented with ongoing online support, is designed to prepare them for success in the real estate sector, equipping them to excel and potentially achieve significant financial success. E.g. Our team recently welcomed a new agent with a unique background. While he had no prior real estate sales experience, he brought over two decades of expertise managing assets for high-net-worth clients in Europe.

Since 2020, he has personally invested in real estate in both Europe and Dubai, quickly recognizing Dubai’s vibrant market potential. Drawn to the city’s dynamic atmosphere, he relocated and joined our team, specializing in high-end properties.

After completing our comprehensive training programme, this agent’s dedication, perseverance and the support of our leadership have propelled him to become one of our top performers across the Group. This example demonstrates that with the right training, office culture and attitude you can be successful in real estate without having extensive experience in the industry.

We are particularly focused on recruiting individuals who are client-centric, organised and structured. We value candidates who consistently evaluate their performance and seek to improve their results. As the market evolves, the demand for skills related to managing client relationships, staying organised and maintaining a disciplined approach will continue to grow.

Metropolitan Group is leveraging these trends by focusing on both experienced professionals and those we can develop through our tailored training programmes. We seek individuals who are dedicated to delivering exceptional client experiences, are highly organised and are committed to continuous improvement.

Q. The Metropolitan Sales and Training Academy is a cornerstone of your HR initiatives. How does the Academy enhance agent skills and ensure they are equipped to deliver the highest standards of client excellence? How does the programme align with the current demands of the real estate market?

The Metropolitan Sales and Training Academy is indeed a cornerstone of our HR strategy, crucial to enhancing agent skills and ensuring the highest standards of client excellence. This initiative is pivotal to our commitment to employee development and client satisfaction.

Our Academy offers a structured approach to skill enhancement through a comprehensive curriculum tailored to various levels of experience. From pre-joining activities to a thorough induction process, we ensure that our agents are well-prepared for real-world scenarios.

We employ a ‘learn-do-review’ model during training, ensuring that learning is both practical and directly relevant to agents roles. All content created for the Academy is developed in collaboration with subject matter experts, ensuring that the training material is current and relevant to the real estate sector.

The Academy’s continuous development reflects the dynamic nature of the real estate market. It offers three levels of training – beginner, intermediate and advanced, allowing for ongoing skill development. Advanced agents who exhibit strong leadership qualities are groomed for future leadership roles within the company.

To maintain the highest standards of client service, we have a dedicated quality control department that conducts monthly quality checks on agent calls. Furthermore, our Metropolitan Stars initiative recognises exceptional performance with awards and opportunities such as a lunch with the CEO. Categories for recognition include the highest number of true checked listings, new live listings, and team leader achievements. These awards not only motivate agents but also emphasise the importance of client experience.

The Academy leverages a top-ranked Learning Management System (LMS) to host and manage our online content. We have invested in the latest authoring software to create engaging and interactive training materials, ensuring that our agents are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the real estate market.

The Metropolitan Sales and Training Academy is instrumental in developing agent skills and upholding high standards of client service. By integrating practical training, continuous development and advanced recognition schemes, we ensure that our agents are not only prepared for current market demands but are also poised to lead and excel in the future.

Q, As Metropolitan Group continues to expand, opening state-of-the-art offices and introducing new divisions like Penthouse.ae, what opportunities do you see for career advancement within the organisation?

As our Group continues to expand with the launch of new state-of-the-art offices, there are exciting career advancement opportunities within our organisation.

The Group’s expansion within the UAE and internationally as well as the introduction of new divisions brings numerous career advancement opportunities. Our commitment to investing in our corporate structure and creating talent reserve pools ensures that our team members are well-positioned for success as we evolve. Some of the opportunities for career development include:

• Diverse roles and divisions: Our expansion efforts, including the opening of new facilities and divisions, create a variety of roles across different levels of the organisation. This growth allows employees to explore new career paths and take on diverse responsibilities. For instance, the launch of Penthouse.ae has opened up specialised roles within the ultra-luxury real estate sector, offering unique opportunities for career growth.
• Promotion pathways: We have seen several high-performing agents progress within the organisation from a successful sales agent to a team leader and then to Head of Sales which exemplifies the career advancement potential within our company.
• Leadership development: As we continually refine our corporate structure, we are also focusing on developing and identifying top talent for key positions. We are implementing talent reserve programmes to ensure that we have skilled individuals ready to step into critical roles as they become available. This approach not only prepares our employees for future leadership positions but also aligns with our commitment to internal promotions.
• New facilities and divisions: The opening of new offices and the creation of new divisions like the Quality Assurance department provide ample opportunities for employees to take on new challenges and grow within the organisation. These expansions often lead to the creation of new departments and leadership roles, offering employees a chance to advance their careers in line with the company’s growth.

Q. How does Metropolitan Group support employees in their career growth and development to ensure they can take advantage of these opportunities?

At Metropolitan Group, we have made it a priority to support our employees’ career growth and development. This commitment is central to our success as we continue to expand and evolve.

The Sales and Training Academy is a pivotal resource for career development, offering a structured pathway for individuals at all levels of experience. Through our ‘learn-do-review’ model, employees learn new skills, practice them in real-world scenarios and receive feedback to enhance their performance.

We have dedicated programmes within the Academy specifically designed to prepare employees for leadership roles. These programmes focus on developing the skills necessary for effective leadership, combining hands-on learning, practical application, and reflective assessments to build leadership capabilities.

With the establishment of the People, Performance and Culture team, we have significantly invested in HR functions to better support employee development. This includes hiring a range of specialists, such as HR Directors, Learning Specialists, Digital Learning Specialists and Senior Skills Trainers. This team ensures that the Academy’s training programmes remain relevant and of high quality, aligning with our strategic goals and addressing employee needs.

As Deputy CEO, I oversee the HR and learning functions to ensure that our career development initiatives are effectively implemented and aligned with our organisational objectives. This helps maintain a high standard of support and ensures that employees receive the guidance and resources needed to advance their careers.

We provide clear pathways for career progression within the organisation. Employees can see how their roles fit into broader career trajectories, from entry-level positions to advanced leadership roles. This clarity helps motivate and guide employees as they plan their career development.

By investing in our employees’ development and providing clear pathways for advancement, Metropolitan Group fosters a culture of growth and opportunity. This approach benefits not only our employees but also contributes to the overall success of the organisation.