Million Dollar Listing UAE Interview: Zay Brown 

FACT chats exclusively to the cast at the premiere of the show.

As STARZPLAY and Image Nation Abu Dhabi launch the new reality TV show, Million Dollar Listing UAE, we talked directly to the stars. The Emmy-nominated franchise started in the United States in 2006. Now, it is releasing the first international version, and it is already the talk of the town.

Zay Brown joined the stellar cast, and swapped law school for real estate. “I maybe the youngest but I am beyond resilient”, she declares. She has been in Dubai and the business for more than four years, and works for one of the city’s fastest-growing real estate companies, White and Co Real Estate. 

Why did you come to the UAE? 

I actually finished my degree in Politics and International Relations at Southampton University, and I had no idea what I wanted to do. I got accepted into Law School, and I realised that I didn’t want to wait eight years to get money in the bank. I took a leap of faith – I applied for a job and two weeks later, I moved out here to work for White and Co Real Estate.

What was the most expensive place you’ve sold? 

Address Fountain Views – it was a penthouse. I sold it for AED 10 million. 

What trends are you seeing in the property market? 

Russians love Palm Jumeirah and waterfront real estate. In Downtown Dubai and DIFC, which is where I specialise, it’s so up and coming. DIFC follows its own rules and it’s expanding constantly. There is an upward projection in the market and an influx in the population, so the market is stronger than ever. I see it going further up. The clientele includes lots of Europeans. Americans are coming over, as they realise the value in safety in this beautiful country.

What top tips do you have for buyers? 

Choose the right agent – aka me. The second top tip is to do your research, not just about the location but the developer. Research the broker representing you and other locations you didn’t consider. You will surprise yourself. Some people come in and think they want one community, and they’ll be surprised that they gravitate to another community. There are so many projects out there, and off-plan is a huge influx. You want to make sure you can explore all the opportunities. 

What was the best part of filming? 

Seeing everyone’s listings and meeting everyone. The people made it the best. My favourite part was learning from other cast members. I’m the youngest. So, I look up to them a lot. 

What did you learn about yourself while filming? 

I definitely don’t take no for an answer. I’m resilient. I learned that it’s okay to be vulnerable. I never showed that before, especially on camera. It’s okay to have your lows and highs.

What’s the most millionaire thing you’ve done?

Well, I can honestly say, I do have expensive taste. I recently purchased a car, which was a convertible Mercedes, which is my baby. I love buying Christian Louboutin shoes, and these are my babies. I do appreciate the finer things in life, but I am still in the early stages of my career, so there is nothing that crazy.

Why should people watch the show? 

People will see a different side to the UAE, which they haven’t seen before. The show is already an established, Emmy-nominated chain. It’s the first time that Million Dollar Listing moved overseas. People need to watch it and see the reality, and the hustle and bustle of the amazing country. Also, this is a real melting pot, which you don’t get in the United States. It’s important to see the diversity, different storylines and how we work alongside each other. 

Plus, I’m not the top broker or a top performer, but what I am is passionate and committed. I want people to realise that and relate to it. It’s not always about the top performer, it’s about your passion and drive.

GO: Visit https://starzplay.com for more information.