The Dubai Connect™ Podcast | A Dubai Real Estate Podcast with Realtor® Ghada “GG” Benitez

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah each suit a different kind of investor. Before you decide where to invest in UAE real estate, there's one question you need to answer first.

Tariq Jarrar of Devmark says it starts with your goal and your exit. Dubai is the most liquid market thanks to its sheer volume of transactions, Abu Dhabi deliberately keeps supply tight, Sharjah builds family-focused destination communities, and Ras Al Khaimah is drawing attention with the Wynn Al Marjan resort.

In part 3 of this four-part series...

Dubai has no income tax, but if you're an American, US tax on Dubai property still applies. So what do you actually owe on your rent, and on your profit when you sell?

Cross-border tax specialist Aamir Jewani of Finection runs the numbers. For a Florida couple earning $200,000 with an AED 2 million rental, the yearly tax bill was only a few hundred dollars apart whether the property was in Dubai or Florida. The main difference is depreciation: 30 years for a foreign home vs 27.5 for a US home.

For Americans...

A beautiful property, a top developer and a great location can still be a bad investment if the numbers don't work. So how do you work out your real Dubai property ROI before you buy?

Tariq Jarrar of Devmark explains why the figure most people quote as ROI is usually just gross rental yield. Once you subtract service charges, maintenance, furnishing, vacancy and financing, your net yield could land closer to 4 or 5%. That's still higher than most top global markets, but it's the number you should plan around.

In...

Dubai rental yields slipped from about 6.7% to 6% in recent months, according to GuestReady's Burhan Hayat. So who is renting all these new homes, and what happens when the winter season arrives?

Burhan's team manages 400+ holiday homes across Dubai, and he shares what happened inside that portfolio. When tourists paused in March, Dubai residents filled the gap with one to three month stays, making up about 45% of bookings.

By August, 72% of guests were international again, and nightly rates were up about 80% from the summer lows.

...

Dubai real estate in 2026 is still strong, but a strong market can still hold weak investments. So what has changed for overseas investors, and does it make sense to wait for prices to drop?

Tariq Jarear of Devmark explains why the recent slowdown is situational: buyer sentiment shifted, but the fundamentals held. He calls today's UAE property market a selection market. Properties no longer rise together, so the area, the developer and your exit strategy decide whether you make money.

If you're weighing Dubai property investment from the US...

Beyond by Omniyat is building Dubai's first forest by the sea inside Dubai Maritime City, with 55,000 square meters of forest next to the waterfront. So why does a design choice like this matter for your returns?

Arshie of Beyond explains the strategy behind it. Every tower is placed so it doesn't block another tower's sea view, each building gets its own amenity, and the number of units per building is kept limited. That means less competing supply when owners later rent out or resell.

If you're comparing off-plan waterfront...

Dubai Maritime City is one of the last new stretches of seafront close to Downtown and DIFC. So why are launch prices here still well below Dubai's established waterfront areas?

Arshie of Beyond by Omniyat explains why the area's small size matters. A compact waterfront community can reach full build-out faster than giant projects like Palm Jumeirah or Dubai Islands. She says Beyond's first launches here started around AED 2,300 per square foot, while established seafront areas average AED 5,000 to 7,000.

If you're looking at waterfront property in Dubai from the US or overseas, this conversation walks...

Waiting for the perfect moment to invest in Dubai real estate? Tariq Jarrar of Devmark, who has worked in UAE property since 2003, says trying to time the market is one of the costliest mistakes overseas buyers make.

His rule: time in the market beats timing the market. Tariq also explains why rental yield and ROI are two different numbers. On an off-plan unit with a post-handover payment plan, you may have paid only 60% of the price when your tenant moves in, so the return on the cash you actually put in is much higher...

Dubai mortgages for foreign buyers work very differently for ready and off-plan property. On off-plan, the bank can't release a single dirham to the developer until you've paid 50% of the price yourself.

Warren of Mortgage Finder, who has arranged home finance in Dubai for close to 20 years, explains what that means for your plan. For ready property, non-residents can typically borrow up to about 60% of the value over 25 years. For off-plan, only some developers qualify, and very few banks will lend to non-residents.

If you're investing from the US...

Dubai property demand is being shaped by a new kind of resident: families who plan to stay, where many used to come for a few years and leave. So which homes are they looking for, and what does that mean for your returns?

Falak, who has worked in Dubai real estate for more than 20 years, says investors chasing a higher ROI should check three things first: location, layout and whether the property sits in a completed community. Growing families tend to choose villas, young families lean toward spacious high-floor apartments, and beachfront homes stand...

Dubai Islands is one of Dubai's newest waterfront communities, and Imtiaz Developments was the first developer to hand over a home there. So why are investors buying into what was recently just sand?

Nicole of Imtiaz explains why the developer's construction roots matter: design, building and delivery all happen in-house, which helps it hand over on time or early. She also shares a one-bedroom example from their range: about 1,000 square feet, fully furnished, with a private jacuzzi on the terrace, for around AED 1.9 million.

For overseas investors weighing waterfront...

How to manage your Dubai rental property from anywhere in the world and turn it into a high-income asset without the stress.

Are you a global investor, busy expat, or homeowner wondering how to run your Dubai property from overseas? In this episode of The Dubai Connect™ Podcast, Certified International Property Specialist and Licensed Realtor® Ghada “GG” Benitez sits down with Burhan Hayat from GuestReady, one of the world’s leading short-term rental management companies, to break down everything you need to know about making your Dubai property a hands-off, income-producing asset.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This E...

Thinking about whether to buy property in Dubai as a foreigner, or worried you've already missed the boom? GG answers the questions global investors ask her most, starting with "Is it too late?"

Her answer: price per square foot is still well below London, New York and Los Angeles, and long-term rental yields typically run higher than in most US cities. Off-plan, now more than half of Dubai sales, lets you buy before construction and pay in stages, with your payments held in a DLD-regulated escrow account.

This solo...

Can you really buy property in Dubai with crypto? Yes, and with the right setup, some deals can be signed in a single day.

Attorney and crypto trader Nadia Alamei explains how it works. Several developers accept Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins like USDT, and paying from a crypto wallet skips the international wire system that can take days and charge fees. Under Dubai's rules, the payment is converted to dirhams through a licensed provider before the property is registered.

For US and global investors who already hold digital assets...

Dubai Golden Visa 2025: How to Qualify Through Property Investment

The rules have changed. In this episode of The Dubai Connect Podcast™, Certified International Property Specialist Ghada “GG” Benitez breaks down how global investors can now qualify for the UAE’s Golden Visa by purchasing off-plan real estate in Dubai.

Joined by Zeba Majithia, a Dubai-based financial concierge, this episode walks you through the updated Golden Visa process in 2025, including requirements, sponsorship benefits, and how it compares to other global residency-by-investment programs.

Whether you’re investing from the U.S., Canada, or the UK, this episo...

Dubai is no longer just a city. It’s the global epicenter for innovation, business, and investment. This episode explains why.

In this power-packed episode of The Dubai Connect Podcast™, Certified International Property Specialist Ghada “GG” Benitez sits down with leading UAE corporate attorney Michael Kortbawi to explore why Fortune 500 companies, startups, and investors are choosing Dubai to launch and expand in 2025.

From business setup to investor visas, tax advantages to global infrastructure, this is your go-to guide for tapping into Dubai’s booming ecosystem.

What You’ll Learn
• Why global companies are choosing D...

Dubai’s waterfront real estate market is booming. In this episode of The Dubai Connect™ Podcast, I explore why waterfront properties in Dubai are becoming prime targets for global investors—and how smart investors are leveraging this trend for capital appreciation and rental income.

Discover key insights on top locations like Palm Jebel Ali, EMAAR Beachfront, Dubai Marina, Maritime City, and Dubai Islands—and why developers like Nakheel and EMAAR are leading the way in waterfront luxury properties.

You’ll learn:

How capital appreciation has performed in Dubai’s seafront locations

ROI trends from key waterfr...

Dubai Business Setup: Why It’s a Goldmine for U.S. Entrepreneurs.
Why are over 1,500 U.S. companies expanding to Dubai? Learn the pros, cons, and tax benefits of setting up a business in Dubai — directly from top experts.

In this episode of The Dubai Connect™ Podcast, a top-ranked Dubai real estate podcast, I sit down with Nadia Al Ameri, former advisor to the UAE Federal Tax Authority and expert in Dubai company formation. We break down Freezone vs Mainland, corporate tax updates, and the business strategies American entrepreneurs need to know in 2025.

✅ Freezone vs Mainland – Which se...

Think you know Dubai real estate?

Think again.

This episode of The Dubai Connect Podcast™ , a top ranked Dubai Real Estate Podcast, debunks the biggest myths keeping investors on the sidelines, and reveals what global buyers must understand before investing.

I’m Ghada “GG” Benitez, CEO of GG Benitez International, Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS®), Licensed Realtor®, and host of The Dubai Connect Podcast™, a top-ranked Dubai real estate podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Anand Menon to break down the truth behind Dubai’s property market, from affordability and taxes to Golden Vis...

From London, to Toronto, to California, investors are making a major shift towards Dubai.
In this episode of The Dubai Connect™ Podcast , a top ranked Dubai Real Estate Podcast, we unpack why buyers from the UK, U.S., Canada and India are shifting their strategies and choosing Dubai in 2025.

🎧 Prefer to watch? Watch the full episode on YouTube
📲 WhatsApp for fast replies: https://wa.me/16193397978

In this episode, I sit down with Tahir Majithia and Ahmed Ashfaq of Prime Capital Realty to explore why Dubai is emerging as the world’s top destination for real estate in...

Is Dubai really tax free? Not if you're an American investor.

In this episode of The Dubai Connect™ Podcast, a top-ranked Dubai real estate podcast, Certified International Property Specialist Ghada “GG” Benitez sits down with Nadia Al Ameri, Founder of ACCU Group and Director of Accutax Consultancy to reveal what buyers need to know about FATCA, legal structures and corporate set up in Dubai and the UAE.

📲 Need a fast answer? Message GG directly on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/16193397978
▶️ Prefer to watch this episode on YouTube? Click here

🎯 Key topics in this episode...

Is Dubai’s real estate in a bubble, or is it still a smart investment poised for more growth in 2025?
In this data-driven episode, Ghada “GG” Benitez and Dubai expert Ahmed unpack whether rising prices signal a real estate bubble—or long-term opportunity for investors.

Real Estate Market 2025 | Dubai Property Market | Dubai Real Estate Bubble | Dubai Real Estate Crash | Dubai Real Estate Podcast | Dubai Real Estate Investment | Best Areas to Invest in Dubai

Need a fast answer to your questions?

📩 Let’s talk on WhatsApp: [https://wa.me/16193397978](https://wa.me/1619339...

Buying Dubai Property from the UK, U.S., Canada or Europe and looking for a trusted Dubai Real Estate Agent?

Start here.

What makes a Dubai real estate agent truly stand out? In this premiere episode of Season 5, seasoned advisor Tariq Jarrar interviews me, Ghada “GG” Benitez, to uncover what separates a typical broker from a trusted international property specialist.

We talk about my journey as a first-generation Arab-American Realtor®, how I built a global real estate mindset, and what foreign investors—especially Americans and Canadians—should look for when choosing a broker in Dubai.

🔹...

Why do smart investors choose EMAAR over every other Dubai developer?
In this episode of The Dubai Connect™ Podcast, Certified International Property Specialist Ghada “GG” Benitez sits down with Dubai-based real estate expert Ahmed Ashfaq to explore why EMAAR—developer of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and top master-planned communities—remains the safest, strongest, and most strategic investment option in the UAE.

With exclusive stories from historic EMAAR launches (including the iconic Burj Khalifa), this episode dives into why EMAAR properties are the first to sell out, the last to lose value, and the most in demand on t...

BREAKING: Dubai just made it easier to get the Golden Visa through real estate — including off-plan.
Here’s how foreign investors can qualify in 2025 — and what to watch out for.

On The Dubai Connect™ Podcast, Certified International Property Specialist Ghada “GG” Benitez is joined by financial concierge Zeba Majithia to explain the latest update to Dubai’s Golden Visa program — specifically how off-plan property buyers can now apply even before handover if they hold the Oqood.

This is a major shift, opening up second residency in Dubai to a much wider group of international investors, including U.S...

Avoid the 7 most common mistakes foreign investors make when buying Dubai real estate. From off-plan pitfalls to wiring funds and choosing the right broker, this episode breaks down how to invest smarter and safer in 2025 and beyond.

In this Season 3 finale of The Dubai Connect™ Podcast, Certified International Property Specialist Ghada “GG” Benitez sits down with top representatives from SOBHA Realty—one of Dubai’s most trusted developers—to explain exactly how international buyers can avoid costly errors and protect their ROI.

🎯 7 Key Mistakes Covered in This Episode:

Skipping the Expression of Interest (EOI) process

Misunders...

Is Dubai’s Golden Visa the Best Residency Route for Real Estate Investors?

With Portugal tightening its rules and Spain phasing out its Golden Visa, more investors are asking: is Dubai now the top choice for second residency through real estate?

In this episode of The Dubai Connect™ Podcast, I speak with Charlie Maggi, founder of The Open World – Residencies and Citizenships, about how Dubai’s Golden Visa compares to investor residency programs in Europe. If you're exploring second residency through real estate, this is the side-by-side comparison you need.

We break down:

How...

Palm Jebel Ali The NEXT BIG Thing in Dubai Real Estate Investing (Some Reason) | Dubai Real Estate Podcast---In this episode of the Dubai Connect Podcast™, we explore why Palm Jebel Ali is set to redefine luxury waterfront living, following the success of Palm Jumeirah. Join me and my colleague Ahmed, who witnessed the launch of Palm Jumeirah 20 years ago, as we compare the two iconic islands and discuss Palm Jebel Ali’s unique features like private beach access, innovative design, and exclusive community.Learn how Dubai's real estate market continues to boom, offering tax-free capital gains, no property taxes, and...

In the latest episode of the Dubai Connect podcast, host Ghada "GG" Benitez, CEO of G.G. Benitez International, engages in a compelling discussion with Dr. Anand Menon, CEO and Success Sculptor at Lion Edge Consultancy. They explore Dubai’s promising future in real estate, living, and business, delving into strategic initiatives like the Master 2040 Plan, the D33 Economic Agenda, the Centennial Plan, and the Real Estate 2033 Plan. Dr. Menon also offers insights on selecting top-tier brokers, drawing from his extensive experience in training real estate agents.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on Dubai’s dynamic landscape and lear...

The Dubai Connect Podcast ™The Shocking Truth About Branded Residences in Dubai | Dubai Real Estate Podcast-----In this episode of Dubai Connect, I sit down with Tariq Jarrar, Executive Director at Devmark, to dive into the exciting world of branded residences, including the W Residences in JLT (Jumeirah Lake Towers). With over 30 years of experience in banking, wealth management, and real estate, Tariq shares his expert insights on why branded residences are redefining luxury and providing unmatched opportunities in the Dubai real estate market.Want to buy property in Dubai? Send us a message on Whatsapp ▶ https://wa.link/ejrhq8🔔 Subscri...

EYWA Dubai Unveiled: Revolutionizing Dubai Real Estate with Alex Zagrebelny | Real Estate PodcastIn this "Dubai Real Estate" episode of the Dubai Connect Podcast™, I’m joined by Alex Zagrebelny, Founder and CEO of R Evolutions, to discuss his groundbreaking luxury project, EYWA Dubai. This highly anticipated development is redefining luxury living in Dubai’s real estate market, blending innovation, elegance, and sustainability.Whether you’re an investor or looking to buy property in Dubai, this episode offers valuable insights into the city's thriving real estate scene. Discover why EYWA Dubai is attracting global attention and how it meets the growing...

In this new episode of The Dubai Connect, we are going to share about "Dubai Real Estate Market Analysis". I’m thrilled to welcome back Mohamed Kaswani, VP at Property Finder, for his 2nd appearance! He first joined us in Season 2, where his insights quickly made it one of our most-watched episodes. Now, he’s back to discuss the Dubai real estate market outlook for 2024 and 2025.To get more information about Dubai Real Estate contact in WhatsApp: https://wa.link/ejrhq8🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell icon to never miss an update!   / @ggbenitezinternational  Jump To Specific Topic:-----------------------------------------------2:49 What is Property F...

Wondering where to invest in Dubai property right now? This episode reveals the top 5 neighborhoods offering the highest capital appreciation, rental yields, and long-term potential in 2025 and Beyond.

From Dubai Hills to Expo City and Rashid Yachts & Marina, this is your investor roadmap to the most strategic real estate locations. Whether you're focused on off-plan opportunities, short-term rental demand, or long-term portfolio growth, this breakdown gives you clear, actionable guidance.

🎯 In This Episode:

How to evaluate Dubai’s top-performing real estate zones

Pros and cons of Maritime City, Dubai Islands, Creek Harbour...

In this video, I’ll discuss these top areas with the Sales Director for Expo City, "Is Expo City the Next Big Thing in Dubai Real Estate?" covering why Expo City Dubai real estate stands out for both high capital appreciation and rental returns.To get more information about Dubai Real Estate contact in WhatsApp: https://wa.link/ejrhq8🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell icon to never miss an update!   / @ggbenitezinternational  Expo City Dubai 2024 offers major advantages: tax-free property gains, a government-backed foundation, and over $24 billion in infrastructure, with Fortune 500 companies already setting up offices. This vibrant community, inside Expo City...

In this episode, we dive into the booming market of branded residences in Dubai, such as THE ADDRESS HOTEL, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bulgari Residences, Four Seasons Private Residence, and Six Senses Residence. These luxury propertie* are not just about prestige; they represent a strategic investment, with statistics showing that branded residences command up to 69% higher prices per square foot than non-branded properties, leading to higher capital appreciation.To get more information about Dubai Real Estate contact in WhatsApp: https://wa.link/ejrhq8Get In Touch To Be Successful Investor:    / @ggbenitezinternational  Welcome to another episode of The Dubai Connect Podcast™, where I...

"Dubai Real Estate Market Alert!" In the newest episode of The Dubai Connect Podcast on GG Benitez International, I tackle one of the top questions from global real estate investors: Is Dubai Facing a Bubble Risk?Dubai's real estate market in 2024 is under the spotlight, and concerns about a potential Dubai bubble have been growing.To get more information about Dubai Real Estate contact in WhatsApp: https://wa.link/ejrhq8Get In Touch To Be Successful Investor:    / @ggbenitezinternational  In this episode, I delve into the realities of the Dubai real estate landscape and whether it’s truly heading towards a real e...

Why is Dubai South the most strategic area to invest in now?
With EMAAR South, Expo City, and the Al Maktoum Airport expansion, this emerging region is becoming a global hotspot for capital appreciation, family-friendly living, and long-term rental income.

In this episode of The Dubai Connect™ Podcast, host Ghada “GG” Benitez, CIPS® and Licensed Realtor®, explains how Dubai South’s transformation is attracting foreign investors from around the world. From free zone benefits to 0% interest post-handover payment plans, you’ll learn what makes this area a must-watch for international property buyers.

🎥 Watch the full episode on Yo...

Welcome to another new episode “Invest In Dubai Motor City” of The Dubai Connect Podcast™ with myself, Certified International Property Specialist and Licensed Realtor Ghada GG Benitez, connecting global real estate investors with the prime properties in Dubai!

Today, I am excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Ksenia, the Sales Director of SOBHA, a top-tier developer in Dubai.

🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell icon to never miss an update!   / @ggbenitezinternational  

We discuss their highly anticipated new off-plan project launch, Sobha Orbis, in the vibrant area of Motor City.

If you're looking...

🌟 Welcome to The Dubai Connect Podcast™ - Season 3! 🌟In this episode, we feature Terri Dillon, my San Diego-based real estate broker and visionary. Join us as we dive into insights on Dubai real estate. Our most important topic is Differences between Dubai real estate and California real estate markets.🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell icon to never miss an update!   / @ggbenitezinternational  🎤 In This Episode:------------------------------------------------- Unique experiences and observations from our trips to Dubai, exploring the dynamic Dubai real estate market.- What makes a good real estate agent and highlighting top real estate agents in Dubai.- Differences between Dubai and Ca...

Is Port Rashid Yachts and Marina Dubai’s most overlooked investment opportunity? Discover how EMAAR is transforming this historic port into a global waterfront destination for luxury living and high-yield real estate.

On this episode of The Dubai Connect™ Podcast, we explore the transformation of Port Rashid—home to Dubai’s original cruise port—into a premier luxury destination with branded residences, a world-class marina, and exclusive EMAAR communities. Learn why this EMAAR-led development is attracting serious attention from international investors, and how Port Rashid is positioned to follow the success of Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek Harbour.