Exclusive Interview with Ben Bandari, CEO, BenCo. Real Estate & Sarah Serhan, Associate Partner, BenCo. Real Estate

Ben Bandari

Ben Bandari is a powerhouse in the UAE real estate industry, having closed over AED 25 billion in sales and earned a reputation as one of the nation’s most influential and successful brokers. Since starting his real estate career in the UAE back in 2002, He has earned some of the industry’s highest honours, including Number 1 Real Estate Broker in the UAE by Arabian Business, inclusion among the Top 150 Real Estate Icons by Finance World and the prestigious Agency of the Year award by The Entrepreneur. Beyond his brokerage success, Ben is also the star and executive producer of Million Dollar Listing UAE, the hit reality series that takes viewers inside the glamorous, high-stakes world of the UAE luxury real estate.

Sarah Serhan

In the UAE’s competitive luxury real estate market, Sarah Serhan has quickly established herself as one of its most dynamic rising talents. She is a luxury real estate agent and broker as well as an area specialist for Dubai Hills Estate, combining cultural awareness with deep market knowledge.  In her first year she had closed more than AED 100 million in sales and by 2024, she was averaging AED 3 million in transactions daily. Recognised by Ben Bandari for her drive and professionalism, she joined BenCo Real Estate in early 2024 where she now serves as Associate Partner.

Questions:

Beyond luxury listings, the show focuses heavily on ambition, rivalry, and pressure. Why do you think audiences connect so strongly with that side of the story?

Ben Bandari: At its core, the show really isn’t about houses – it’s about people. While luxury listings are exciting and aspirational, it’s the universal themes of ambition, competition, pressure, and even self-doubt that truly resonated with STARZPLAY’s audiences in Season One once it aired. That strong response is exactly what paved the way for Season Two.

Audiences connect because they’re seeing the authentic side of success – the wins, the stress, the rivalries, and the emotional ups and downs that come with working in a high-pressure market like the UAE. Partnering with STARZPLAY allowed us to bring this format closer to home for MENA viewers and ground it in a reality they recognise. Viewers aren’t just watching deals close; they’re watching real people who push themselves, make mistakes, and grow, and that honesty is what makes the story relatable, and why it continues to resonate even more strongly in Season Two.

Sarah Serhan: As a newcomer to both the show and the industry, there is an undeniable pressure to prove yourself as a capable broker who can overcome challenges, obstacles and manage mental pressure. With that, you still need to balance the demands of work with time spent with family. What I believe truly resonates with the audience is the authenticity of that journey. When they see me, they see a human like everyone else, a woman with ambitions and goals, a woman with a family she must always put first, yet someone who continues to push forward, they connect on a much deeper level, probably reflecting their own struggles and aspirations.

Mr. Ben Bandari, as a returning cast member and Executive Producer, how has your role evolved in shaping the direction and authenticity of Season 2?

In Season Two, my role became much more hands-on. As Executive Producer, I was closely involved in shaping the narrative to make sure it truly reflected the realities of the UAE real estate market. The focus was on real pressure, negotiations, and consequences. I wanted viewers to see what the job actually demands. The goal was to let the stories unfold naturally and stay true to the people and the market we’re representing.

Rivalries are a big part of the show; do they sharpen your edge or complicate your strategy?

It’s genuinely a bit of both. Healthy rivalry pushes you to raise your standards and stay sharp, especially in a market as competitive as the UAE. I’ve learned to use competition as motivation while staying focused on the bigger picture, which is serving clients and closing deals. A great example of rivalry in the show is in Episodes 1 to 3, where Dr. Baydoun of Damac Properties makes Riad and I compete for a luxury property, “Villa Flora.”

You’ve been part of the franchise since its early days in the UAE—how has the real estate market changed since Season 1, and how has that changed you?

The market has matured dramatically. Buyers are more informed, expectations are higher, and transactions are far more complex. Since Season One, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE have evolved into a truly global luxury market. That evolution has forced me to grow personally as well as upgrade BenCo. to 70 plus staff and still growing. I’ve become more disciplined, more strategic, and more resilient. I’ve also setup a whole new business, Highgate Investments, which caters to investors looking at and acquiring properties, or designing and developing old, rundown ones. The business has skyrocketed with 8 ongoing projects so far.

Ms. Sarah Serhan, joining a well-established cast can be intense, what was your mindset walking into Season 2?

I was aware that my presence as a new face and a rapidly rising professional might be perceived as threatening to some of the other cast members. I anticipated questions like “who is she?” “Why is she here?” and “how did she get here?”. Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect from the others, but also, I never felt the need to prove myself to anyone. As I’ve always believed, my performance and my numbers speak for themselves.

What message do you hope ambitious professionals, especially women, take from your journey?

My core message is simple yet profoundly powerful: When you stay disciplined, rooted in self-belief, and fully committed to the work, you don’t need to prove anything. Your progress moves faster than doubt, and your results speak long before you ever have to.

What surprised you most about operating in this environment, on or off camera?

What surprised me the most was how intense the environment is, both on and off camera.  What I did not expect was how much discipline and emotional intelligence it would require to stay focused and professional while doing my job with cameras and a crew filming at all times. The mental fortitude required is truly immense, and it’s something you can only fully appreciate once you’re living it.

Exclusive Interview with Christina Arbenz and Chris Sayce, Co-founders and Principals of Studio WYZE

Studio WYZE works across hospitality, residential and product design. When you approach a space, what elements of your process stay constant—no matter the typology?

We always start with the layout, as it often opens the pathway for the concept to unfold. Layout is vital for all parties: operations rely on it to function efficiently; owners need it to achieve a desired number of covers and guests need to feel comfortable and immersed in the experience. The storytelling then comes into play, anchoring the guest journey in narrative. We approach the design of spaces as a series of framed views, with transitions between them unfolding like cinematic shots, guiding people slowly and deliberately through the space.

Many interior studios today lean heavily into aesthetics-first storytelling. How do you ensure that emotional resonance and functionality hold equal weight in your projects?

The emotional resonance of a space comes from how the storytelling unfolds. When the narrative is clear and carried through every step of the design, the guest’s experience becomes part of that story. We think about how someone will sit in a space, how they will interact with the furniture around them, what they will touch, the textures they will feel—and how each of these moments makes them feel. Functionality comes alive in the details. We focus intensely on the refinement and coordination of every elements, so the space not only looks beautiful, but works seamlessly for the team using it day-to-day, and feels effortless and comfortable for the guest.

Hospitality design often demands drama and immersion. How does that sensibility influence the way you approach high-end residential interiors?

Hospitality and residential design both aim to create environments that feel comfortable for the individual using them. In F&B, the experience is often tied to a brand narrative — its cuisine, culture and inevitably a bit of a theme. In hotel design, the storytelling comes from the sense of place, the local context and the type of guest the brand is aimed at. In high-end residential, the goal is similar: to tell a story, but one that belongs to the resident. We look to their tastes, hobbies, travels and meaningful memories, and bring these together to create a space that reflects who they are.

With studios in London and Zurich and projects across global markets, how do you adapt your design language without losing Studio WYZE’s signature identity?

Our identity comes through our process, rather than a signature aesthetic. We approach each project as a unique, individual space. We begin with the building itself—its location, history and purpose—and from there weave in the brand or resident identity, uncovering the story the space is meant to tell. We immerse ourselves in the process, designing bespoke furniture and lighting that give each space its own character. We collaborate with local craftsmen, artisans and manufacturers, and we’re always traveling and exploring to discover new methods, ideas and approaches that bring fresh energy and perspective to our work.

TATTU Dubai unfolds as a multi-level journey inspired by mythology. How early did storytelling become the anchor for this project?

The foundations of TATTU as a brand stem from the history of Asian Tattoos, whereby the inked spirits would endow the owner with protective and strengthening properties. Previous TATTU venues have grounded themselves in four core ‘spirit animals’; the Dragon, the Carp, the Phoenix and the Tiger. The brief was to interpret this core brand narrative into three unique concepts, developing on the design touchpoint to create a more holistic and narrative-driven design.

From the beginning, we felt the most authentic way to unfold the brand and its mythology across the three levels was to develop individual realms for three of these core characters. Our chosen three were The Dragon, featuring at Level 74 as part of the main TATTU Restaurant and Bar; The Carp, featuring at Level 76 as part of the Pool Deck and Sushi Lounge concept; and The Phoenix, feature at Level 81 as part of the Cocktail Bar and Lounge concept. The key was to maintain the storytelling of each of these spirits through materiality, detailing, colour palette and accessories.

From Shou-Sugi-Ban timber to onyx and amethyst glass, the palette is bold yet controlled. How do you decide when a material should lead versus support the space?

We play with contrasts in texture and finish—smooth versus rough, dark versus light, metallic versus natural, gloss versus matte. Every material has a purpose, even if some are more visually dominant. The secondary materials are almost always interesting in their own right, adding depth and nuance to the space. For example, in our main restaurant, the gold leaf slats immediately draw the eye, but behind them, the black plaster finish has its own subtle movement. The hand-applied texture and selective polishing create variations in gloss and shadow, giving the surface life and detail, even when the focus is on the gold above. It’s this layering and dialogue between materials that allows a space to feel rich and purposeful, whether a material is leading or supporting.

Designing the world’s highest infinity pool is no small feat. How did you approach creating a space that feels relaxed yet elevated—literally and conceptually?

On the pool deck, the design is restrained, giving the breathtaking views and architecture the space to speak for themselves. We approached the pool deck with a soft, fresh and airy palette, favouring natural tones that evoke calm. The light aqua hue references both the tranquil colours of water and the legend of the Carp, adding a subtle layer of narrative. The timbers were treated to feel lighter and sun-bleached, as if naturally weathered over time, while the fabrics, though simple, are tactile and inviting, adding a quiet richness to the experience. The goal was to create a space where guests could relax among the foliage and fully appreciate the spectacular views beyond.

From teens to seasoned collectors, the momentum built in 2025 continues to drive demand for anime and pop-culture collectibles across the UAE and global markets, positioning the toy sector for strong growth in 2026. Once seen as a childhood hobby, collectibles have evolved into a cultural phenomenon driven by social trends.

“A growing appreciation for storytelling, personal engagement, and fear of missing out on emerging trends has fuelled the rapid expansion of the collectibles market in the UAE,” said Hassan Tamimi, CEO of The Little Things.

Articulated and poseable figures have gained strong traction among collectors. “In 2025, brands such as SH Figuarts, Hot Toys, and ZD Toys recorded strong sales in the UAE, reflecting surging demand for figures that allow customization, scene recreation, and creative play,” noted Tamimi.

Commenting on exclusivity, which continues to be a key driver in the market, he said, “Limited-edition figures, blind-box formats and character-led merchandise emerged as key growth drivers, showcasing how collectibles are viewed as a statement rather than just children’s toys. Moreover, these collectibles are also finding appeal as distinctive gift items.”

“The shift is also evident among Gen Z, with the rising demand for plush keychains and trinkets from brands such as Sanrio, Pokémon, and Monchhichi, portable and personal accessories that double as an expression of individuality through playful, nostalgic, and customizable designs,” added Tamimi.

Brands like Funko continue to drive demand, with fans pre-ordering releases, lining up in stores, and attending events to secure their favorites.

Notably, among the pop-culture collectibles, LABUBU stood out as the most popular in the UAE and globally in 2025. Created by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised illustrator Kasing Lung, the character gained significant popularity among the collectors. POP MART, known for its wide range of collectible figures, has also seen strong growth and fan engagement in the region. Other intellectual properties like CRYBABY, SKULLPANDA, HIRONO, and DIMOO have emerged as fan favorites in recent months.

“Nostalgia plays a significant role in today’s collectible market,” Tamimi said, “Many fans who grew up collecting toys and watching pop-culture classics now have adult purchasing power to buy the items they once wished to own, creating a market where nostalgia meets aspiration.”

Looking ahead to 2026 toy market in the UAE, Tamimi shared toy companies are expected to push creative boundaries further matching the evolving expectations of fans. “Collectible brands will likely explore more interactive, customizable and limited-edition releases in 2026,” he added.

Commenting on the growing pop-culture collectibles community in the UAE, Tamimi added that the UAE hosts several pop-culture and toy festivals throughout the year including the annual Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC), which continues to fuel fan engagement and growth. Another key event happening in February this year ‘Animenia’- five days of anime, live music, and Japanese pop culture attracting fans and collectors’ enthusiasts from across the region.