When Harvey Thrower, a lettings agent from Kent, was offered a chance to work at a leading real estate agency in Dubai, he couldn’t resist the pull of a high-flying career in one of the world’s most profitable property markets.
Plus, the opportunity to star in the reality show Dubai: Selling the Dream, a British counterpart to Selling Sunset, only added to the allure of living a life full of glamour, parties, and big paychecks.
But the reality turned out to be far different from the fantasy he imagined.
From Dreams to Reality: The Struggle in Dubai
Harvey quickly learned that success in Dubai’s real estate market doesn’t come as easily as it seems on TV.
Despite joining the British agency Betterhomes in July 2022, his first few months didn’t match the glossy images of Dubai he had envisioned.
After six months on probation and only one sale – a £330,000 apartment in Downtown Dubai – he earned just £3,300 in commission.
Feeling disheartened but undeterred, he switched to another firm focusing on off-plan and investment sales, but after another six months of minimal returns, he faced financial strain and decided to return to the UK. In total, he had spent £40,000 of his savings while chasing the dream.
Despite the financial setback, Harvey reflects positively on his time in Dubai, acknowledging that the experience taught him valuable lessons.
“It’s not always about the glamour,” he says. “Success takes strategy, discipline, and knowing how to navigate difficult situations.”
The British Exodus to Dubai and Its Darker Side
Harvey’s struggles are far from unique. Over the past decade, an estimated 250,000 young Britons have flocked to Dubai, drawn by the promise of blue skies, luxury lifestyles, and tax-free salaries.
But as the numbers grow, so too do concerns about the underlying issues in the UAE.
While Dubai offers a modern, Westernized lifestyle for many ex-pats, it’s important to remember that the UAE operates under strict laws that severely limit freedom of speech, outlaw gay relationships, and punish even minor offenses harshly.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and foreigners, especially those from the West, have been arrested for seemingly small infractions.
Take, for example, Irish air hostess Tori Towey, who was charged with attempted suicide and alcohol consumption in public after a personal crisis.
Or 18-year-old Marcus Fakana, who is serving a year-long prison sentence for having sex with his girlfriend, who was just underage.
For many, the reality of living in Dubai can be a wake-up call when faced with the country’s strict legal system.
Navigating Dubai’s Strict Legal Landscape
Harvey, who was aware of Dubai’s authoritarian policies before moving, quickly learned how important it was to respect local laws.
“You have to be mindful of what you say, especially online,” he explains.
“In the UK, you can post anything on social media without consequences, but in Dubai, criticizing the government or complaining about a service could land you in trouble.”
Though public behavior is closely monitored, Harvey notes that Dubai is relatively modern in terms of dress codes. While modesty is expected in some public spaces, most people can wear what they would normally wear in the UK.
In terms of public behavior, Harvey was careful to avoid displaying affection.
“Public displays of affection aren’t acceptable in Dubai, so I made sure to follow that norm,” he adds.
“As long as you stay within the rules, you can enjoy the city, but you have to be sensible about it.”
The Glamour and Reality of Dubai’s Expensive Lifestyle
Before moving to Dubai, Harvey had worked in Canary Wharf as a senior lettings consultant, excelling in his role.
But at 20, he yearned for something more – the glamorous lifestyle of fast cars, speedboats, and cocktails in exclusive Dubai hotspots.
He rented a £1,000-a-month apartment in Damac Hills and joined Betterhomes with high hopes.
However, he quickly learned that success in real estate comes at a high cost, and the lavish perks promised by the company didn’t necessarily match the financial reality.
Harvey’s initial excitement about luxury lunches, yacht parties, and trips to exotic destinations quickly faded when his savings started running dry.
His first sale took four months to complete, earning him just £3,300.
By the time he made the decision to leave Dubai, he had racked up over £40,000 in expenses.
Reality TV Fame and the Pressure to Succeed
Harvey’s stint on Dubai: Selling the Dream showcased his party-loving persona and carefree attitude, earning him a reputation as a “Jack the lad” among his colleagues.
One memorable scene from the show featured Harvey aboard a superyacht in Dubai Marina, where he clashed with senior broker Karolina Chernoshei over their different approaches to work.
While Harvey embraced a mix of business and pleasure, Karolina dismissed his “party energy” in favor of a more focused, professional approach.
Ultimately, Harvey’s time in Dubai ended with him being sent home, but he doesn’t view the experience as a failure.
“I think I came across as authentic, driven, and maybe a little bit fearless,” Harvey reflects.
“I wasn’t trying to please everyone, but I was true to myself, and that mattered most to me.”
Looking back, Harvey acknowledges that Karolina’s mentorship played a significant role in his success.
“She pushed me to be better, and I can see now how important that was for my journey,” he admits.
Starting Over: A New Chapter in the UK
Although Harvey’s time in Dubai didn’t result in the financial success he had dreamed of, it wasn’t a complete loss. “Dubai was an incredible experience,” he says.
“It set me up for everything I’m doing now.” After returning to the UK, Harvey found a new role with the London estate agency Dexters, where he now earns up to £55,000 a year.
He also recently bought his first home in Canary Wharf with his social media influencer girlfriend.
In the end, Harvey’s Dubai adventure may not have been the picture-perfect dream he envisioned, but it provided him with valuable lessons and a stronger sense of direction for his career back in the UK.