FACT chats exclusively to cast member Nassira Sekkay 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.

UAE-born Nassira Sekkay joined the stellar cast and is all about female empowerment. She was born in Abu Dhabi, and moved to Dubai five years ago. She has gone from living in a maid’s room to running her own company. She is the CEO and founder of Nassira Properties. 

Why did you come to the UAE? 

I was born in Abu Dhabi. I came to Dubai five years ago to start a new career. I work for myself. I always wanted to be my own boss. I opened my real estate agency after a couple of months, and want to be leading a female empire in the UAE. Nassira Properties is all about inspiring other women to be successful. I always dreamed about becoming a superhero. I am the Wonder Woman of real estate. I can’t believe that this is my reality right now.  


What was the most expensive place you’ve sold? 

I am a specialist in District One, and I dominate in this challenging area. Now, I am planning to dominate everywhere in the market with my team. I started working directly in luxury. I believed in myself and you should always think big. Two months ago, I sold four villas in one month and it was AED 80 million for them. 


What trends are you seeing in the property market? 

The UAE property market is booming right now. It is the best time to buy and invest. All nationalities – Americans, Chinese, Emiratis and Moroccans – are coming. There is a lot of cash coming to the city. We are here to close deals. 


What top tips do you have for buyers? 

If you want to buy, choose the project where there is huge demand and low supply. These are mainly the high-end projects. 


What was the best part of filming? 

The best part for me was featuring properties. I got one listing at the last-minute, and that was a challenge – it was a sophisticated penthouse. It reminded me of my grandma, as it had a Mediterranean-inspired garden. So, it felt like home and I wanted to share the feeling with others, as sometimes in Dubai we are not with our family and we feel lonely. 


What did you learn about yourself while filming? 

I was made for this.  


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

Well, I was living in a maid’s room two years ago. At the start it was difficult, but I wanted to build myself. Now, I am living in one of the best buildings in the world. I have stayed in luxury hotels like Burj Al Arab. I work hard and earnt this luxury lifestyle. 


Why should people watch the show? 

They should watch the show as it is one of the biggest international shows in the world. It is the first time it features the UAE. It shows culture, luxury properties and the lifestyle of hustlers in the UAE. 

GO: Visit https://starzplay.com for more information and to follow the adventures of Nassira Sekkay.