The Oppenheim Group, the renowned real estate brokerage known for its role in the Netflix hit series “Selling Sunset,” is making a significant move with the opening of its first office in Dubai. This expansion into the Middle East marks a notable step for the Los Angeles-based agency, which also has offices in California and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the co-founder of the agency, Jason Oppenheim, highlighted the strategic importance of Dubai as a market. He explained, “Dubai is such an important market, and it’s such a global market — we’d be remiss not to do it.” This sentiment underscores the growing crossover between luxury real estate clientele in Dubai and Southern California.
The new Dubai office, situated in Bluewaters Dubai, will represent a multimillion-pound investment, encompassing a spacious 7,000 square feet. Oppenheim expressed enthusiasm about the sleek and modern design of the office, which features statement lighting, expansive windows, and diverse areas for collaboration and relaxation, including a pool table and a coffee station.
Supporting this venture is Omar Abaza, a long-time friend of Oppenheim and the appointed head of the Dubai branch. The team has already recruited 20 agents based in the UAE and plans to double this number while maintaining a close-knit, familial atmosphere within the agency. Oppenheim emphasised the importance of hiring experienced and successful agents who can thrive in this dynamic market.
Apart from the new office, Oppenheim hinted at exciting developments for “Selling Sunset” fans. While currently filming the show’s tenth season, he teased the possibility of the series expanding to Dubai. “Let’s put it this way, the show covers the brokerage and the brokerage is moving to Dubai,” he shared. Although viewers won’t see the completed office in this season, there may be discussions about the expansion.
Oppenheim sees Dubai as a realistic next step for the series’ growth and would welcome the opportunity to film there for future seasons. “I think that’s probably the next step,” he said. “And then if a show comes out of that, that’d be awesome.” This potential crossover illustrates Oppenheim’s vision for merging the realities of high-end real estate with the engaging storytelling of television.
Reflecting on the current season of “Selling Sunset,” Oppenheim expressed that it has been his most enjoyable to produce so far. The return of original cast members Christine Quinn and Heather Rae El Moussa has contributed to a revitalising dynamic. He stated, “Some of those seasons can be difficult to film, so we needed this, and I think the audience will really appreciate it too.” The positive energy and nostalgia of the returning cast seem to have rekindled the original charm of the show, reminiscent of earlier seasons that drew in viewers.
As the Dubai office prepares for its grand opening by the end of the year, it will undoubtedly serve as a pivotal hub for the agency’s growth in the Middle East. The careful planning and investment signify a promising future for the Oppenheim Group, as it endeavours to connect clients from diverse locations, bolstering its reputation in the global luxury market.
With increased attention on Dubai and its vibrant real estate scene, the Oppenheim Group’s new location appears poised to attract affluent clients who bridge the luxury markets in both Dubai and Southern California. As Oppenheim notes, “There’s so much confluence with Dubai.” This insight not only highlights the agency’s careful market analysis but also sets the stage for future expansions and collaborations that could redefine luxury real estate for a new generation of clients.
Overall, the expansion is an exciting development for the Oppenheim Group, promising to enhance its standing in the international property arena while potentially bringing a new dimension to one of Netflix’s most beloved reality shows. As the agency embarks on this bold venture, fans and clients alike will be watching closely to see what unfolds next.