Hajji Yusuf Ibrahim Al Hamadi has witnessed a transformative journey in Sharjah’s real estate landscape over the past 56 years. Starting in 1970, he embarked on a career as a property broker, or “dallal,” in a time when transactions relied heavily on personal relationships and local knowledge, rather than the modern conveniences we often take for granted. Reflecting on his extensive experience, he emphasises that his greatest pride does not lie in the wealth he has accumulated or the high-value deals he achieved, but rather in the trust and affection of the clients he has guided throughout his career.
A Pioneering Spirit in Real Estate
At the age of 75, Al Hamadi recalls the early days of the profession, when there were no dedicated offices or stores for real estate. Meetings typically took place in municipal buildings and local gatherings, especially after the afternoon and evening prayers. Sellers would present their properties, while buyers would inform the dallal of their needs, initiating Al Hamadi’s crucial role in connecting both parties.
He observes a stark contrast between Sharjah of the 1970s and today. Many areas that were once considered remote plots of land have now become bustling centres of urban development. “I always looked at the wide open lands surrounding Sharjah with optimism, believing that one day they would be filled with buildings and life,” he recalls, asserting that his foundational principle has always been to provide sound advice to his clients.
Values that Shape Success
Al Hamadi identifies patience, honesty, and trust as vital components for sustaining his career in real estate. “We were very patient, focusing solely on working hard and waiting for divine success. We had immense faith in this process,” he remarks. In the early days, property prices ranged from two to five dirhams per square foot, and he reminisces about notable transactions that saw property values skyrocketing over time. One particular property, initially valued at five million dirhams, later appreciated to nearly twenty-five million—a testament to the dynamic market he has navigated.
The Role of the Dallal
Al Hamadi believes that a dallal’s role extends far beyond merely completing a transaction; it encompasses a commitment to offer guidance and support. “Working with people from diverse financial backgrounds, I often found myself forgoing my full commission in cases where I felt my clients needed assistance,” he explains. He would advise clients against rushing to sell properties when he anticipated future increases in value, prioritising their wellbeing over his financial gain. This ethic of selflessness underpins the ongoing success of his profession and reflects the communal spirit of his society.
Adapting to Change
While the core nature of real estate brokerage remains unchanged, the tools and methods have significantly evolved. In the past, Al Hamadi would personally visit properties to explain their features, whereas modern technology facilitates easier access to mapping and marketing resources. The surge in property types and values, coupled with increased demand, has altered the scope and dynamics of his work. As operations grew more complex, he transitioned to working from an office, recognising the need for a more structured environment to handle clients effectively.
Despite these changes, Al Hamadi treasures the human connections forged along the way. “The impact of my work isn’t measured in the volume of transactions, but in the affection shown by those who benefited from my advice, and who often return years later to express their gratitude.”
A Family Legacy
The values imparted by Al Hamadi have transcended generations, with his son Khalid learning the trade by his side. Khalid has worked in real estate alongside his official employment and has now dedicated himself to this profession full-time following retirement. He acknowledges the invaluable lessons gleaned from his father’s decades of experience, regarding trust, responsibility, and interpersonal skills as his guiding principles.
The family’s legacy continues with his grandchildren. Ten-year-old Sultan intends to build a successful future influenced by his father’s and grandfather’s experiences, with a possibility of entering real estate. Meanwhile, his other grandson, Majid, harbours dreams of becoming a pilot but is open to dabbling in real estate should time allow—demonstrating the family’s ongoing connection to the profession, despite varying individual ambitions.
The Essence of Trust
Reflecting on his more than five decades in the industry, Al Hamadi emphasizes that integrity and sincerity are inseparable from the essence of real estate. “People remember not just the deals, but how they were treated during the process, the honesty of the dallal’s advice, and the support offered during challenging times,” he explains. He has always encouraged his children to cultivate diverse skills, reinforcing the notion that being a dallal does not limit one’s professional opportunities in fields like engineering or other sectors.
A Message to Future Generations
Hajji Yusuf Al Hamadi leaves a powerful message for his children, grandchildren, and the youth of today: “The continuity of the real estate profession does not solely rely on modern tools, but fundamentally on the values that underpin it. My message to the younger generation is to nurture trust with others and support each other towards greater success.”
As this seasoned dallal continues to guide others in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, his story remains a poignant reminder of the significance of relationships and integrity in every transaction.