When the world came to a standstill in 2020, many were left questioning their next move. But for Nabeel Hammudeh, what began as a season of setbacks evolved into one of the most transformative chapters of his life. Today, he stands as the Co-founder and Managing Director of Joya Properties, a boutique real estate agency redefining the luxury experience in Dubai. His story is not one of overnight success, but of unwavering resilience, strategic growth, and relentless determination.
Born for Reinvention
Born in Kuwait and originally of Palestinian descent, Nabeel Hammudeh grew up with a strong foundation rooted in perseverance, community, and grit. In 2009, he moved to Dubai—a city known for bold dreams and relentless ambition. For over 15 years, he navigated its ever-evolving landscape, driven by an innate curiosity and a hunger for personal growth.
But nothing could have prepared him for what was to come during the pandemic.
In 2020, Nabeel was among the 6,000 employees made redundant due to widespread economic disruption. The news hit at a time when he was still recovering from a serious leg injury, which had left him in a cast for seven months. As if that weren’t enough, the loss of his father to COVID-19 would follow shortly after.
“It was a storm of pain, both physically and emotionally,” Nabeel recalls. “Losing my father while struggling to even walk or find work—it broke me in ways I can’t fully describe.”
Finding Purpose in Uncertainty
After months of healing, both mentally and physically, Nabeel attempted to return to conventional work. He joined back-to-back 9-to-6 jobs in marketing and sales, but something never felt right.
“I realized quickly that I wasn’t built for a desk,” he says. “I needed something that allowed me to move, engage with people, and build something on my own terms.”
With few options at the time, he decided to try his hand in real estate—more as a way to stay active than out of long-term interest. But that decision would become the turning point of his life.
The Real Estate Climb
Starting with a small agency, Nabeel threw himself into learning the ropes of Dubai’s property market. He studied trends, walked neighborhoods, and learned how to truly understand client needs. Though the opportunities at his first job were limited, his hunger to grow never waned.
His curiosity about off-plan sales led him to switch to a second company, where he gained more insights into the fast-paced dynamics of Dubai’s secondary market. But it was his third move—to one of the UAE’s leading real estate firms—that truly allowed him to shine.
In under two years, he moved up from Property Advisor to Consultant and then to Team Leader, managing a team of 15 agents. He was ranked #5 out of over 600 agents, and his team consistently outperformed expectations.
“It wasn’t just about sales,” he shares. “It was about learning to listen, guide, and deliver real results for people trusting you with life-changing decisions.”
Building a Boutique Dream: Joya Properties
In September 2024, equipped with years of frontline experience and a bold vision, Nabeel made the decision to start his own agency. By January 2025, Joya Properties officially opened its doors.
Unlike traditional agencies focused on volume and quick wins, Joya Properties was built on the principle of quality over quantity. It offers a bespoke real estate experience designed for discerning clients—investors, end-users, and families—who value integrity, professionalism, and personal attention.
“Joya is about doing things differently,” Nabeel explains. “We don’t just sell properties—we guide people through meaningful investments, curated to their goals.”
Specializing in luxury off-plan investments, high-end resale properties, and select rental portfolios, Joya Properties caters to a refined segment of the market. What sets them apart is their commitment to deep client relationships and long-term advisory, rather than transactional turnover.
The Man Behind the Vision
Outside of his professional life, Nabeel is known for his love of fitness. Gym workouts are part of his daily routine—not for vanity, but for discipline and mental clarity. It’s a non-negotiable part of his lifestyle, a space where he finds balance.
Those who work closely with him often describe Nabeel as someone remarkably consistent and positive—traits that helped him navigate both personal loss and professional challenges. Even in the face of redundancy and grief, he stayed focused on what could be, rather than what was lost.
“People don’t see the quiet discipline,” he says. “They see the success. But it’s the hours no one talks about—at the gym, planning at night, reviewing market data—that build the foundation.”
His Palestinian roots and upbringing in Kuwait have also shaped his values deeply—instilling in him a sense of community, resilience, and strategic patience.
Looking Forward
Today, Joya Properties is quietly becoming a trusted name in Dubai’s real estate scene. From waterfront residences to strategic off-plan launches, the agency continues to grow through word-of-mouth referrals, repeat clients, and investor trust.
But Nabeel isn’t rushing. His focus is on building legacy, not noise.
“I want Joya Properties to be the agency known for delivering on its word, caring about its clients, and setting a new standard for luxury service in the city,” he says.
As for advice to others struggling through adversity?
“Don’t wait for the perfect plan,” Nabeel advises. “Start where you are. One step at a time. Your consistency will open doors your fear never will.”