A PROPERTY TIME EXCLUSIVE WITH MOHAMMAD MOUSA, CEO OF INNOVATION EXPERTS REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE (IEREI) BY BINESH BABU PANICKER
In this special interview with PROPERTY TIME, Mohammad Mousa explains why professional education matters in Dubai’s booming property market, how IEREI was formed after the Dubai Real Estate Institute changes, what the institute offers, and why he advocates stronger licensing, ethics, and continuous learning for agents.
Please take us through your journey so far
I moved to Dubai in 2004 after studying banking and finance, worked in accounting, and joined the Dubai Land Department’s training arm (Dubai Real Estate Institute) in 2009, handling finance. After the government restructured DREI at the end of 2020, I and colleagues launched IEREI in January 2021 to continue accredited real estate training.
What is IEREI’s legal and regulatory status?
IEREI is a private training institute authorised to deliver real estate education in Dubai. Its programs align with the regulatory framework for real estate licensing and the institute operates under the required education and training approvals for private providers.
Who should take your courses?
Courses are designed for newcomers, licensed agents seeking professional development, developer sales teams, corporate real estate staff, and specialists such as property managers and valuers. Programs range from licensing preparation to advanced specialist tracks.
Is the licensing exam still mandatory and what role do your courses play?
The licensing exam for brokerage remains mandatory. IEREI’s licensing course prepares candidates thoroughly so they can pass the exam and work ethically and confidently in the market. Many other courses are attendance-based and do not require an exam.
What core subjects do you teach?
Core topics include Dubai real estate law and regulations, transaction procedures, contract forms (agent and buyer forms), ethics, sales techniques, property management, valuation, community management, and practical use of AI in real estate.
Should training and refresher courses be mandatory again?
I strongly advocate mandatory, ongoing education and periodic refresher requirements to professionalise the sector, reduce misinformation, and protect consumers. Standards were tighter when training was compulsory, and the market benefited.
Has the number of licensed agents changed since training was decentralised?
Yes. Around 6–8,000 licensed agents were active before 2020. By 2025, the number has surged past 30,000, reflecting easier access to licensing and a need for stronger continuous education and oversight.
How does IEREI ensure quality of instructors and content?
We select experienced market professionals and subject-matter experts as instructors, prioritising practical experience, reputation, and the ability to share real-world case studies rather than theoretical-only teaching.
Are your courses affordable and accessible?
Affordability is key. We offer payment options including installments to widen access for newcomers and those changing careers, while covering operational costs and maintaining quality.
Do you partner with brokerages?
Yes. IEREI has partnerships with many brokerage firms for staff training. Some companies require training for new hires while others recommend it. We continue to expand corporate agreements to raise industry standards.
How do you address unethical marketing and social media claims?
We teach ethical marketing, compliance with advertising rules, and the importance of licensing verification. I support measures that require permits or QR verification for public advertising to curb misleading claims.
What specialisations do you offer beyond brokerage?
Specialisations include property management, valuation, community management, and advanced technical courses that help professionals become recognised experts in niche fields.
What’s next for IEREI and the market?
We’ll continue expanding accredited programs, deepening industry partnerships, promoting continuous professional development, and advocating for clearer, enforceable standards so certification becomes a market differentiator and a mark of trust.
