In the heart of Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline, one name continues to disrupt and redefine the real estate industry: Anthony Joseph Abou-Jaoude—better known as AJ. As the founder of Disruptive Real Estate, The AJ Brothers, Anthony Joseph Consultancy, and the Take Charge Real Estate Academy, AJ is a powerhouse of innovation, strategy, and mentorship. He is also the host of Dubai Stars and The AJ Podcast, and the author of two Amazon bestselling books, Take Charge and Take Action. With over 7 billion AED in closed real estate sales, AJ’s journey from Lebanon to the UAE is a masterclass in perseverance and bold leadership.
AJ is more than just a real estate investor and entrepreneur; he is a self-made leader, mentor, podcast host, and bestselling author. With roots that trace back to Lebanon and a bold journey that brought him to the United Arab Emirates with only $500 in his pocket, AJ’s rise to success is as inspiring as it is instructive. Today, he is the founder of Disruptive Real Estate, AJ Brothers, Anthony Joseph Consultancy, and the Take Charge Real Estate Academy, a powerful combination of platforms that reflect his mission to elevate real estate standards and empower future leaders in the industry.
His story is a modern-day testament to resilience, smart strategy, and unshakable belief. But as AJ often says, “Challenges are opportunities for growth; resilience and innovation are key to thriving in a dynamic market.” That mindset has guided him through every phase of his career—from founding a real estate company in Lebanon, to becoming one of the top brokers in Dubai, to closing over 7 billion AED in sales and helping others do the same.
AJ’s journey began in 2008, when he founded MRE961, his own real estate company in Lebanon. For five years, he worked hard to establish a presence in a challenging local market. But in 2014, with dreams too big to be confined by borders, he relocated to Dubai—armed with little more than ambition, courage, and a burning desire to make an impact. His deep expertise in off-plan investments and strategic real estate solutions quickly earned him recognition in Dubai’s competitive landscape.
AJ is a firm believer in offering holistic, high-quality real estate solutions. His portfolio of services includes everything from property management and real estate education to consulting, media, and branding. His ability to adapt and diversify has played a major role in his professional ascent.
But perhaps his most transformative role is as an educator and thought leader. Through the Take Charge Real Estate Academy, he has mentored hundreds of aspiring real estate professionals, equipping them with the tools to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. “True leadership is about setting new standards and continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of our clients and students,” he says—a principle that underpins his work across all ventures.
The disruption brought by COVID-19 created uncertainty across the industry, but AJ doubled down. He introduced agile, investor-first strategies and expanded his consulting offerings. This pivot not only ensured the continuity of his ventures but helped many others stabilize their own portfolios and businesses. His growth during this period marked a turning point—from real estate expert to one of the sector’s most trusted mentors.
AJ’s success isn’t just measured by numbers. It’s reflected in the way he builds businesses—with culture, integrity, and vision. Whether mentoring a team or advising high-net-worth clients, his ethos remains clear: empower others and deliver results. “Success isn’t just about profit—it’s about purpose, people, and pushing boundaries every day,” AJ explains. That ethos has built a loyal community around his brand and educational platforms.
His achievements have not gone unnoticed. AJ has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Top Broker in Dubai since 2018 and the prestigious Emaar Top Sales Award in 2020. Media outlets such as Forbes, Khaleej Times, Disrupt Magazine, Digital Journal, IBT Times, and the NYC Journal have all featured his work, celebrating both his entrepreneurial insight and his commitment to excellence.
Yet AJ remains grounded, consistently focused on learning and evolving. His bestselling books, Take Charge and Take Action, encapsulate his philosophy: stay agile, stay committed, and never stop pushing. Through these titles, he shares candid insights into Dubai’s competitive real estate market, offering readers strategies for leadership, growth, and perseverance.
Beyond books, AJ’s passion for mentorship and storytelling shines in his media ventures. As host of Dubai Stars and The AJ Podcast, he highlights the stories of extraordinary individuals—many of whom started with little and built their own success. Each episode reinforces his belief in grit, discipline, and hustle.
“Mistakes are lessons in disguise,” AJ often tells his mentees. And few know this better than he does. His own path has been filled with setbacks and detours, yet each has only made him stronger, smarter, and more driven.
Looking ahead, AJ’s focus is on expanding his impact globally. His strategic vision includes scaling Disruptive Real Estate into new markets, evolving his academy with digital-first education, and using media to reshape narratives in the industry. He’s not just building businesses—he’s building a movement of empowered leaders and ethical investors.
At the same time, AJ hasn’t lost sight of the bigger picture. He actively supports social causes and believes that corporate responsibility is just as important as business success. “Success isn’t just about profit—it’s about purpose, people, and pushing boundaries every day,” he reminds us. This belief is woven into every part of his business, from employee welfare to community initiatives.
In a fast-changing industry where trends come and go, AJ’s ability to remain consistent, committed, and visionary sets him apart. His story—from a young man in Lebanon to a leading voice in Dubai’s real estate scene—is more than just a tale of success. It’s a blueprint for anyone who dares to dream big and work tirelessly to turn that dream into reality.
“True leadership is about setting new standards and continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” AJ says. And if his journey so far is any indication, he’s just getting started. With a firm foundation, a clear vision, and a relentless drive to innovate, Anthony Joseph Abou-Jaoude is not only shaping the future of real estate in Dubai—he’s setting the stage for global transformation.
