Mortgage Specialist · FAB · Dubai

The right mortgageisn’t found.It’s structured.

For business owners, landlords, investors and high-value buyers whose numbers don’t fit a standard form. I read your profile the way a lender will, then position it before it is ever submitted.

WhatsApp me your caseWhat can I borrow?

Recommended by clients at TAQA, CHANEL, Palo Alto Networks and more

Zahrany Zawahir, Mortgage Specialist at First Abu Dhabi Bank

Zahrany Zawahir

Mortgage Specialist, First Abu Dhabi Bank

FAB ranking

#1

Mortgage Specialist in 2024 and again in 2025

Closed in 2025

AED 185.7M

Approach
“Closing isn’t a thing. It’s an aggregation of multiple things done extremely well.”

I’ve spent over twelve years in UAE mortgages, most of them at First Abu Dhabi Bank. The work is connecting the problem with the solution: talking through obstacles early, setting honest expectations, and positioning the right package.

Lenders don’t read ambition, they read risk. So I review your income, liabilities and credit exposure the way a credit team will, and fix what they would question before your file ever reaches them.

Clients tell me what they value is honesty over a hard sell. That is the standard I keep.

  • Mortgage Specialist, First Abu Dhabi Bank

    #1 in 2024 and 2025 · #2 and Top 3 PAN UAE in 2023

  • Master's in Financial Economics

    The academic side of reading risk

  • Clients who stay for years

    Refinance, equity release, the next purchase

  • Residential, Dubai and the UAE

    Villas, apartments, off-plan handovers

Mortgages sold

AED 3Bn

Across first homes, portfolios and single cases as large as a AED 30M villa.

DLD transactions

1,000+

Years in UAE mortgages

12+

Ranked at FAB

#1, twice

Mortgage Sales 2024 (212% of target) and Mortgage Specialist 2025.

Cases like yours

Built for the profile a standard form can’t read.

Most of my work starts where a standard application stalls: variable income, several loans, rental income that doesn’t count, or a figure that simply comes back too low.

Real earnings → lendable earnings

Self-employed & business owners

Normalising financials, identifying eligible add-backs, restructuring liabilities and matching you with lenders experienced in self-employed servicing.

From a recent case

  1. 01

    The file

    A profitable business with strong revenue. The borrowing figure came back far below expectations.

  2. 02

    The gap

    Real earnings and lendable earnings were worlds apart. Income wasn't the problem, structure was.

  3. 03

    The fix

    Normalised financials, eligible add-backs, restructured liabilities, the right lender. Approved.

Build a portfolio, not a property

Investors & landlords

DSCR planning, multi-loan strategy and leverage kept in a range that keeps your next acquisition possible.

Banks cap debt-service coverage, and short-term rental income often doesn’t count at all. Planning around both is the job.

Single villa

AED 30M

High-value & villa financing

Complex, high-value cases where positioning the right package is everything.

Unlock appreciation, keep the asset

Equity release & refinance

Turn unrealised gains into liquidity without selling, or refinance to a better rate and structure.

Plan months before completion

Off-plan handover

Finance the handover balance strategically and preserve liquidity for your next move.

Urgent? Handled.

Mortgage transfers

Time-critical mortgage transfers, coordinated end-to-end and closed in good time.

Pre-approval in 24 hours

Salaried professionals

Clean profile, fast answer. Salaried clients can have a mortgage pre-approval within 24 hours.

From zero to keys

First-time buyers

A complete document checklist on day one, every step explained, and honest advice on what you can comfortably afford, not just what a bank will lend.

Not sure where you fit? Describe it in a message and I’ll tell you honestly what’s possible.

WhatsApp me your case
Plan with clarity

Think like a lender.

Your borrowing capacity isn’t fixed. It’s structured. Model your payment, day-one cash and debt burden the way a bank will read them.

AED 2,500,000
20% · AED 500K

Minimum 20% for a first expat purchase at this price.

4.25%
25 years

Estimated monthly payment

AED 10,835

Loan AED 2,000,000 · LTV 80% · 25 years

Principal Interest
AED 2MAED 1.25M interest

Lower payments can cost more. At 20 years you’d pay AED 1,550 more per month and save AED 278,103 in interest.

Day-one cash needed

AED 666K

Down payment plus estimated fees

  • DLD transfer fee (4%)100,580
  • Mortgage registration (0.25%)5,290
  • Agency fee (2% + VAT)52,500
  • Trustee & title deed4,780
  • Valuation3,150

An estimate, not an offer. Based on UAE Central Bank loan-to-value and 50% debt-burden limits and typical Dubai transfer costs. Real figures depend on bank credit approval, which is exactly what I check for you.

or send them straight to WhatsApp
Client stories

Eight years. Multiple properties.

Real clients and colleagues, in their own words, taken from the recommendations they wrote.

The view from Natasha's Dubai home across the marina at sunset

“This is my home, my happy place!”

Natasha HatherollClient for eight years
The secret? Finding the right person. Eight years ago I found mine.

I get asked a lot about how I navigated getting on the property ladder here especially as a self-employed business owner, because let's be honest, the mortgage process when you run your own business can feel impossibly complicated.

Zahrany has been with me through every step since: multiple properties, multiple moves, the kind of relationship where you know you're always going to get honesty over a hard sell.

There is zero affiliation here. No kickback. No arrangement. This is purely, hand on heart, one of the best genuine recommendations I can make. He has helped me personally and so many of my friends make it happen here in Dubai. Self-employed, salaried, first time buyer, upgrading, he handles it all and makes the whole process feel genuinely manageable.

Promise, no faff, no hard sell, just a brilliant human who knows what he is doing.

Natasha Hatheroll · Self-employed business owner · client for eight years

Swipe for more recommendations

“Persistence, professionalism, and commitment to getting the deal done.”

I had the pleasure of working with Zahrany on the refinancing of my property through an equity financing structure, which ultimately led to a successful closing. The process was long and complex, with a significant amount of documentation and coordination required throughout. Despite the challenges, Zahrany remained consistently supportive, responsive, and solution-oriented from start to finish. What I particularly appreciated was his persistence, professionalism, and commitment to getting the deal successfully completed, even when the process became particularly demanding. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and genuinely client-focused banker.
Guillaume PiraudGroup VP, FP&A & Performance Reporting · TAQA Water Solutions

“He got weeks-long approvals in a day.”

Zahrany's professionalism and desire to support his clients are beyond belief. He didn't stop at getting things done fast but he always went beyond his duty and made the impossible possible. He got weeks long approvals in a day, he was always available for answering questions and doubts and didn't stop in front of any challenge. I recommended him to my entire network because this level of professionalism is not common to find!
Francesco CavagnaDirettore Generale · Rand Electric

“The first time I've ever received a loan so quickly and effortlessly.”

I had a great experience working with Zahrany. He assisted me in obtaining a loan, and the entire process was incredibly smooth and professional. It was the first time I've ever received a loan so quickly and effortlessly. Zahrany guided me through every step, patiently answered all my questions, and provided valuable recommendations. I truly appreciate his professionalism and highly recommend him as a reliable and knowledgeable specialist.
OPOlga PetrovaProperty Consultant · Keller Williams Real Estate Dubai

“As a first-time buyer, it couldn't have been a more positive experience.”

As a first time buyer, my experience couldn't have been a more positive one. From the beginning Zahrany showed exemplary professionalism in handling my loan. He was straightforward and very helpful in explaining the process from start to finish. The communication, professionalism and efficiency throughout the whole process was above and beyond. We hit a few snags in the process but in the end I was able to get my dream home.
Mehri SadeghiManager · CHANEL Cosmetics & Fragrances

“A beacon of support and guidance throughout the entire process.”

Having faced challenges with my real estate broker, I found Zahrany to be a beacon of support and guidance throughout the entire mortgage process. He not only assisted with the financial aspect but also provided a comprehensive list of required documents and guided me through each step. His responsiveness and attention to detail played a key role in expediting the approval process and overcoming obstacles that arose during the transaction. His expertise, dedication, and client-centric approach make him a standout professional in the field.
Alina BurgonskayaMarketing Manager, MEA · Palo Alto Networks

“An urgent mortgage transfer, closed in good time.”

I needed help with an urgent mortgage transfer. Zahrany came across as professional and an expert in his area. He understood our predicament and was able to guide us to close the transaction in good time. Overall, it was a pleasure to work with him and he is surely an asset for FAB.
Ahsan AliChief Growth Officer · Kaizen Paint ME

“He finishes the job on the spot. You never have to ask twice.”

Zahrany is one of those people who will finish the job on the spot and you don't have to worry or ask him again. He will also find the solution for critical cases and help you to solve it. Excellent team spirit, cooperative, punctual and a problem solver. It was really a pleasure working with you and I wish you all the best.
Francesco CavagnaArea Operations Manager, Dubai & Sharjah · Planet

“A proven performer who moves from strategy to follow-through.”

A banking professional with extensive experience in marketing, business, credit assessment and process development. A proven performer who moves from vision and strategy to implementation and follow-through. Has extensive knowledge of retail banking products, assets and liabilities and structured loans while specialising in mortgage loans. A true asset to any organisation.
Shajir BarailSales Manager, Personal Loans · Invest Bank
Track record

Proof, on paper.

Rankings, volumes and certificates from First Abu Dhabi Bank. Year after year: more volume, the same standard.

Mortgage volume booked per yearAED millions · FAB Mortgage Sales+44% since 2023
0
50
100
150
200

2023

Top 3 · #2

2024

#1

2025

#1

Mortgage volume booked per year, AED millions
YearVolume (AED M)DealsRank
202312970+Top 3 · #2
2024164.186#1
2025185.781#1
01

AED 30M

Single-villa mortgage closed

02

212%

Of annual target, 2024

03

86

Mortgage deals closed, 2024

04

AED 15.26M

Most notable single mortgage, 2024

  1. 2025

    #1 Mortgage Specialist, again

    81 deal closures and AED 185.7M in mortgages closed, results that reflect discipline, long work hours and an unwavering commitment to getting things done.

  2. 2024

    Ranked #1 in Mortgage Sales at FAB

    86 mortgage deals and AED 164.1M booked, 212% of target. Most notable single mortgage: AED 15.26M.

  3. 2023

    Top 3 mortgage performer, PAN UAE

    Closed 70+ deals and entered FAB's 100Mn Club at 167% of target with AED 129M booked. Ranked #2 Mortgage Specialist.

  4. 2022

    Elite Mortgage Achievement

    Certificate of Recognition for outstanding performance in Q1 2022, FAB Elite Mortgage Sales.

Earned in the room.

Awards, certificates and year-end highlights. Select any image to view it full size.

The process

Six steps. One person on your case.

From the first conversation to the DLD transfer and beyond. You always know where your application stands and what happens next.

  1. 01

    Discovery

    A straight conversation about your goal (home, rental income or long-term growth), your timeline, and your full financial picture.

  2. 02Where cases are won

    Structure & position

    I review income, liabilities and credit exposure the way a lender will, then position your profile before it is ever submitted.

  3. 03

    Pre-approval

    A clear answer on what you can borrow (within 24 hours for salaried profiles), so you negotiate with certainty.

  4. 04

    Valuation & offer

    Valuation, final offer letter and every condition tracked. You always know what is happening and what comes next.

  5. 05

    Transfer at DLD

    Coordination with sellers, agents, trustees and developers through to the Dubai Land Department transfer and your keys.

  6. 06

    Beyond the keys

    Post-transaction support that continues after completion: refinancing, equity release and your next purchase, built on a long-term relationship.

Insights

How lenders actually think.

Straight talk on debt-to-income, structuring and the Dubai market, adapted from my articles and posts.

Article01

“When you approach a lender, you are thinking about opportunity.”

When you approach a lender, you are thinking about opportunity. The bank is thinking about risk. Understanding this gap is what separates smooth approvals from missed opportunities.

Article02

“One of the most common mistakes young people make is underestimating how early borrowing habits affect your long term profile.”

Early borrowing habits don't just manage cash flow. They build a financial identity. Lenders look at your history, not just your current income.

Fundamentals03

Lenders are not only interested in what you earn, but in how much of that income is already committed. Here's how the ranges really work.

Business owners04

Strong revenue does not automatically translate to strong borrowing power. For business owners, preparation and lender strategy make the difference.

Fundamentals

A short-term hold needs flexibility and low penalties. A long-term hold needs stability. Start with the exit. That's where the real strategy begins.

Investors06

Earning power alone doesn't guarantee approval. Banks evaluate affordability through debt-service coverage, and short-term rental income often doesn't count.

Investors

Concentrating all your capital in one asset increases exposure. Experienced investors finance strategically to preserve liquidity and expand over time.

Fundamentals

A longer tenor eases your monthly payment but increases total interest. Structure it around where you want to be in five or ten years.

Contact

Tell me about your case.

WhatsApp is quickest. Lay out the whole picture in one message and I reply with a considered answer, not a sales pitch.

I am
Looking for
Timeline

How you’re paid, what another bank offered (if anything), existing loans and card limits, and when you need to move.

Prefer email? Send the same message

Your details go straight into your own WhatsApp or email. Nothing is stored on this site.

Salaried? Pre-approval within 24 hours.

Mortgage Specialist, First Abu Dhabi Bank · Dubai, UAE