TryBeforeDubaiHonest answers
No spin. Here's exactly how this works, how we make money, and where the data stands today.
Is it really free to find my area?
Yes. The questionnaire, your ranked area match and the cost calculator are free. You only pay if you want the deeper premium report — generated instantly from your answers.
How do you make money if you're not an agent?
Three ways, all disclosed: paid reports (AED 499) and full-service relocations; fixed, published referral fees if you ask us to introduce you to a licensed broker, school or relocation partner; and, later, business contracts with employers relocating staff. Referral fees are the same whoever you choose and never change the recommendations our engine produces — that independence is the whole point.
Are you a real estate brokerage?
No. We don't list, advertise or broker property, and we don't take a cut of any deal. We help you decide where to live, then point you to licensed professionals if you want them. That's exactly why we can tell you where NOT to live — a portal or agent never will.
Is the data verified?
Our core data is sourced and dated: typical rents from the Dubai Land Department's registered-contract index, school ratings, curricula and locations from the KHDA register, and area access scores (Metro, beach, mall, schools, green space) measured from OpenStreetMap. The subjective fit scores and some building-level details are our editorial model — and we label them as such. Every record carries a verification badge so you always know what's sourced versus estimated.
What do I get for AED 499?
Your full personalised report: a side-by-side first-year cost comparison across your top five areas, every area ranked for your profile, an honest risk register (what won't work for you, not just what will), a 90-day move plan, agent questions tailored to your answers, and your shortlist on the map — printable as a PDF. It also unlocks the Decision Suite tools (Find my School, True Cost, Commute optimiser, Relocation planner), each prefilled from your answers. Generated instantly when you order; it lives on a private link we also email you.
What if the report isn't useful — can I get a refund?
Yes. If your report doesn't show you at least one thing that changes your shortlist or saves you money, email us within 7 days and we'll refund the full AED 499. Payment is by card through Stripe, and the money-back guarantee is set out in the Refunds section of our terms.
How is this different from Bayut or Property Finder?
Those are listing portals — they earn when you contact an agent, so everything funnels toward 'enquire now' and you'll never see an honest downside. We sit one level above the listings: we tell you which community fits your life and what it truly costs, then you go to the portals to find the actual unit.
How is this different from just asking ChatGPT?
A general AI gives a sensible but generic answer. We score every Dubai community against your weighted priorities, give you a real first-year AED number for your exact household, name the deal-breakers that rule places out, and back it with sourced data — DLD rents, KHDA schools and measured area access — a chatbot doesn't have.
Do you guarantee the recommendations?
No — it's decision support, not professional advice. The sourced data (rents, schools, area access) is a strong, honest starting point; treat the fit scores and cost estimates as guidance, and confirm specifics with licensed professionals before you sign anything.
How fast will you reply to an enquiry?
We aim to reply by email and WhatsApp within one business day.
What happens to my data?
Your questionnaire answers stay in your browser unless you submit an enquiry or buy a report. If you buy, we save your answers with your order so we can generate and host your report; payments run through Stripe and we never see your card number. See our privacy policy for the full picture and your rights.