Valley of Opportunities
Everyone can find their own "tuimaada" — a fertile valley of opportunities, an anchor point in life. Whether in Yakutia, on the shores of the Gulf, or somewhere entirely unexpected. The key is recognising your chance and taking that first step. In the world of property, success isn't measured solely in figures, but in the ability to spot potential where others see none. The story of Evgeniia Vinokurova, founder of Tuimaada Real Estate, demonstrates how determination and strategic thinking can transform the dream of homeownership into an international enterprise.
I grew up in a tiny Yakut village of just 700 souls. My parents led a simple life — mother kept house whilst father worked as a horse breeder. Our family constantly discussed buying a flat in Yakutsk, but that dream was perpetually deferred to the following year.
As a child, I was struck by a school friend's story. Her parents had spent their entire proceeds from selling livestock on a Zhiguli car for 18,000 roubles (≈ $3,000 in 1983), rather than property. At the time, 20,000 (≈ $3,300 in 1983) would have bought a one-bedroom flat in Yakutsk. The car lasted a year before breaking down, whilst the family continued drifting between rented rooms. That incident shaped my investment philosophy for life. Even as a second-year pupil, I was beginning to grasp the value of property.
After school, I had to forge my own path. My first job proved psychologically gruelling — a cleaner at a bank. At eighteen, watching peers in fashionable clothes serve customers whilst you mop floors isn't easy. But it was there I made myself a promise: to find my way to financial independence.
After my first year at university, I found work as a merchandiser, then fate took an unexpected turn when I landed a position as a taxi dispatcher. I discovered I had a phenomenal memory for numbers and lightning-fast reflexes. I processed up to 250 orders during the morning rush hour. On particularly busy days, I earned up to 20,000 roubles (≈ $715 in 2003). For comparison, a regional minister made about 40,000 (≈ $1,430 in 2003) monthly. That's when I began immersing myself in banking schemes, understanding mortgage structures and financial instruments.
In my fifth year at university, I made what many considered a reckless decision — taking out a mortgage at 17% annual interest for twenty years. "You'll be slaving away your whole life," they warned. But my instincts proved right: the flat, costing 1,779,000 (≈ $59,300 in 2010) roubles, was paid off within two years. I economised on everything, channelling every kopeck towards the loan.
That first flat became more than just accommodation. It unlocked opportunities, becoming the foundation of my future. When you have your own home, you gain not just a roof over your head, but freedom of choice. Once I'd mastered mortgage programmes, I began helping relatives with loan applications, then acquaintances. This developed into a deep understanding of the property market.
After university, I decided to become an independent estate agent and struck gold. Thanks to my reputation for reliability, my first month brought an incredible 700,000 (≈ $11,700 in 2015) roubles. I've never earned less since.
One client brought three more; three clients brought nine. I knew every building in the city — the year of construction, materials, wall thickness. If I saw a panel building with thin walls, I wouldn't even suggest it to clients. Only reinforced concrete structures — reliability above all.
The company's name "Tuimaada" has deep roots in Yakut culture. You'll find the word everywhere: from the airport and stadium to shop chains and the local bank. Tuimaada is the name of the valley where Yakutsk sits.
For me, it's more than geography, it's a symbol of possibility, where everyone can find their place. After all, what is home? It's the starting point, the beginning of everything. The place we leave as we grow up and return to for strength. Homes are centres of gravity, offering peace amidst endless journeys, symbols of stability in a changing world.
Yakutia breeds strong, remarkable people. It's sacred, powerful land. I'm from there, and I need to return periodically to recharge. Even after going international, maintaining that connection to my roots remains vital.
There was a period when we organised roadshows with banks across various Yakutian settlements. My personal record stands at 192 flats sold in a single day. Queues formed at the developer's office; people were buying flats like loaves of bread.
I helped people find their centres of gravity, places from which they could begin their journey to financial independence. For many, it was the first step towards creating a legacy for future generations.
As the business grew, I realised the Yakutian market was becoming too small. I frequently flew to Moscow, not for leisure, but to expand my professional horizons. Moving to Moscow wasn't straightforward — the capital didn't accept me immediately, requiring time to adapt. But thanks to professionalism and banking connections, I began working with prestigious clients, including well-known media personalities.
I'd assumed our entrepreneurs had long since acquired Moscow properties, but surprisingly, they lacked the confidence, resolve, or even intention. We developed the slogan: "Moscow is near, Moscow is accessible," and mass purchases followed. Astonishingly, many A-list celebrities didn't own Moscow property then. They received cash fees and couldn't verify income for mortgages. I found schemes, negotiated with banks and it was a revelation for clients.
We began shifting this mindset, demonstrating Moscow's accessibility. In a week in Yakutsk, we could sell up to 250 flats. Simultaneously, I entered the premium segment, selling expensive properties in Moscow to foreign investors, including Chinese buyers, choosing projects with evident potential.
Over the years, I've witnessed countless sad examples of successful, high-earning individuals ending up with nothing. Famous performers lost millions by not investing in property. I know stars still renting, though during their heyday they could have bought a Moscow flat with one concert's earnings.
These stories confirmed my chosen path. Property isn't merely shelter, but a financial instrument working for you even whilst you sleep, generating passive income, protecting against inflation, and providing stability in any economic conditions.
My philosophy differed from competitors': I share Tuimaada Real Estate's philosophy: "It's not what we earn that matters, but what we preserve." This principle underlies all my investment decisions.
The next pivotal step came after my Skolkovo training. My dissertation involved securing an international contract, and I chose Dubai, a destination I'd previously viewed sceptically. How wrong I was.
I'd been sceptical about Dubai until 2016, preferring US investments. In my perception, it was just a Muslim country. However, after reassessing the situation and studying the market more deeply, I decided to invest personally. The results exceeded all expectations.
When we entered the Dubai market, success was staggering. In the first week, we sold 49 luxury flats. Two years ago, we held exclusive private sales of premium properties. In one day, solely by telephone, we sold 173 flats priced from $350,000-400,000.
What distinguishes me and Tuimaada Real Estate in the Dubai market isn't just sales volume but deep market understanding. I've devoted my life to property, and it's not merely a way to earn money but my life's work. Unlike many brokers who came to Dubai for quick money, especially after the geopolitical situation became complicated, I see long-term prospects and study global trends.
Our profession demands complete dedication. A broker is first and foremost a service provider; you must always be available. You can't afford not to answer the phone, be ill, or be unreachable. A client has entrusted you with their money, and you bear responsibility. Dubai had about 3,000 brokerage companies; now there are roughly 1,200-1,300. Many went bankrupt, unable to withstand competition or understand the business essence.
"People need people" — this principle became Tuimaada Real Estate's cornerstone. I require my brokers to sell as if offering properties to their own mothers. This creates a special atmosphere of trust and responsibility. We're not chasing one-off deals — our goal is to build lasting relationships where one satisfied client brings three new ones, who in turn bring nine more.
We don't sell square metres but create spaces for emotions, dreams, futures. Especially in Dubai, which attracts special, "ethereal" people — free spirits seeking growth. They might have worked thirty years to come to you with their dream, and you must match that and be approachable, happy, intelligent, and professional.
My approach to team selection considers not just professional skills, but human qualities. Envious, greedy people don't last in our sphere. Some brokers even envy their clients' success, which is absolutely unacceptable in our company. We rejoice when clients grow alongside us and take pride in their achievements.
I value stability and don't hire "butterflies" who change jobs every two years. Property is a field where reputation is built over years, and client trust is the most valuable asset. My Russian mobile number hasn't changed in twenty years, and clients who bought property a decade ago can always reach me. This creates trust that money can't buy.
Currently, I'm focused on promising locations. For the past two years, I've been actively investing in Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, where a casino is being built. The price growth is staggering: three years ago, one-bedroom flats sold for 420,000. Now they cost over 3 million.
Earlier this year, I was selling apartments in Elie Saab of 216 square metres — a luxury complex with private beach, walking distance from the casino. The price was around $780,000-800,000. Now a one-bedroom in this complex costs the same, and a two-bedroom over a million dollars. I've personally invested in this area, purchasing retail space of 6,300 square feet on the front line, with seven-metre ceilings.
I see enormous potential in Dubai South, the new airport district. The current Dubai airport handles 92.3 million passengers annually, whilst the new one is designed for 270 million — it'll be the world's largest hub! For comparison, Los Angeles airport handles 68 million, Sheremetyevo about the same. Three years ago, learning of construction plans, I purchased several townhouses for $280,000. Today they're worth 2.5 million dirhams.
This creates enormous potential for infrastructure development — shops, restaurants, accommodation for pilots, cabin crew, and service staff. An entire town is being built in this area with developed infrastructure, including schools. Prices here are still accessible: you can buy a one-bedroom flat for 700,000-800,000 dirhams, which is rare for Dubai. Such properties will be in constant demand, rentable to pilots or short-term tourists.
Many passengers transiting through Dubai prefer lengthy stopovers. I'm one of them. Flying from London to Dubai and on to Cape Town, for instance, I'd rather rest for twenty hours and continue the 10-12 hour flight refreshed. Such transit passengers will stay precisely in the new airport area, not wanting to visit the city centre and Burj Khalifa every time.
I also see great prospects in Ras Al Khaimah, where RAK Centre is being built — an analogue of DFC DubaiFinancialCentre, similar to Silicon Valley. It's a free economic zone creating 6,000 jobs for white-collar workers with only 4,000 flats being built. We're actively selling properties in this area, understanding its investor potential. RAK Centre will attract highly qualified specialists and create stable housing demand.
Abu Dhabi also presents enormous investment interest. My personal goal is to acquire 40 affordable flats in this emirate. Analysing global trends, I see great potential for tourism infrastructure development in Abu Dhabi, especially considering the Disneyland under construction. Unlike the American and Parisian Disneylands, which are already dated, the Arabian park will be ultra-modern and unique.
The UAE's geographical position makes it an ideal hub — you can fly here from virtually anywhere in the world exceptSouthAmerica in eight hours. Moreover, unlike the US or Europe, there are no visa restrictions for most countries, ensuring a constant tourist flow. As parents who've visited every Disneyland in the world, we understand that 10-20 minutes' distance to attractions isn't a problem. People will fly from other continents to visit this unique park.
It's worth noting that America is now investing $1.4 trillion in an Abu Dhabi data centre, confirming the region's long-term prospects. We don't just sell property — we offer participation in global processes and the opportunity to be part of a rapidly developing market.
Each district represents a new "tuimaada," a valley of opportunities where people can find their anchors. Because property is about creating spaces where memories form, children grow, and futures are planned.
I view promising locations from a global perspective. I don't limit myself to studying just Dubai, like many local brokers. In every country I visit, I first investigate the property market: "How much does it cost? Which website to use for searches? What are the prospects?" I recently visited Cape Town specifically to study the local market and plan similar trips to Australia and New Zealand.
I analyse Hong Kong, London, New York, Los Angeles, and understand where Dubai fits in this coordinate system. This helps spot potential which others miss. This global perspective allows me to better understand trends and see opportunities unavailable to those confined to one market.
Now many clients wonder: hasn't the Dubai market reached its peak? I reply that in some locations prices are indeed close to their ceiling, but Dubai has over 200 districts, and growth prospects remain. It's important to understand that the investor profile has changed: today people buy property to preserve capital with the possibility of resale or rental, not for quick speculation on the "buy-sell" model.
In the context of global instability, Dubai remains an island of stability and predictability. There are clear rules, transparent legislation, no personal income tax or capital gains tax. The Emirates government consistently creates conditions to attract investment and talent from worldwide.
My journey wasn't straightforward. At one point, I juggled nine mortgages simultaneously, including four active loans and three payment plans. Of 5,000,000 roubles (≈ $83,000 in 2015) earned, 4,900,000 (≈ $81,700 in 2015) went on debt repayments. We slept on just a mattress, lived without a kitchen for years, but never economised on travel or property. Creating a solid foundation for the future mattered more than immediate comfort.
I was like an addict, only my drug was square metres. I didn't buy my first designer handbag until I was twenty-nine — all spare funds went into property. This strategy completely justified itself and became the foundation of wealth.
To those just beginning to invest, I'd recommend evaluating not just current yield but long-term prospects. If a client comes to me with 200,000 hoping to get 250,000 in two years, I honestly explain that in current conditions this is unrealistic. At best, you can expect a $20,000 increase, as prices in many residential areas have already peaked.
However, I always emphasise that the Dubai market will continue growing overall. Even if 80% of districts stabilise, the general dynamic will remain positive. Property is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes it's better to wait for the right moment than chase quick profit.
Working with clients, I pay special attention to studying their needs and goals. Some buy property for personal use, others for investment. Either way, the key question is: who will be the end user? If it's an investment for rental, you need a clear picture of the tenant. Not everyone will live in central Dubai or work there. It's important to select a property that will be in demand on the rental market.
I recommend investors pay attention to centres of attraction — places that will become growth points in the future. The new airport, Disneyland in Abu Dhabi, RAK Centre — all create powerful stimuli for developing surrounding territories. Property near such facilities will steadily increase in value and enjoy constant tenant demand.
Many ask why they should work with a broker rather than directly with a developer. The answer is simple: developers don't provide client support after sale. They have thousands of clients and physically can't give each sufficient attention. The sales department has done its job — and that's it, no further support. A broker accompanies the client at all stages and is interested in long-term relationships.
I'm proud to have created a Russian-speaking investor community in Dubai. Previously, people were afraid to invest in the UAE, fearing it was land lease, not full ownership. We explained the specifics of freezones, where foreign citizens have the right to buy property and pass it on as inheritance. Now this fear has practically disappeared, and we see growing interest in Emirates investments.
Looking back, I understand every stage was necessary. I always strived for development, so alongside full-time education I pursued a second degree part-time. Such activity and a wide social circle helped form an extensive network that became the foundation for future business. I was used to bringing people together, gathering different groups so no one felt left out. This community-building skill proved invaluable working with investors.
Over the years, I've formed several key principles helping me stay at the market's forefront. First — continuous learning. Property, especially international, is a complex field requiring knowledge in law, finance, architecture, and urban planning. I never stop learning, attending professional conferences, studying new trends.
The second principle — honesty with clients. I always explain real prospects and risks, even if it might lead to deal rejection. Better to lose commission today than reputation tomorrow. If a property doesn't suit a client or has drawbacks, I say so directly. Long-term, this approach pays off many times over — satisfied clients return themselves and bring new ones.
The third principle — deep immersion in each project's specifics. I know everything about developers I work with: their history, completed projects, financial position, market reputation. This allows me to offer clients only reliable investments.
The fourth principle — a unique approach to each client. Property isn't a conveyor belt where template solutions apply. Every investor has their own goals, capabilities, time horizon, and risk tolerance. My task is to understand these parameters and offer an optimal solution that works specifically for this person.
And finally, the fifth principle — systems thinking. I never consider an isolated deal in isolation, always seeing it as part of the bigger picture — the client's strategy, district development, overall market dynamics. This allows decisions that remain correct even years later.
These principles formed Tuimaada Real Estate's philosophy and helped us earn the trust of hundreds of clients worldwide. We don't just sell property, we create opportunities for people to change their lives for the better, secure their children's future, and achieve financial freedom.
I always tell new brokers: "You're not selling flats, you're selling emotions, dreams, futures." This comprehensive approach to client service and deep market understanding distinguish us from competitors who focus solely on transactions.
Working with clients, I always try to convey this understanding, show long-term prospects, and teach strategic thinking. Property isn't a game but a serious tool for creating and preserving wealth for future generations.
My investment strategy always includes diversification and a global worldview. Investment diversification is an important strategy element, especially given global instability. Geographic asset distribution reduces risks and opens new horizons for capital growth.
For me, Tuimaada Real Estate isn't just business, it's a mission. The greatest reward is seeing lives transformed through smart property investment. I'm proud that many of our clients started with small investments and gradually built serious portfolios providing passive income and financial independence. Some no longer work for employers, living off rental payments and able to devote time to family, travel, and self-development.
When a client who started with a modest studio can afford not to work after several years, living on passive rental income — that's true success. Seeing such transformations is the best reward for me as a professional.
Tuimaada Real Estate continues to grow and develop. We're not limited to one direction and constantly seek new promising investment locations. My experience shows the most profitable investments are made ahead of the curve, when the market hasn't yet fully appreciated a territory's potential.
Currently our company is actively developing in the Dubai market, expanding into new segments and territories. Every successful project isn't just commercial gain but contribution to territorial development. When I sell flats in a new district, I understand I'm participating in creating community, infrastructure, new opportunities for people. This gives special satisfaction and a sense of involvement in something greater than just business.
My personal investment experience confirms the effectiveness of long-term property investment strategy. I started small, often not having even a thousand roubles spare. But I always found a way — borrowing from friends, selling something, demanding debt repayment. Step by step, I built my wealth, sometimes buying two flats simultaneously. I firmly believe everyone can achieve financial independence through property investment if willing to work for the future.
Our clients are partners with whom we grow together. I proudly watch people who started with small investments gradually expand their portfolios and achieve financial independence. There's no greater reward than seeing your recommendations change lives for the better.
In this business there are no small details — everything matters, from the first phone call to receiving keys and subsequent support. This philosophy makes Tuimaada Real Estate not merely a brokerage company but a partner in achieving life goals, and I'm proud of the opportunity to make positive changes in people's lives through what I love and know best — property.
