Despite Bahrain’s reputation for safety, female real estate agents face unique occupational risks. Karine Nalbandyan, founder of Master House Real Estate, is determined to raise awareness and drive change.
Over two decades ago, Karine left a thriving media career in Ukraine to start a new chapter in the Kingdom with her Bahraini husband. As a former TV journalist and producer for Ukraine’s national channel, she also ran a successful family business. The transition was bold, but as she says: “Bahrain has given me new professional horizons, and became the place where my family and business could grow together.”
Today, Karine is the founder and managing director of Master House Real Estate, a full-service company offering consultancy, property management, marketing, design and renovation. “Coming from a background in media and business management, I felt an instant pull toward real estate, a field where creativity, strategy and communication come together,” she explains.
What began as curiosity soon became a purpose-driven career. Karine expanded her education in real estate, hospitality and design, evolving her company’s offerings to include investment advisory, renovation and more. “Real estate is more than a profession for me; it’s a lifestyle and a platform to empower others and contribute positively to the community,” she adds.
The Hidden Threats
Despite the rewards, the career carries hidden dangers, especially for women. According to PeopleSafe, nearly one in three real estate agents globally has faced abuse while showing properties. Female agents, who often work alone, are disproportionately affected by verbal abuse, harassment and even physical threats.
“Real estate in Bahrain may seem perfectly safe, especially as it’s one of the world’s safest countries,” Karine notes. “Yet for female agents, hidden risks remain.”
Bahrain is indeed ranked among the top 20 safest countries globally, with a 30 percent drop in crime over four years. Yet the nature of property work means female agents regularly enter vacant or secluded spaces alone with strangers, often without CCTV, security personnel or witnesses nearby. These everyday situations can quickly turn unsafe.
The imbalance is worsened by modern online practices. Karine highlights a troubling trend: “An additional risk arose recently when one of the property websites began requiring agents to display personal details, including full name, portrait photo and nationality, while visitors stay completely anonymous. Unfortunately, this opened the door to scammers and lawbreakers who can misuse personal data.”
She knows the consequences first-hand. A routine viewing request spiralled into cyberbullying and harassment. Her personal information was misused, resulting in a criminal case that is now before the Bahraini courts.
Silence and Stigma
One of the greatest challenges is the culture of silence. Many female agents don’t report incidents, fearing disbelief, embarrassment or professional repercussions. In some cases, agencies are more concerned with preserving their brand image than supporting staff. “I want female agents to feel empowered to set boundaries confidently, knowing the company and industry stand behind them,” Karine says.
She believes the lack of reporting creates a false sense of security: “This silence can create the illusion that abuse ‘never happens’, when in reality, it can happen to anyone, anywhere.”
The solution, she argues, lies in honest conversation, smarter regulation and collective accountability.
A Call to Action
Karine is calling on Bahrain’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and other stakeholders to introduce practical safeguards. These include:
• Mandatory Client Identification: Require users of property platforms to verify ID before contacting agents, ending the anonymity imbalance that exposes agents to potential danger.
• Safety Training: Real estate companies must take responsibility for training agents to recognise red flags and avoid high-risk scenarios.
• Lone Worker Safety Devices: Provide discreet SOS alarms that share location and activate emergency response when triggered by a code word.
She says: “There is more awareness today, which is good, but we still have a long way to go. Brokerages and authorities need to openly discuss safety, adjust policies, provide training and make it part of company culture rather than leaving it to agents to figure out on their own.”
Karine’s vision is not just about protecting herself or her staff, but reshaping industry norms. Through open dialogue, improved policies and modern safety tools, she believes Bahrain can set a standard for other markets to follow.
“Safety isn’t just a personal responsibility, it should be part of how we do business,” she says.
By speaking out, Karine hopes to transform silence into action and make the real estate sector safer, stronger and more inclusive for all.
Ten Practical Safety Tips
To help agents stay alert, Karine also shares 10 practical tips drawn from personal experience:
1. Share your schedule with someone you trust
2. Screen clients and request ID in advance
3. Confirm who will attend the viewing – unexpected visitors should not be allowed
4. Avoid isolated or poorly lit locations
5. Let clients walk ahead so you can observe them
6. Keep doors open and exits clear
7. Trust your instincts and cancel if you feel uneasy
8. Avoid viewings at night
9. Dress modestly and avoid flashy accessories
10. Use secret distress codes to notify colleagues of trouble
For property consultancy and management, contact:
+97337300777, www.masterhousebh.com
