JLL has promoted Julien Naouri to lead its hotel investment sales across Asia. Based in Singapore, Naouri starts his new role on 1 April 2026. He will manage the firm's sales strategy and operations throughout the region. With nearly twenty years of experience, he aims to help clients navigate a busy market as JLL forecasts hotel investment volumes to reach $13.3 billion this year.
Dubai-based AI lab Smart Bricks has secured $5 million in pre-seed funding led by Andreessen Horowitz. The startup is developing agentic AI infrastructure to automate the global real estate investment process. By processing millions of data points, the platform identifies high-value opportunities and handles underwriting in minutes rather than months. The company aims to provide retail and institutional investors with the same sophisticated tools used by major private equity firms.
JLL has named Mouhammad Takieddin as the new Regional Head and CEO for the Middle East and Africa. Based in Riyadh, Takieddin brings 25 years of experience from Procter & Gamble to lead JLL’s expansion into high-growth sectors including data centres and AI-driven facilities management. This strategic move strengthens the firm's leadership alongside existing regional heads while deepening its established ties with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Brookfield and Qai, the AI subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority, have announced a $20 billion strategic joint venture focused on artificial intelligence infrastructure. The partnership will develop fully integrated AI facilities in Qatar to support its burgeoning digital ecosystem. The Integrated Compute centre is set to expand high-performance compute access regionally, aligning with Qatar’s ambition to become a major AI hub in the Middle East, advancing its National Vision 2030.
Aleph Hospitality has been appointed to manage the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, a new 84-key property owned by AREA Investment and Real Estate scheduled to open in 2027. This venture strengthens Aleph’s relationship with Hilton, making this their third Tapestry Collection management contract.
The United Nations Specialised Agency for tourism has confirmed Ms. Al Nowais as its next Secretary-General following the 26th General Assembly in Riyadh. Her appointment, confirmed by the 160 Member States, is a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history. Ms. Al Nowais will commence her five-year term at the start of 2026. She brings considerable private sector experience to the role, including her recent position as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. She also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group. She outlined five core priorities for her mandate. These include responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance.
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