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.
Real estate giant REMAX has announced a major expansion of its global network with the sale of master franchise rights in Libya and a new office opening in Azerbaijan. The Tripoli-based Libyan operation is led by experienced owners Zyead and Alhareth Ghattour. In Baku, entrepreneur İdris Cengiz has launched a 2,000 square foot facility to serve a growing market. These moves increase the brand's presence to more than 120 countries and territories.
CapMan Buyout is set to sell its stake in PDSVISION to private equity firms Bridgepoint and Polaris after a five-year partnership. Since 2020, the software solution provider has grown its revenue fivefold to SEK 1.7 billion and expanded its operations to 15 countries. The deal, expected to complete in early 2026, marks PDSVISION's transition from a regional Nordic player to a global leader in digital engineering.
Dubai has announced a landmark AED100 billion expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre, known as the DIFC Zabeel District. The project will double the capacity of the current financial hub to accommodate over 42,000 companies and 125,000 employees by 2040. Spanning 17.7 million square feet, the development includes a major focus on AI and future technologies, alongside residential and educational facilities.
Saudi Arabia's General Real Estate Authority has launched the long-awaited Real Estate Ownership System for Non-Saudi Nationals, effective from 22 January 2026. This new regulatory framework allows residents, non-residents, and international companies to own property across the Kingdom via the "Saudi Properties" digital portal. While major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are included, specific restrictions remain for Makkah and Madinah to protect their unique status.
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