Dubai, UAE – JLL today announced the expansion of its technology division, JLL Technologies (JLLT), into the Middle East to accelerate innovation in commercial real estate. This strategic move significantly enhances JLL’s digital and technology solutions, allowing the firm to better meet client demands and adapt to the evolving landscape of the real estate industry.
Dr. Matthew Marson, a prominent figure in the global smart buildings and cities sector, will lead JLLT’s operations in the region as Managing Director, EMEA – JLLT Advisory. Dr. Marson has played a key role in shaping the technology landscape across various asset types and geographies and has been instrumental in developing technology masterplans for some of the Middle East’s most iconic projects, including Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Relocating from London to Dubai, Dr. Marson brings extensive experience in integrating technology, sustainability, and the built environment to create innovative and resilient cities. “It is undoubtedly an exciting time to be in the Middle East as some of the most ambitious projects globally are defining the next era of buildings and cities. I’m delighted to bring our technology offerings to help our clients in the region digitally transform real estate,” stated Dr. Marson, who is also the author of The Smart Building Advantage, a seminal work that advocates for technology adoption in the built environment.
Taking a data-driven, technology-first approach, JLLT will provide expert guidance on a wide range of services, including smart building and city design, portfolio-wide application optimization, data analysis, business intelligence, and strategic research. This will help clients make informed decisions that drive business value and achieve better outcomes.
Mark Lofting, Head of Client Growth & Technology Sales EMEA at JLL, commented, “The addition of our technology expertise in the region means that our clients will benefit from tailored solutions that empower investors with sharper decision-making and provide occupiers with unparalleled flexibility and an elevated experience.”
James Allen, CEO of Middle East and Africa (MEA) at JLL, added, “The MENA region is at the forefront of innovation, and the expansion of JLL Technologies here reaffirms our commitment to invest in its future. By providing strategic vision, transformative technology solutions, and deep expertise within a data-driven ecosystem, we look forward to empowering our clients in the region to harness the power of intelligent real estate and achieve their technology ambitions.”
As technology reshapes how we live and work, more real estate organizations are adopting digital transformation strategies to gain a competitive edge and unlock the full potential of their built environments. According to JLL’s Global Real Estate Technology Survey 2023, 85% of companies plan to increase their technology budgets, and 91% of occupiers are willing to pay a premium for tech-enabled spaces. By adopting advanced real estate technology, stakeholders can achieve significant competitive advantages, including productivity gains, improved operational efficiency, cost savings, and reduced environmental impact.
About JLL
For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has assisted clients in buying, building, occupying, managing, and investing in a variety of properties, including commercial, industrial, hotel, residential, and retail spaces. A Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $20.9 billion and operations in over 80 countries, JLL employs more than 105,000 people who combine global platform strength with local expertise. Driven by the purpose of shaping the future of real estate for a better world, JLL helps clients, people, and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAY™. JLL is the brand name and a registered trademark of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For more information, visit jll.com.
About JLL MEA
Across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), JLL is a leading player in the real estate and hospitality services markets. The firm operates in 35 countries in the region and employs over 1,950 internationally qualified professionals across its offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, and Nairobi. For further information, visit jll-mena.com.
