JLL has expanded its Technology Solutions capabilities across the Middle East, broadening access to technology-enabled services designed to help real estate owners, investors, developers and occupiers optimise asset performance across the property lifecycle.

The expansion builds on the launch of JLL’s Technology Solutions offering in the region in late 2024 and includes the deployment of automation systems, artificial intelligence (AI) tools and cloud-based asset management platforms aimed at improving operational efficiency and supporting data-driven decision-making.

JLL said the enhanced offering provides clients with a single point of contact across their real estate portfolios, combining advisory, implementation and managed technology services under one platform.

The company said the integrated approach is designed to help clients unlock greater value from AI, data analytics and emerging technologies while enabling more predictive and real-time decision-making.

Dr Matthew Marson, managing director, EMEA – Technology Advisory at JLL, said: “Across the Middle East, we’re seeing real estate leaders move past the question of whether to use AI and start asking how to use it well.

“Many organisations have experimented, but too often the technology sits in silos or never quite makes it into day to day decision making. Our focus is on helping clients bridge that gap. By connecting data, systems and teams, we’re making AI practical, usable and valuable – giving our clients clearer visibility of their portfolios and the confidence to make better decisions, faster.”

He added: “Ultimately, this is about helping clients run their real estate more intelligently and extract value that was previously hard to see or access.”

Michael Ewert, global head of Technology Advisory Services at JLL, said: “This expansion represents a step change in how real estate technology solutions are delivered.

“It provides access to end to end, integrated capabilities delivered locally, supporting portfolios across every stage of the real estate lifecycle.”

He added: “By consolidating advisory, implementation and managed services, we are enabling clients in the region to operate more efficiently, manage complexity and realise long term value from their real estate investments.”

According to JLL’s Global Real Estate Technology Survey, adoption of AI within commercial real estate (CRE) continues to accelerate. The company said the proportion of organisations running CRE-focused AI pilots increased from less than 5 per cent in 2023 to 92 per cent in 2025.

The survey also found that 87 per cent of investors are increasing technology budgets, with spending focused on portfolio optimisation, energy management and data-driven workflows.

The expanded Technology Solutions portfolio includes technology advisory services, implementation support, managed services and AI-powered asset management capabilities.

Under its Technology Advisory offering, JLL will support clients in developing short- and long-term technology roadmaps and investment strategies focused on AI and automation adoption.

The company’s implementation services will support the deployment of Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS), working alongside technology partners including IBM MREF, ServiceNow, FM:Systems and Archibus by Eptura.

JLL also said clients will have access to managed services designed to integrate planning, implementation and ongoing technology management through dedicated governance frameworks.

The offering includes JLL Asset Beacon, the company’s AI-powered asset management platform, which consolidates operational, financial and leasing data into a single platform to improve portfolio performance.

In addition, JLL Azara, powered by Falcon, will provide business intelligence capabilities by combining data from multiple platforms to deliver customised insights and analytics.

The company also offers outsourced CRE technology oversight services designed to integrate technology planning, implementation and solution management into a unified delivery model.

JLL said the expansion supports its broader ambition to build a more connected and intelligent data ecosystem for commercial real estate across the Middle East.

UAE consumers are increasingly turning to short-term car rentals, with demand rising across all major price segments during May 2026, according to new data from dubizzle Cars.

The latest platform insights show that all rental categories recorded month-on-month growth in views, highlighting growing interest in flexible mobility solutions among residents seeking convenient alternatives to vehicle ownership.

The budget segment, covering rentals priced below Dhs100 per day, remained the largest category on the platform. The segment attracted approximately 285,000 views in May, representing an increase of 68,000 views, or 31 per cent, compared to April.

The mid-tier rental segment, covering vehicles priced between Dhs100 and Dhs300 per day, generated 172,000 views, up 12.7 per cent month-on-month. Premium rentals, priced between Dhs300 and Dhs500 per day, recorded 79,000 views, reflecting a 15.7 per cent increase.

Demand also strengthened across higher-priced rental categories. Luxury vehicles priced between Dhs500 and Dhs1,000 per day generated 80,000 views, up 17.8 per cent from the previous month. The ultra-luxury segment, covering rentals above Dhs1,000 per day, recorded 74,000 views, marking a 25.8 per cent increase.

Sherif Magdy, head of sales at dubizzle Cars, said: “The latest data highlights continued demand for flexible mobility solutions across the UAE. Growth is being driven across all rental price segments—from budget-friendly vehicles to premium and ultra-luxury models, reflecting the diverse needs and preferences of today’s consumers.”

He added: “Consumers increasingly value flexibility, convenience, and choice. Whether they are looking for an economical vehicle for daily commuting or a premium driving experience for a special occasion, short-term rentals continue to offer an attractive and accessible alternative to long-term ownership.”

The budget category continued to account for the highest level of engagement on the platform, with popular models including the EXEED LX, MG MG3, Chery Arrizo 5, Kia Picanto and MG MG5.

In the mid-market segment, top-performing vehicles included the Nissan Patrol, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, Tesla Model 3, Mitsubishi Xpander, Suzuki Jimny and Chevrolet Captiva.

Premium rental demand was led by models such as the Land Rover Defender, BYD Leopard 5, Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Meanwhile, luxury and ultra-luxury renters showed strong interest in aspirational models including the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, BMW M4, Cadillac Escalade, Lamborghini Revuelto, Lamborghini Huracán, Rolls-Royce Ghost and Zeekr 9X.

According to dubizzle Cars, the data reflects evolving consumer mobility preferences, with demand strengthening across a wide range of vehicle categories as residents increasingly prioritise flexibility, convenience and access over traditional ownership models.

Revolut has announced that co-founder Vlad Yatsenko will transition from his role as chief technology officer (CTO) to become a non-executive director (NED) on the company’s board, effective July 1, 2026.

In his new role, Yatsenko will continue to contribute his expertise to the company after more than a decade as one of the core architects of Revolut’s technology platform.

The company said the transition follows Yatsenko’s role in helping build and develop Revolut’s technology infrastructure since its inception.

Yatsenko will be succeeded by Donato Lucia, who has been appointed vice president of technology.

Lucia has been part of Revolut’s engineering team for the past eight years and most recently served as head of technology.

According to the company, his technical leadership experience and deep understanding of Revolut’s core architecture position him to lead the company’s global engineering division going forward.

Indian airline SpiceJet has delayed salary payments to many of its pilots since March, internal messages seen by Reuters show, as the cash-strapped carrier said it is seeking an emergency loan under a government-backed credit scheme to help stabilise operations.

SpiceJet was India’s second-largest domestic carrier by market share in 2019, carrying roughly 15 per cent of passengers, but that has since fallen to a fourth-place share of 3.4 per cent. Its long-standing financial troubles have been worsened by the Middle East conflict, which has pushed up fuel prices and restricted airspace access, pressures that have also hit larger rivals IndiGo and Air India.

SpiceJet had 375 pilots as of March and has had salary payments pending for several months, according to two pilots and a Reuters review of chats from a WhatsApp group with more than 180 members, including pilots who fly Boeing aircraft and at least one senior airline official.

Read more-SpiceJet now takes off from Sharjah: Direct flights added

In one message, SpiceJet’s senior vice president of flight operations, Virendra Malhotra, wrote on May 26 that he was aware “that all of you are going through a difficult phase owing to the delay in salary disbursement” and said the balance of February salaries would be released shortly.

“These are testing times, no doubt, but they are temporary.”

In response, one pilot said the message was “reassuring”, but asked if there was any timeline for release of March, April and May salaries.

Asked for comment, Malhotra told Reuters in a WhatsApp message, “I categorically deny having issued any such communication.”

In a statement to Reuters, SpiceJet acknowledged there had been payment delays. “Employee payments continue to be disbursed in a phased manner, consistent with the process followed over the past several months, and a majority of employees have already been paid for March,” the airline said.

The WhatsApp messages reviewed by Reuters show the impact on pilots’ daily lives, at a time when concerns are mounting globally around pilot fatigue and mental health.

“Managing day to day expenses has become really really challenging and have reached a stage where we are having to seek assistance from others to manage essential financial commitments,” the pilot wrote in a message that elicited 52 emoji reactions, including thumbs-up and heart emojis.

India’s aviation regulator did not respond to Reuters queries on SpiceJet’s salary issues and whether the uncertainty over pay could affect safety.

Seeking government help

SpiceJet told Reuters it was actively pursuing funding under the Indian government’s so-called “Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme”, under which airlines can access seven-year government-guaranteed loans of up to INR15bn ($156.74m).

“All efforts are being made to achieve normalcy,” SpiceJet said, adding that “extraneous factors”, including the ongoing Middle East crisis, were weighing on operations and cash flows. The airline said it expected to normalise business activities over the next few months.

SpiceJet has an operational fleet of 21 aircraft. The airline said on Monday it had returned a Boeing 737 MAX jet to commercial service and finalised a lease including some crew for three Airbus A320 aircraft, which are scheduled to join its fleet in July, to meet growing passenger demand.

Its stock has fallen 60 per cent this year, versus a 13.8 per cent decline for India’s biggest airline, IndiGo.

SpiceJet’s scheduled flights fell to 3,053 in May from 4,494 in January, according to data from aviation analytics firm OAG.

Financial woes

High taxes, fierce competition and supply-chain snags have driven Indian airlines Kingfisher, Jet Airways and Go First into bankruptcy over the last 15 years.

SpiceJet, which launched flights under its current brand in 2005, has deferred pay to staff at various periods of financial trouble dating back to at least 2014, according to reports by Reuters and Indian media.

SpiceJet’s more recent decline followed the global Boeing 737 MAX grounding in 2019, which left roughly a tenth of the airline’s then-fleet grounded. Its recovery was then hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and a host of legal and payment disputes.

The airline has reported annual losses since 2019, except in the year ended March 2025, when it posted a small profit after recognising a one-time gain from settlements with lessors.

At least two aircraft lessors have served payment default notices to the airline this year, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter. SpiceJet did not comment on the default notices.

Desert Beat has opened the world’s first AlphaTheta Premium Dealer store in Dubai, marking a significant milestone for the region’s music technology and creative industries ecosystem.

Located at The B1 Mall in Al Barsha, near Mall of the Emirates, the new concept store combines premium retail, educational programming, studio facilities and community-focused experiences, positioning itself as a hub for DJs, music producers and content creators across the Middle East.

The launch comes as demand for professional music production and DJ equipment continues to grow across the UAE, driven by the expansion of live entertainment, nightlife, music festivals and creator-led digital content.

Desert Beat, one of the region’s fastest-growing distributors of DJ and music production equipment, said the store has been designed as an immersive destination that provides access to AlphaTheta’s latest technologies while fostering creativity, collaboration and skills development.

The venue features hands-on access to AlphaTheta’s DJ and music production equipment, supported by trained specialists who provide product demonstrations, technical guidance and personalised support.

At the centre of the concept is a dedicated DJ booth and studio space that creators can use free of charge to record and share sets. The store will also host a year-round calendar of workshops, masterclasses, artist sessions and live demonstrations aimed at supporting both aspiring and professional DJs.

The company said the initiative is intended to make DJ culture more accessible while helping develop the next generation of creative talent across the region.

The opening reflects Dubai’s growing status as a regional centre for music, entertainment and creative industries, supported by a diverse international population and a thriving events sector.

Jamal Mohamed, chief executive officer of Desert Beat, said: “Launching the world’s first AlphaTheta Premium Dealer concept in Dubai reflects both the strength of the region’s music scene and our long-term confidence in the UAE market. We continue to see Dubai attracting global brands, talent, and creative communities, making it the ideal location for a concept centred around innovation, culture, and connection. Through this space, we wanted to create more than a retail destination – we wanted to build an accessible platform where aspiring and established DJs alike can learn, collaborate, and be part of a growing creative movement shaping the region.”

Remco van Megen, head of sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at AlphaTheta, added: “The opening of the first AlphaTheta Premium Retail store in Dubai marks a significant milestone in how we engage with and support local DJ communities. Two years ago, we chose Desert Beat as a trusted partner, bringing together our global innovation with their deep local expertise to create a space that truly reflects the region’s thriving music scene. As Dubai continues to establish itself as a key hub for electronic music, this space provides artists and aspiring DJs with greater access to the tools, knowledge, and community they need to develop their craft and express themselves.”

The new store is expected to serve as a platform for community engagement and talent development, while strengthening Dubai’s position as a destination for music, entertainment and creative entrepreneurship.