gdnonline.com · 22 Sep, 14:05 · Business briefing

UAE Business: Smart city technologies can unlock new asset class: JLL

JLL reports that smart city technologies are creating a distinct, investable asset class within the UAE market.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

JLL reports that smart city technologies are creating a distinct, investable asset class within the UAE market. The firm suggests that integrating digital infrastructure with urban real estate unlocks significant value for investors and developers. This shift positions technology-enabled properties as premium assets, driven by demand for efficiency and connectivity. The analysis highlights how data-driven urban management transforms traditional commercial and residential real estate, offering new revenue streams and enhanced operational capabilities for stakeholders in the built environment.

Employer demand for AI in Real Estate skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This shift demands that you pivot towards roles bridging physical infrastructure and digital innovation. Skills in data analytics, IoT integration, and sustainable building practices will rise sharply in value. Real estate professionals must now understand technology stacks, while tech specialists need grasp of asset valuation. You should focus on upskilling in smart building systems and data-driven decision-making. Consider pursuing certifications in Building Information Modelling or sustainability management to stay relevant. Engage with cross-functional teams to understand how technology impacts property value. Proactively seek projects involving smart city initiatives to build a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to navigate this emerging intersection of real estate and technology.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI in Real Estate, Building Information Modelling, Sustainability management and Data Science — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.