Dubai’s the regional HQ of choice for Century 21, Lianlian DigiTech

Century 21 opens Dubai HQ

US-based real estate brokerage firm Century 21 has planted its flag in the UAE, opening its regional headquarters in Dubai, according to a press release. Century 21 operates across 82 countries, including the US, Europe, and China, and has around 15k offices globally. The Dubai office will be led by Alex Pearson (LinkedIn).

Why now? The UAE is catching clients’ attention, with the firm noting that representatives from over 50 countries said they were interested in the UAE’s real estate market. Dubai’s real estate market posted a strong 1Q, though analysts have told us that momentum may not hold if a prolonged war dampens investor interest. Abu Dhabi’s market told a similar story.

A Chinese fintech player is also planting deeper roots in DIFC

Chinese payments firm Lianlian DigiTech is also setting up its licensed regional HQ in Dubai after securing a payment services license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), according to a Dubai International Financial Center statement. The move gives the firm a regulated base to expand cross-border payment and settlement services across the Middle East, adding to its network spanning 100+ countries and regions.

Defense cooperation with France

The UAE and France have inked a defense cooperation agreement wherein both countries agree to “developing military and defence collaboration,” according to a statement by the Defense Ministry.

ICYMI: France had pledged to bolster the defense of its “regional partners” soon after the breakout of the US-Iran war in late February.