Tech to reshape global real estate, experts say

The global real estate sector is on the cusp of profound transformation driven by emerging technologies such as blockchain, Web3, and artificial intelligence (AI), according to industry leaders and experts gathered at the 55th annual World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Global Business Forum (GBF).

During the "Real Estate Investment in Global Trade Hubs" session, participants underscored the need for real estate stakeholders to quickly adapt to new systems to maintain competitiveness in both local and global markets.

“Adopting innovative technology solutions is critical to remaining competitive in the evolving real estate and business landscape,” said Lia Rochat, CEO of France-based Archismart Solar. “Key changes will come from blockchain and Web3, which will enable decentralized, transparent, trusted, and faster interactions—eliminating the need for central authorities like banks, brokers, and big tech platforms.”

Web3, considered the next evolution of the internet, is built on decentralized blockchain systems that aim to give users greater control over their data and online transactions. A cornerstone of this shift is asset tokenization, where digital tokens represent ownership of real-world assets such as real estate, allowing for more efficient and borderless buying, selling, or trading.

Rochat emphasized that Web3 would revolutionize real estate development and financing, transforming how trade and investment in the sector are conducted.

Offering a practical example of innovation in action, Diego Cortese, Vice President of Venue Commercial at Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), revealed that Dubai is already incorporating blockchain technologies. He said DWTC has partnered with the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority and the Dubai Land Department to begin tokenizing real estate transactions.

The real estate session formed part of a broader Real Estate Summit at the 2025 WTCA GBF, where global experts discussed the role of sustainable infrastructure and technological advancement in shaping the future of commercial real estate.

Jacopo Dettoni, Editor of fDi Intelligence under the Financial Times, spotlighted the rapid rise of AI and its impact on property use and investment models.

“The next wave is going to come from Artificial Intelligence, and it is going to come pretty quickly,” Dettoni said. “Acknowledging the wave and trying to ride it, rather than being hit by it, is how we are going to define winners and losers.”

He noted a shift in foreign direct investment preferences—from traditional office spaces to residential, industrial, and life science properties such as laboratories and clinics. Data centers, once confined to major economic centers, are now expanding beyond Tier 1 cities due to rising demand and cost pressures.

The 2025 WTCA GBF, hosted by WTC Marseille Provence, drew over 400 attendees from more than 50 countries and territories, alongside nearly 120 World Trade Center businesses. With the theme “Gateway to the Mediterranean,” the event served as a platform to forge global business connections and explore investment opportunities in Marseille, one of France’s most historic commercial hubs.

The forum reaffirmed WTCA’s mission of connecting businesses globally while highlighting the transformative potential of emerging technologies in shaping the future of the real estate industry.