Emirati Graduates Join Expo City Dubai's Sustainable Development Programme

Expo City Dubai’s Real Estate and Development division has introduced Exposure, a structured two-year programme. It prepares Emirati graduates to lead future real estate and sustainable urban development across the UAE. The initiative also supports Expo City Dubai’s role in Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan. It aligns with the emirate’s D33 Economic Agenda.

It targets UAE nationals who graduated within the past two years from universities in relevant disciplines. Eligible fields include urban planning, engineering, business and related specialisations. Through structured learning and work rotations, the Exposure programme aims to build leaders able to manage the full real estate value chain and bridge academic knowledge with leadership practice.

Successful applicants join Expo City Dubai on a two-year temporary contract within the Real Estate and Development division. During the first year, participants rotate through operational and cross-functional roles across the organisation. In the second year, each graduate focuses on one function, selected according to performance, interests and business needs.

The programme structure gives graduates both breadth and depth of experience across Expo City Dubai activities. Rotations introduce participants to different teams, while the second-year specialisation allows deeper responsibility. The outline below summarises the core focus for each year of the Exposure programme.

Across the two years, participants gain experience in key real estate functions, including design and development, project delivery, sales and marketing, programme controls and procurement. Selected graduates also contribute to Expo City Dubai’s master plan, working on city-scale projects and receiving mentorship from senior leaders in the Real Estate and Development team.

Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer at Expo City Dubai, said the initiative demonstrates the organisation’s long-term vision. "the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to developing smart, sustainable and resilient communities, while empowering the next generation of Emirati talent to contribute to the UAE’s long-term growth."

Marjan Faraidooni, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, highlighted the programme’s practical benefits. "the programme offers young Emiratis practical experience in shaping a sustainable, technology-enabled and human-centric city." This focus links technical training with wider goals for smart, inclusive urban development in the UAE.

Applications for the Exposure programme opened on 10th December, with successful candidates joining on two-year temporary contracts. Graduates who complete the scheme are considered for fast-track development into key roles within the Real Estate and Development division, helping bridge the gap between university study and professional leadership careers.

This initiative positions Expo City Dubai as a training ground for skilled Emirati professionals in real estate and sustainable urban development. By combining structured rotations, specialist roles and direct involvement in city planning, the Exposure programme supports national economic strategies while building a long-term talent pipeline for major projects in Dubai and the wider region.

With inputs from WAM