Expo City Dubai Launches Two-Year Graduate Programme for Emirati Talent

Expo City Dubai has announced the launch of Exposure, a new two-year graduate development programme designed to prepare UAE Nationals for future leadership roles in real estate and sustainable urban development. The initiative targets fresh Emirati graduates and reflects Expo City Dubai’s commitment to nurturing national talent while supporting Dubai’s long-term economic and urban planning strategies.

Introduced by Expo City Dubai’s Real Estate and Development division, the programme provides structured, hands-on experience across the full real estate value chain. It aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice by equipping participants with technical expertise, practical exposure, and leadership capabilities in a real-world development environment.

The programme aligns closely with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the D33 Economic Agenda, both of which emphasise sustainable growth, innovation, and the integration of Emirati talent into key economic sectors. Expo City Dubai said the initiative would contribute to the UAE’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy while strengthening national workforce participation.

Open to UAE Nationals who have graduated within the past two years, the Exposure programme targets candidates from disciplines such as urban planning, engineering, and business. During the first year, participants will rotate through several functions, including design and development, project delivery, sales and marketing, programme controls, and procurement. In the second year, graduates will specialise in a specific area based on their performance, interests, and business needs.

Selected participants will work directly on Expo City Dubai’s master plan, gaining exposure to large-scale, city-level developments and receiving mentorship from senior leaders within the organisation. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates may be considered for fast-track progression into key roles within the Real Estate and Development division.

Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer at Expo City Dubai, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s role as a master developer committed to creating smart, sustainable, and resilient communities. Marjan Faraidooni, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief of Education and Culture, added that the programme empowers young Emiratis with the skills and confidence needed to shape a human-centric, tech-enabled city.

Applications for the programme opened on 10 December, with successful candidates joining Expo City Dubai on a two-year temporary contract. The Exposure programme builds on existing talent development initiatives such as the Changemakers Academy and the Return to Work programme, further strengthening Expo City Dubai’s pipeline of future-ready Emirati talent.