Job Overview: Undergraduate Urban Planner (Emerging Talent Program)

This is a high-prestige “Civic Architecture” role at AECOM , a global leader in infrastructure and urban transformation. As an Undergraduate Urban Planner , you act as the “Future City Architect,” responsible for supporting the “Urban DNA” of Dubai’s most ambitious real-world developments. This position is designed specifically for “High-Potential UAE Nationals” who can navigate the complexities of master planning, site analysis, and project management with “Technical Accuracy.” You will be a vital engine within AECOM’s planning team, ensuring that sustainable growth strategies scale with the “Pristine Standards” required for the UAE’s 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Key Information

Employer: AECOM
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Type: Part-Time (Designed for Final-Year Students)
Target Group: UAE Nationals Only
Graduation Timeline: Class of 2026
Academic Requirement: Minimum GPA of 2.8
Contract Ref: #J-18808-Ljbffr

Key Responsibilities

You will manage the “Planning Lifecycle” while transitioning from academic theory to professional practice:

Project Management Orchestration: Supporting senior planners in the daily administration and coordination of large-scale infrastructure and land-use projects.
Site Intelligence: Conducting rigorous Site Visits and field assessments to document existing conditions and inform “Impact-First” design decisions.
Data Governance: Assisting in the preparation of planning reports, demographic analyses, and zoning compliance reviews.
Technical Diplomacy: Participating in stakeholder meetings and multidisciplinary workshops to align urban strategies with client and government objectives.
Graphic Architecture: Contributing to the development of master plans and urban design frameworks using industry-standard digital tools.
Mentorship Engagement: Actively participating in structured learning sessions to bridge the gap between “Classroom Theory” and “Global Infrastructure Practice.”

Candidate Requirements and Skills

AECOM seeks an “Innovation-Driven Specialist” with a focus on professional grit:

Academic Pedigree: Final-year student currently enrolled in a recognized Urban Planning or related degree program.
Nationality Status: Must be a UAE National (Family Book holder) in alignment with Emiratization excellence goals.
Analytical Prowess: A solid academic record ( GPA 2.8+ ) demonstrating a strong understanding of urban design principles and sustainability.
Operational Grit: The ability to balance a part-time professional workload with final-year university commitments.
Communication Polish: Bilingual proficiency (Arabic and English) is highly preferred for effective stakeholder liaison across Dubai’s diverse sectors.
Technical Readiness: Familiarity with GIS, AutoCAD, or similar urban planning software is a significant advantage.

Salary and Benefits

This role offers a prestigious “Career Launchpad” within a global market leader:

Financial Integrity: A competitive monthly stipend for undergraduate contributors.
Global Brand Equity: The opportunity to have a “Big Three” infrastructure firm like AECOM on your CV before you graduate.
Professional Evolution: Direct mentorship from world-class planners and exposure to “High-Stakes” iconic projects.
Future Security: A clear pathway to a Full-Time Permanent Position upon successful graduation in 2026.
Flexible Architecture: A work schedule designed to respect your university timetable and exam periods.

Market Context: Urban Planning in Dubai 2026

In 2026, as Dubai accelerates its “20-Minute City” concept, Urban Planners are the “Architects” of high-quality living:

Focus Area	Core Objective	Industry Impact
Sustainability	Net-Zero Infrastructure	Environmental Resilience
Connectivity	Transit-Oriented Dev	Reduced Congestion
Master Planning	2040 Vision Alignment	National Growth

Unique Job Description

Position: Undergraduate Urban Planner — Engineering the Future of Dubai’s Skyline

Are you a “Planning Specialist” who believes that the success of a nation is built on the precision of its urban fabric? AECOM is seeking an Undergraduate Urban Planner to join our elite team in Dubai . We don’t just “draw maps”; We engineer the Civic Frameworks and Urban DNA that allow communities and economies to flourish . This is not a role for a “passive student”; it’s a mission for a “Future Architect” —someone who can navigate the complexities of site visits and master planning with “technical grit” and provide the professional polish that our global infrastructure icon demands.

In this position, you are the pilot of your own professional acceleration. You will spend your final university year (in the heart of vibrant Dubai ) architecting the reports, site analyses, and project roadmaps that define our reputation for excellence. Whether you are using your analytical mastery to evaluate a new zoning proposal or utilizing your communication skills during a site inspection, your “proactive mindset” and “growth-first” attitude will be our greatest assets. You thrive in an environment where you are trusted to contribute to real-world projects, challenged by “Global-Standard” infrastructure, and rewarded with a stable pathway into a full-time career.

We are looking for proactive UAE national students with a passion for urban excellence and an “impact-first” mindset. If you have the “resourcefulness” to learn from the world’s best and the “discipline” to uphold our gold standards, AECOM offers you a premier platform to reach your potential. Join us in Dubai, and let’s engineer a more extraordinary and connected future for the world of urban planning together.

AECOM, Dubai

The Company

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, providing professional services throughout the entire project lifecycle—from planning and design to program and construction management. With a presence in the UAE since 1965, AECOM has been a primary architect of the nation’s transformation. By 2026, the firm has positioned itself as the strategic lead for the UAE’s most complex multidisciplinary challenges, including the Etihad Rail expansion, the Museum of the Future, and ICD Brookfield Place (the tallest LEED Platinum-certified office building in EMEA). AECOM is recognized for its “Sustainable Legacies” strategy, which integrates ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into every project to deliver resilient, future-ready infrastructure.

Culture

The culture at AECOM is defined by the mission: “Delivering a better world.” In the Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, this translates into a collaborative, high-intellect environment where technical excellence meets social responsibility. The internal spirit is characterized by:

“Freedom to Grow” Philosophy: A 2026-standard flexible, hybrid work model that empowers employees to find a balance that works for them, their managers, and the client.
Technical Excellence & Innovation: A culture that rewards “Smart Solutions,” utilizing Digital Twins, Generative AI, and BIM (Building Information Modeling) to accelerate project delivery and enhance safety.
Inclusive Meritocracy: A deep commitment to equity and diversity, featuring a strong UAE Nationalization program and global talent networks that celebrate unique backgrounds.
Safety & Integrity: A non-negotiable focus on “Safety-First” protocols and ethical conduct, ensuring that the firm’s reputation for quality remains unshakeable.

Location

AECOM’s UAE presence is anchored by its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, with its primary Dubai operations located in the city’s financial heart:

Dubai Operational Hub: Located on Level 43, Ubora Tower, Business Bay, Dubai. This high-altitude office places the team at the center of Dubai’s commercial and infrastructure planning district.
Regional Headquarters: Based at International Tower, Capital Centre (Floor 9/10), Abu Dhabi, providing centralized support for projects across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman.
Strategic Reach: The firm maintains additional offices and site-based teams in Al Ain and Dubai South, ensuring proximity to major development corridors like the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion.

AECOM: 2026 Infrastructure & Services Matrix

Service Domain	Core Capability	Notable UAE Projects
Transportation	Rail, Highways, & Aviation.	Etihad Rail, Dubai Metro extensions.
Buildings & Places	Architecture & Lead Consultancy.	Warner Bros. World, Midfield Terminal.
Water & Energy	Desalination & Energy Transition.	Jebel Ali Sewage Treatment (Phase 2).
Digital Engineering	BIM, Digital Twin, & AI Advisory.	Smart City frameworks for District 2020.
Environment	ESG & Carbon Decarbonization.	Sustainable Legacy consulting for Expo City.

2026 Career DNA & Professional Standards

Active Recruitment: As of March 2026, AECOM is actively hiring in Dubai for roles such as Highway Engineers (BIM), Structural Inspectors, and Material Inspectors, specifically for the Transportation and Buildings business lines.
Nationalization (Emiratization): High priority for UAE Nationals in administrative and project coordinator roles, including specific “Document Controller” and “NOC Coordinator” positions.
Digital Literacy: A core requirement for all 2026 technical hires to be proficient in Digital Engineering tools and AI-assisted design review platforms.
Sustainable Legacy: Ideal candidates are those who can demonstrate a “Sustainability Mindset,” incorporating lower-carbon materials and circularity principles into their engineering workflows.

To apply for this job please visit aecom.com.