Job Information
AECOM Graduate Urban Designer in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
Join AECOM's 2026 Graduate Program
Are you a creative and motivated graduate with a passion for urban design? AECOM's Urbanism + Planning team invites you to apply for the role of Graduate Urban Designer within our industry leading Graduate Program. This opportunity will allow you to collaborate with experienced designers on transformative urban projects.
About the Role: As a Graduate Urban Designer at AECOM, you’ll contribute to high-impact projects that transform spaces into inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable communities. Working alongside experienced urban designers and planners, you’ll support the delivery of visionary masterplans and design strategies across the region.
You will be involved in every stage of the design process – from initial research and concept development to final project presentations – helping to translate big ideas into real-world solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Support the design and production of calculations, sketches, diagrams, and visual content for urban design requirements
Assist Professionals in research-based tasks, ensuring outputs are aligned with project goals and quality standards
Develop and efficiently turnaround delivery of graphical content based on team instructions – reports, diagrams, models in agreed formats
Quickly test representation styles, and translate Ideas and concepts graphically
Contribute to the maintenance of the studio’s physical and digital resource libraries
Draft and format text and graphics content for design reports, proposals, and presentation decks
Assist the team in meeting note taking and prepare minutes in the required format
Demonstrate a basic technical knowledge of built environment and planning practices
What We're Looking For: We are seeking enthusiastic graduates who are:
Ideally proficient in: Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office, CAD, Sketchup, Rhino, ArcGIS/ QGIS
Passionate about urban design and creating memorable, inclusive public spaces.
Adept in graphic representation and visualization techniques.
Effective communicators and team players who thrive in collaborative environments.
Detail-oriented with a strong sense of design aesthetics and spatial awareness.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Urban Design or Architecture with a focus on Urban Design subjects from an accredited University
Candidates must be recent 2024 or 2025 graduates (no later than Sept 2025) to be eligible for AECOM's Graduate Program.
Successful applicants must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.3 or 2:1 (or equivalent) and above.
If you hold a Master’s degree, it must have started within 12 months of finishing your Bachelor’s to meet the program’s continuous education requirement.
Candidates with more than 1 year of postgraduate work experience are not eligible for the program and are encouraged to apply for our professional-level roles instead.
Additional Information
Recruitment Timeline
Here’s what you can expect throughout the application journey.
Applications Open: April 23, 2025
Applications Close: May 23, 2025
Screening & Interviews: May – June 2025 (includes CV review, phone screening, and technical interviews)
Mobilization & Visa Processing: July – August 2025
Start Date: September 2025 (Earlier start requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
Program Orientation: October 2025 - Our full graduate cohort from across the Middle East will come together for a dedicated induction, networking, and team-building experience.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
ReqID: J10126910
Business Line: U&P
Business Group: DCS
Strategic Business Unit: ME and Africa
Career Area: Design
Work Location Model: On-Site
Legal Entity: AECOM MIDDLE EAST LIMITED ABU DHABI