In just over 50 years, Dubai it has transformed from a desert port into a thriving metropolis, boasting the third-most skyscrapers in the world, including the tallest building in the world.
A fusion of culture and innovation
Despite its rapid modernization, Dubai remains committed to preserving its Arabian traditions and culture. It's no wonder this city was the first in the Middle East to make it onto the UNESCO list of creative cities of design – and there are more ambitious growth and projects on the city's horizon.
Over the last few decades, Jacobs has been prominent in developing this ultra-modern city and have supported many of the major projects that have contributed to Dubai's global reputation as a hub for innovation and progress.
Jacobs in the Middle East
We’ve been operating in the Middle East since the late 1970s when we opened our office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Since then, our regional footprint has grown, with Dubai and Riyadh becoming the main hubs of our Middle East operations. Over 1,600 employees are based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) working across a diverse portfolio of projects across a range of markets, solving some of the world’s most challenging problems.
We’ve played a significant role in many of the region’s most iconic projects which have transformed its urban landscape. Here are some examples of our involvement in Dubai's transformative journey:
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Expo 2020 Dubai
Jacobs first began working with Expo 2020 Dubai in 2015 and delivered the program as a joint venture with Mace (Jacobs Mace JV). As Program Management Consultant, the JV assisted Expo in managing numerous individual projects that ran 24/7 including design management, urban planning and design, program baselines and controls, procurement services, construction project management, site logistics and cost control.
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Etihad Rail
Jacobs is leading the design and implementation stages of the project, providing engineering consultancy and construction supervision services for Etihad Rail, including technical support for building the freight railway from the Saudi Arabian border through each Emirate in the UAE.
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Dubai Water Canal
Jacobs worked with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to deliver a 16-mile waterway, connecting Dubai Creek – adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, a Ramsar designated wetland of international importance – with the Arabian Gulf.
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Business Bay
As Dubai Properties’ partner from concept development to full-scale operations, we created high-value waterfront property and a sustainable urban landscape, successfully drawing residents, businesses and tourism back the city’s historic core.
A commitment to community
Many of the region’s projects, such as Expo 2020 Dubai, have focused on ensuring a sustainable legacy. Driving positive impact across the region is essential to realizing the UAE’s 2050 net-zero ambitions and ensuring a better tomorrow for generations to come.
We've been actively nurturing young Emirati talent and fostering innovation through the introduction of our UAE National Graduate Development Program. This program is a testament to our steadfast commitment to contributing to regional growth and the development of local talent. Our structured two-year program focuses on identifying and developing early career talent, preparing them to be the change-makers and innovators of tomorrow. Participants benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, involvement in innovative projects, continuous learning opportunities and networking with a global community of peers and industry specialists.
The program is not just about professional development; it's a catalyst for innovation, bolstering the Middle East’s journey towards becoming a global hub for pioneering projects and solutions. By investing in early career talent, we’re building a resilient, adaptable workforce, ready to face future challenges that contribute to the UAE's long-term prosperity and progress.
“I’ve always wanted to join a company that puts its people at the heart of what they do, and I’m grateful to say that Jacobs is just that. Coming to Jacobs has really showed me that people thrive when they feel and know that they belong. It has been such a refreshing experience to be seen wholly as I am, and the value that I can bring.”
You might be interested in...
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Podcasts
Sparks Episode 6: Sustainable Buildings, Dubai
In this episode we talk about how sustainability is a sub-theme of Expo 2020 Dubai, which presented the opportunity for the global community to share challenges, lessons learned, and solutions from the around the world. For Expo, the event is an opportunity to advance the UAE’s sustainability agenda and create a model of sustainable urban development that will live on as District 2020 after the event.
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Celebrating Emirati Women's Day
Discover Jacobs' dedication to gender equality and sustainability as we commemorate Emirati Women's Day and actively participate in the gender pledge. Our commitment aligns with UAE government Emirati hire targets, showcasing our inclusive corporate culture, supporting community engagement and contributing to broader societal progress.
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The Butterfly Effect
The Butterfly Effect Program (Ages 5-11) is designed to provide young people with the knowledge and understanding they need to put sustainability at the heart of everything they do.