Real Estate

MERED, the globally recognized real estate developer known for merging cutting-edge design and innovation, has announced the launch of its Summer Internship Program under the broader Iconic Talents & Iconic Legends initiative. This new talent development drive is aimed at nurturing the next generation of real estate professionals in one of the world’s fastest-growing property markets.

The program welcomes students and recent graduates from a wide array of academic backgrounds—ranging from architecture and engineering to sales, finance, project management, and government relations. Interns will gain hands-on, project-based experience while working closely with MERED’s in-house teams and its global partners, including celebrated firms such as Pininfarina, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), Mirage, and Sera Group.

This immersive initiative provides insight into every stage of high-impact real estate development—from concept and architectural design to construction and operations. It offers participants a unique opportunity to collaborate with industry-leading professionals and understand the evolving dynamics of the real estate landscape.

The internship program is a key element of MERED’s Iconic Talents & Iconic Legends initiative, which was launched earlier this year to spotlight both emerging and accomplished talent across disciplines. The initiative also includes sponsorship of elite athletes, such as former World No. 1 padel player Maxi Sánchez, world-ranked pair Alex Arroyo and Edu Alonso, and rising motorsports star Ivan Ekelchik, who has participated in top-tier GT4 racing championships across Europe.

Running in parallel with the internship is the Pininfarina Academy Summer School, which MERED is also sponsoring. The academy is a two-week immersive educational program led by the iconic Italian design firm Pininfarina, engaging 12 international students and young professionals in fields like architecture, interior design, and product design.

Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, emphasized the importance of the program in fostering homegrown and international talent:

“The UAE is a thriving hub for ambitious talent from around the world, and MERED is proud to support the community through the talent program. This initiative gives young professionals the opportunity to engage directly with a development process that brings together globally renowned partners, forward-thinking design, and a deep understanding of what modern living truly requires.”

The internship comes at a time of significant growth in Dubai’s property sector. According to Savills, off-plan properties made up 69% of all residential transactions in Q1 2025, with apartments comprising 76% of that volume. Moreover, Dubai’s prime residential capital values are forecasted to increase by 8–10% this year, surpassing global markets such as London, New York, and Singapore.

Interns will be based at MERED’s headquarters in Dubai Internet City, where they’ll work across departments including design, engineering, and project management. Flagship developments like ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina will provide real-world context to their learning experience. The program is structured to allow participants to engage in real decision-making processes, equipping them with the practical skills and industry insight necessary to contribute meaningfully to the future of urban development.

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