Ajay Rajendran’s Journey in Dubai: From Young Engineer to Meraki Group Founder Transforming UAE Real Estate and Premium Education

Ajay Rajendran arrived in Dubai in 2002 and in 2015 founded Meraki Group, a diversified enterprise spanning real estate development, construction and premium education that today counts projects such as The Haven series and Nirvana Residences among its portfolio. Meraki reports that more than 73 per cent of buyers at its projects register zero snags during pre-handover inspections, and its developments command rental premiums of up to 25 per cent above surrounding properties. The group also operates schools including North London Collegiate School Dubai, North London Collegiate School Singapore and Hartland International School Dubai, educating more than 5,500 students and employing over 900 teachers and staff.

“There is no question that Dubai is the right place to build a business,” Rajendran told Gulf News, citing the emirate’s global reputation, world-class infrastructure and ability to attract international investors and talent as forces that amplified his entrepreneurial ambitions.

From engineer to integrated developer and school operator

Born in Kerala and raised in Gujarat, Rajendran studied chemical engineering and management before spending more than two years working in Cameroon and Ivory Coast. After moving to Dubai he initially ventured into food trading and later joined Sobha Group, where he contributed to landmark developments including District One and Sobha Hartland. Those experiences culminated in the founding of Meraki Group in 2015.

Meraki’s business strategy emphasizes an integrated model that combines design, engineering, construction and project delivery under one umbrella to maintain tighter control over quality, timelines and customer experience. Rajendran said the approach is deliberately focused on quality over sheer scale: “Our promise doesn’t end when construction finishes. The customer experience continues long after handover.”

• Key projects: The Haven series, Nirvana Residences
• Operational metrics: >73% of buyers report zero pre-handover snags; rental premiums up to 25%
• Education portfolio: North London Collegiate School Dubai, North London Collegiate School Singapore, Hartland International School Dubai
• People: More than 5,500 students and over 900 teachers and staff

Resilience, diversification and measurable outcomes

Rajendran points to difficult moments — notably the 2008 global financial crisis — as turning points that prompted strategic diversification. Recognising education as a stabilising, long-term sector, he invested in premium schools and entered partnerships with established British institutions, including North London Collegiate School and St Paul’s School, rather than building programs in isolation.

Those partnerships underpin Meraki’s education expansion: Rajendran said new campuses are already planned as the group broadens its regional footprint. He frames the decision to diversify as pragmatic and patient: “If your business model is sound, your customers are being served well and your costs make sense, never give up. Success may come today or tomorrow, but it will come.”

Outlook: expansion and social investment

Looking ahead, Meraki intends to scale both its real estate and education arms while maintaining hands-on oversight of delivery standards. Rajendran remains personally involved in operational detail, conducting quality inspections and tracking customer feedback. Beyond commercial growth, he outlines philanthropic ambitions focused on education and nutrition, and has spoken of supporting the development of large community kitchens as part of a long-term charitable vision.