In Dubai’s dynamic landscape, where ambition meets architecture, few names embody the city’s spirit of innovation and integrity like Ajay Rajendran.
As the Founder and Chairman of Meraki Group, Rajendran’s story is one of quiet determination, guided by values and a vision that transcends business.
Having already left an indelible mark as Co-Chairman of Sobha Group, where he helped shape iconic destinations like District One, Rajendran set out to create something deeply personal, an enterprise built not merely to construct, but to create with soul.
A Journey Defined by Purpose
Rajendran’s entrepreneurial instincts were forged early, growing up in a family where business was more than a career, it was a calling. “Commerce was part of daily life,” he reflects. “I developed a natural curiosity for how businesses are built and scaled.”
That curiosity evolved into conviction during his years at Sobha Group, where he witnessed first-hand how visionary developments could transform entire communities. “Those 14 years gave me a second level understanding of Dubai’s real estate landscape,” he says. “It also gave me the confidence to venture out on my own.”
In 2015, Meraki Group was born – its name derived from a Greek word meaning to do something with soul, creativity, and love. “That,” Rajendran says, “is the essence of who we are.”
The Meraki Way
If there is one philosophy that defines Meraki, it is craftsmanship with conscience. The Group has since evolved into a multi-vertical enterprise, spanning real estate, education, and construction, each bound by a single guiding principle: excellence with empathy.
“The ‘Meraki way’ means putting a piece of ourselves into everything we do,” Rajendran explains. “We don’t just build structures; we build experiences.” That ethos is reflected in projects like The Haven, a residential development that redefines quality living through meticulous design and care. With 70% of units handed over snag-free, it stands as a benchmark for precision and customer-centric delivery.
Meraki’s vertically integrated construction model allows the Group to oversee every phase, from concept and engineering to completion, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and quality. “Control over execution gives us the ability to guarantee what we promise,” Rajendran notes. “That’s what builds trust.”
Where Learning Becomes Part of Living
To Rajendran, building communities means nurturing minds as much as spaces. That belief led to Meraki’s expansion into premium K–12 education, with landmark institutions like Hartland International School, North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Dubai and NLCS Singapore.
“Education was a natural extension of our philosophy,” he explains. “We don’t just build homes, we build ecosystems where families can thrive.” With more than 5,750 students across both campuses, Meraki’s education arm has become a model for global-minded, holistic learning.
The synergy between education and real estate, Rajendran believes, is what makes Meraki unique: “A well-built home shapes families. A great school shapes futures. Together, they create communities with purpose.”
Leadership Rooted in Values
Knowledge, integrity, and perseverance – these three values, Rajendran says, are the foundation of his leadership. “Knowledge keeps you sharp, integrity keeps you grounded, and perseverance gets you through the storms.”
That mindset was tested during one of Meraki’s most challenging moments: the launch of NLCS Singapore during the pandemic. With construction 95% complete and a school opening imminent, Rajendran and his team transformed a convention centre into a fully functioning school in a matter of weeks. “It was a defining moment,” he recalls. “It taught us that challenges are simply opportunities in disguise.”
For Rajendran, leadership is about “contextual intelligence”, the ability to adapt across industries while maintaining consistency in values. “In real estate, it’s about precision; in education, it’s about nurture; in construction, it’s about safety and operational excellence.”
Designing for Tomorrow
Meraki’s developments embrace the principles of biophilic design, sustainability, and contemporary lifestyle. “These are no longer optional, they’re essential,” Rajendran emphasizes. “Design that connects people to nature, amenities that enhance life, and sustainability that ensures longevity – these are the building blocks of the future.”
He envisions a world where buildings and schools alike function as living ecosystems, designed to inspire, conserve, and evolve. “We want our projects to improve wellbeing and leave a positive imprint on communities,” he says.
The Global Vision
Having already expanded from the UAE to Singapore, Meraki’s next chapter is global. “Singapore was just the beginning,” Rajendran shares. “We’re actively exploring new regions and will be announcing new destinations soon.”
His goal is clear: to make Meraki a globally recognised brand synonymous with quality, innovation, and impact. The coming decade will see the Group deepening its roots in sustainable development while exporting its philosophy of soulful building across continents.
A Legacy of Significance
For Rajendran, success today is not measured by scale but by significance. “Early on, it was about achievement, projects completed, goals met. Today, it’s about impact, the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind.”
His advice to young entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Focus on values before valuation. Build with integrity. Invest in people. Trust the journey.”
As Meraki continues to grow, Rajendran hopes his legacy will reflect what its name has always promised: excellence with soul. “I want Meraki to stand as a testament to what’s possible when you lead with passion, purpose, and integrity – a legacy that endures across generations.”
