Application Timeline for Middle East

Hi there,

For MBB in the Middle East (Dubai, Riyadh, etc.), graduate/entry-level hiring typically follows a structured annual cycle:

• Main deadlines usually fall in late summer to early fall (August–October), aligned with global recruiting.
• Interviews then run through the fall, with start dates the following year.
• Some offices may keep positions open longer, but the bulk of intake is through that main cycle.

For the Big Four (Strategy& / EY-Parthenon / Deloitte / KPMG) in the region, timelines are more flexible:

• They often post roles several times a year or keep applications open on a rolling basis, especially for entry-level.
• Still, the peak season is around September–November to align with graduate programs.

In short: MBB is mostly once per year with fixed deadlines, while Big Four has more rolling or multiple intakes. If you’re targeting 2026 start dates, it’s best to prep CV and cases now and be ready to apply by late summer 2025.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.
 

Best,
Evelina

Hi there!

You’ve raised a great question — timelines for graduate and entry-level consulting roles in the Middle East can be confusing, as they differ by firm and office.

MBB (McKinsey, BCG, Bain):

• These firms typically recruit once per year for their graduate programs and summer internships. Applications usually open mid-year (summer) and close in the July–October window, with interviews happening shortly after.
• For example, in the UAE this cycle, McKinsey’s Business Analyst deadline is in early August, Bain’s graduate program closes at the end of October, and BCG’s is around October as well.

Big Four (EY, PwC/Strategy&, Deloitte, KPMG):

• Their strategy arms (EY-Parthenon, Strategy&, Monitor Deloitte) follow a similar annual cycle, but they recruit on a more rolling basis
• Some programs (especially Emiratization or local graduate tracks) are advertised with fixed deadlines, but others are explicitly marked as “open until filled,” which means rolling recruitment applies.

General pattern:

• Graduate / entry-level roles → usually once a year, with clear deadlines.
• Internships → also annual, with slightly earlier deadlines.
• Experienced hire positions → more likely to be open on a rolling basis depending on demand.

Hi :)

For MBB in the Middle East, most graduate and entry-level roles are recruited once per year, usually with applications opening in late summer or early fall (around August–October). Timelines are fairly structured, and if you miss the window you often have to wait until the next cycle.

Big Four firms in the region are more flexible – many positions are posted on a rolling basis throughout the year, though the bulk of graduate intakes also align with summer/fall recruiting.

So: MBB → mostly one annual cycle, Big Four → rolling but with peaks in the same period.

best,
Alessa :)