Expected Salary for Corporate Strategy role - Senior Associate in Dubai (UAE)

Question

Hi,

I am a recent MBA grad at a top-20 MBA school currently in the interview process for an opportunity in the UAE.

I understand that this is a platform for Consulting, but can someone give me some estimates on how much a Senior Associate would earn at an Corporate Strategy & M&A role?

Context: The company is a family business conglomerate. I would be directly reporting to the Head of Strategy and Corporate Development and it is just going to be the two of us for now. The company is going through significant transformation and from my conversations so far I understood that there's going to be significant work involved (implying strategy consulting like demanding work life).

I understand that I can't expect the post MBA strategy consulting compensation of AED600,000 - 800,000/year (all-in), but what would be a reasonable ask?

I had quoted an initial expectation (excluding bonus) of AED360,000 - 440,000k/year. I'm concerned if I have lowballed my expectations. I am in advanced stages of the process with my last interview with the founder's son (new boss) coming up next week. Any advice/guidance would be really appreciated! Thank you!

Answer 1

Glassdoor is a good datapoint for that type of salary questions. Not 100% reliable, but directionally right (as long as they have a relevant number of datapoints).

Answer 2

There too many variables in the Corp Strat role - to give you a good range estimate. Pls share more details over DM to get a clearer estimate.

Answer 3

Your initial expectation of AED360,000 - 440,000k/year seems reasonable for a Senior Associate role in Corporate Strategy & M&A at a family business conglomerate in the UAE. However, it's always wise to do thorough research on industry standards and consider factors like cost of living and workload before finalizing your ask. Good luck with your upcoming interview!

Answer 4

Check on Glassdoor and connect with insiders to get a more accurate answer.

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Answer 5

Rather difficult to tell since it depends from entity to entity.

Your best bet is to connect with somebody from inside the company and find an elegant way of asking for it indirectly - maybe they then offer a range.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 6

You are an idiot for such a low ask, 600K-800K is on the lower side. Ask atleast a million Dinars. Shame on you for low balling