MBB recruiting

Right now headcount is generally tilting toward Riyadh / Doha for regional MBBs. Dubai is saturated and the work in the region as a whole is getting more cyclical, so fewer open seats. Most hiring is via targeted pipelines and referrals rather than job boards (unless you're a fresh grad).

On “campus” hiring: MBB ME is usually not physically on campus, but they still target the big MBA programs (INSEAD, LBS, Wharton, etc.) and convert candidates through remote screens and referrals.

What to do:

• Apply to the office interest form and work a referral
• Signal you’re open to Riyadh and / or frequent KSA travel (if applicable)
• Tailor your CV to GCC priorities: public sector transformation, SWFs, infra, energy, large-scale delivery
• Keep timing flexible. MBAs spike late summer to autumn; experienced hires are rolling

If you want, I can sanity-check your CV for the Gulf and help you prep. Best of luck!

Hey there :)

You’re right that what you see on the portal doesn’t always reflect the full recruiting picture. For consultant roles in Dubai (and generally across MBB), hiring is heavily tied to campus recruiting at target MBA schools, so those positions are often not posted publicly. Instead, candidates are funneled in through their MBA career centers or via direct referrals. The job portal usually shows more niche or experienced-hire positions, while the bulk of “classic consultant” hiring happens off-cycle through those established pipelines.

So in short: yes, they often don’t post those roles because they already have structured MBA intakes. If you’re not at one of those schools, you can still apply via referral or keep an eye out for when lateral/experienced hire postings open.

best,
Alessa :)