McKinsey Middle East Office First Round Interview - Dubai, Riyadh & Doha.

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the (presumed) invitation from McKinsey!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, McKinsey typically suggests the first interview round to happen around 2-4 weeks after positive screening feedback.
• Moreover, please keep in mind that you can request more time if needed, as it is merely a suggestion.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming McKinsey pre-interview assessment and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there—great to hear you're moving forward in the process.

For McKinsey’s Middle East offices (Dubai, Riyadh, Doha), candidates are typically given 7 to 14 days to prepare for the first-round interview after receiving the invitation. In some cases, if scheduling allows, you may be able to request a bit more time—especially if you’re balancing other commitments or traveling.

If you feel you’d benefit from a few extra days, it’s perfectly reasonable to politely ask the recruiter for a slightly later slot. They’re usually understanding as long as you're professional and prompt in your communication.

Best of luck with your prep—you’ve got this! Feel free to reach out if you’d like help with casing or fit questions.

Best,

Evelina

Hi,

The first round typically takes place 1-3 weeks after the invitation. If you feel not sufficiently prepared, you can always request more time.

Mattijs

Echo what Mattijs said.

In general, it is worth being nearly ready for your interviews by the time you apply, as the process can move quickly. Sometimes, there are delays however - no fixed timeline.

Hi there,

Typically you get an interview within the month, but it can differ.

What's important to know is that scheduling the interview is a two-way process. Meaning, you can also tell them if you don't feel you're ready and need more time until the interview is scheduled. 

Best,
Cristian