middle east consulting hiring climate

It has indeed slowed down. However, there is still some hiring across a subset of firms. Networking is key here!

Hello there,

Thank you for sharing the information you received regarding the localization initiative at BCG KSA. However, I'd like to clarify a few points based on my understanding of the current landscape in the Middle East consulting industry.

While it's true that BCG KSA has implemented a localization initiative, the situation is not specific to BCG alone. The initiative is in response to a new regulation in Saudi Arabia, requiring government projects to include a certain percentage (typically 33-35%) of national team members. This has led consulting firms in Riyadh and across the region to prioritize the recruitment of local talent. The aim is to fast track the hiring of Saudi nationals and give them precedence over expatriates, particularly for junior positions. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of nurturing the local workforce and promoting employment opportunities for Saudi citizens.

Moreover, most consulting firms are currently focusing their new recruitments, especially junior hires, for their Riyadh offices. This strategic approach is accompanied by attractive financial incentives, offering Saudi-based employees a notable premium of around 20-30% more than their counterparts in Dubai or Doha. Alongside financial benefits, working in Riyadh comes with perks such as avoiding travel requirements, the ability to return home instead of staying in hotels, and a more manageable social life.

The transformation Riyadh has undergone in recent years is remarkable, with even greater developments on the horizon. Considering the city's dynamic growth and promising future, relocating to Riyadh presents a compelling opportunity.

Regarding recruitment in Dubai and Doha offices, it's worth noting that competition for positions in Dubai is fierce. Typically, senior hires are the ones eligible for roles in Dubai due to the high level of competition and specific skill requirements. On the other hand, for Doha, there's a significant likelihood that firms might offer roles based in Riyadh, given the current emphasis on the Saudi market.

In conclusion, the situation you mentioned is more aligned with a broader industry shift in response to new regulations and the growing importance of local talent. While Dubai and Doha remain attractive options, the current trend favors Riyadh, especially for junior positions. It's advisable to weigh the benefits and opportunities each location offers before making any decisions.

Regarding your first question, I can provide some insights based on my experience in the Middle East. While I can't speak specifically for BCG KSA, I can say that localization initiatives have been a trend across consulting firms in the region. Many firms are prioritizing local talent and increasing their efforts to hire and develop local consultants. This is driven by a desire to better understand and serve the local market, as well as to comply with local regulations and client preferences. However, the extent and specific policies may vary from firm to firm.

As for your second question, the hiring appetite in Doha and Dubai offices is generally strong. Both cities are major business hubs in the Middle East, attracting a wide range of consulting projects. The demand for consulting services in these locations is driven by various industries, including finance, real estate, construction, and government sectors. However, it's important to note that the specific hiring needs can fluctuate based on market conditions and client demands. It's always a good idea to stay updated on the latest news and reach out to contacts within the firms for more specific information.

Hi there,

happy to share my experience on this..

1. Is this specific to BCG? Localization requirements are not specific to one firm and also, BCG has not only taken this into account since last month. Accelerated hiring more into local Riyadh office has been happening for a while now. Other firms treat it similarly, as their compliance with such requirement is a precondition to get public sector business (which is the dominant demand driver in KSA).
2. Hiring appetite in Doha, Dubai? If you're talking about BCG specifically, I see strong hiring activities in Doha at the moment (e.g. have 4 coachees interviewing there at the moment). Dubai has been more difficult in recent months (related to point 1) and most hiring takes place for 2024 already. 

Hope this helps - feel free to reach out via DM, in case you need more local insights.

Regards, Andi 

Hi there!

I have loads of candidates applying and interviewing in the ME. 

This is recent news indeed. 

I only know of this currently being the case with BCG. No news yet from the other firms. 

But this is in line also with some of the KSA regulatory changes that are pushing firms to do this. So it's likely that others will follow suit.

As always, when things go south, try to diversify and be more creative with your application strategy. Leaving here a resource you might find helpful:

• Free Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

Best,
Cristian

Hello,

I second Cristian here - I also have several candidates applying for ME offices, and have not heard of this localization initiative yet, so this seems like a recent development. If you're in doubt about a specific firm/office you want to apply to, you should ask HR there to know for sure.