Tier-2 in Dubai or MBB in Europe?

Question

Hi everyone,

After completing an internship in Dubai, I received a return offer for a full-time position after graduation. I’m now entering my final year of university and trying to decide on the best next step.

I’ll likely have interview opportunities with MBB firms in my home country (think Spain, Italy, or France). Assuming I get an offer from MBB, I’m weighing my options: in Dubai, the compensation is roughly 4–5x higher than in Europe, but in Europe I’d be closer to family - and of course, MBB is MBB.

I’m also wondering whether it would make sense to leverage the full-time offer in Dubai to pursue a full-time position (rather than another internship) in Europe.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

First time I'm taking the liberty of sharing my thoughts since I am not a coach, but this is a no-brainer in my eyes.

Looking at it from a long-term perspective, you have nothing to lose going for MBB in Europe. Better brand, closer to family, suits your lifestyle/culture, and with the MBB exit opportunities, there is good reason to believe your future income will outperform the one you'd make in Dubai in the short-term with a Tier 2. And if you truly want Dubai for yourself or your CV, spend 2 years at an MBB, and then make a move to the UAE.

Just the thoughts of a fellow recent grad.

Answer 2

Hi! Congrats on your offer - you’re in a very good position already. I’ve been in your shoes before in terms of deciding between geographies etc. and it really just comes down to how we define our priorities.

Aspects such as family, brand value, compensation, culture, learning, hobbies, etc. all play a role. It looks to me like you are leaning towards Europe, but I understand the allure of Dubai compensation is hard to pass. Since you are early in your career, you don’t even need to think in terms of either or, they could both be part of your career trajectory whenever the time is right. A move from Europe to Dubai could be easier in some cases especially with an MBB experience on your CV, but you have family in Europe so your personal reasons should continue to justify a move the other way around as well. Also, not sure if you have considered recruiting for MBB in Dubai as well? Something to consider if compensation matters most to you

You won’t lose either way - perhaps once you have other offers, we can revisit the conversation as sometimes being in that situation can make things seem clearer, both in the head and the heart!

Answer 3

Hey there :)

It really comes down to priorities. MBB in Europe gives unmatched brand, experience, and long-term exit options, while Dubai Tier-2 offers higher short-term pay and lifestyle benefits. You could leverage the Dubai offer as a safety net while pursuing MBB interviews, but be clear on what matters most: family and brand vs. compensation and location. Both paths have strong long-term potential; it’s about what trade-offs you’re willing to make now.

best, Alessa :)

Answer 4

Hi there,

If you think about the longer term career, in the case that you might stay in consulting for more than just 2-3 years, then it would be easier to move from MBB Europe to Tier 2 Dubai in the future, than the other way round, should you change your mind later.

Yet, I don't think the Tier 2 full time offer would be able to give you leverage for MBB full time recruiting though...

Best,

Emily

Answer 5

Hi there,

That’s a great situation to be in so congrats!

Honestly, both paths are strong. MBB in Europe gives you top-tier brand and easier mobility long term, while Tier-2 in Dubai offers faster responsibility and strong pay. If you’re set on consulting as a career, MBB might open more doors later but if you’re optimizing for short-term experience and savings, Dubai’s a great launchpad. You could also mention your Dubai offer when recruiting in Europe as it shows you’re in demand.

My suggestion is to not make a decision until you have to. So focus on getting the MBB offer first, and you can come back to this later.