Trying to understand the current hiring landscape

Hey,

There is a lot of uncertainty in the MENA region due to the current geopolitical scenario. When this happens, long-term projects are typically halted or postponed, and short-term engagements (e.g., due diligences) are also limited—there is simply too much uncertainty right now to buy a new company or start a joint venture.

Thus, this slowdown is unfortunately normal.

I wouldn't stress about it too much:

• In a month or so, consulting firms and companies will likely have a clearer understanding of whether this is the new normal, or if the situation in Iran has evolved.

• A lot of expats are planning to leave the area and are recruiting for opportunities abroad (I can say this confidently because I am coaching a few people doing exactly this). This means competition might slow down and turnover could increase, resulting in more opportunities for new joiners 

• Long-term, unless we enter a multi-year conflict around Hormuz, I don't think the prospects for MENA consulting (or the overall hiring numbers) will change much.

Hope this helps,

Tom

Hi,

I am working with BCG as a trainer for their new hires in Middle East (as well as in Europe) and I can confirm that hiring is still happening, but it’s clearly slower and more selective right now, especially in the Middle East. I’m seeing the same also across candidates I work with: processes paused, pushed to next cycles, or roles quietly filled.

This is largely macro-driven and not something you can control. What it means in practice is fewer spots and less predictability, not a full stop on hiring.

I wouldn’t change your approach fundamentally. Keep networking to stay visible (it still helps) but more importantly, stay ready.

At the same time, it’s reasonable to hedge your risk and look more broadly, while continuing to pursue consulting in parallel.

Regards,
Franco

Your read is pretty much right — the market in KSA/UAE is still active, but much less predictable than before.

What you’re seeing:

• “moved to next cycle”
• “roles filled, maybe later”

is very common right now. It’s usually not about you — it’s more about timing, pipeline, and headcount.

Firms like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company are still hiring, but in a more stop-and-go way.

What I’d do in your position:

1. Keep consulting in play
Yes, it still makes sense to stay in touch with people.
Reaching out to principals / partners can help, but:

• keep it targeted
• don’t overdo it
• think of it as staying visible, not pushing for an immediate interview

2. Broaden your options
This is important.

Look also at:

• Oliver Wyman, Strategy&, Kearney, Roland Berger
• strong corporates / sovereign funds
• strategy roles in industry

Not as a backup — just to keep momentum.

3. Don’t overthink the signals
What you’re getting is not:
“you’re not good enough”

It’s more:
“we don’t have space right now”

Big difference.

4. Play the timing game
Right now a lot comes down to:

• being ready
• having relationships in place
• catching the right moment

So overall:

• yes, the market is a bit slow
• no, it’s not closed
• keep pushing on consulting
• but don’t rely only on that

That’s the most sensible way to navigate it.

Yes the market has slowed compared to the post Covid boom. Couple of trends worth knowing - 

Hiring now more focused on filling talent locally in the demand centers. Firms are also leaning towards niche specialised expertise, either deep industry knowledge or functional skills around digital and AI. Generalist profiles are harder to place in this market.

Best thing you can do is stay on the radar of the leadership through continued networking and outreach so you are top of mind when the steam picks up again. The "we will reach out if things change" emails are not always a polite no, sometimes things really do open up later.

Happy to connect and share more direct input on your profile if useful. Good luck !

Hi there,

I see you've received several great answers already.

The one dimension I'd add is that hiring in consulting has slowed down globally, and then in the MENA region specifically.

This, of course, is outside of your control.

The only things you can do are:

1. Optimise your application strategy
2. Become better than the average candidate

Sharing a targeted guide on point 1: Expert Guide: Build A Winning Application Strategy

If you need help, don't hesitate to drop me a line.

Best,
Cristian

Your read is mostly right.

KSA is still hiring but selectively, mostly Arabic speakers, Saudi nationals, and giga-project experience. UAE offices are active but running tight teams, with many roles filled through referrals.

Keep reaching out to Principals and MDs. A warm Partner relationship unlocks hidden roles. Don't pitch hard, just stay visible every 4 to 6 weeks.

Broaden your aperture. Look at Tier 2 firms and in-house strategy roles at sovereign wealth fund companies and family conglomerates. Strong pivot points back into consulting later.

Use this window to sharpen your CV and case prep.

Good luck.

Generally slowed down but MBBs are still interviewing, especially at the more junior / fresh-grad levels. Tier 2s have shut the door until the 'fog of peace' dissipates. Not sure on Big4s just yet but I can assume Tier 2's behaviours are a good proxy.

Hi there, Network with every firm. Period. Worst case, you've built up your referrals for next year.