Who is hiring in the ME Consulting?

Hi there,

In terms of hiring there are of course some general contractions in the market combined with the current political events in the region. 

With that said, even with slow downs the region still and always will hire candidates. Consulting firms always have turnover and therefore positions will need to be filled - even if there are slow or freeze periods.

To get the most up to date and accurate pulse on specifics I recommend networking with the firms you're interested in. Speak to people who are currently working in those firms. This enables you to know if the firm is hiring, which location they are hiring most (as firms in this region function across the GCC) as well as enables you to make connections and potentially get referrals for your application.

Good luck!
Happy to speak more if helpful.

Annika

Your Big4 UAE background is still a credible profile, but the timing adds uncertainty.

MBB and Tier 2 firms are still hiring, but regional tensions do slow things down. Project pipelines get delayed, client budgets get reviewed, and hiring decisions take longer to get approved internally.

March to May is still the most active window for experienced hire recruiting. Apply now and network aggressively. But manage your expectations on timeline. Processes that normally take six weeks may stretch to ten.

Hi there :)

Hiring in the Middle East is still relatively active compared to many other regions. MBB firms continue to hire, but the process is quite selective and often tied to specific project demand, especially in public sector, energy, and transformation topics. Tier 2 firms like Oliver Wyman, Strategy&, Kearney, and Roland Berger are also hiring, though typically in waves rather than continuously. Big4 strategy and transformation teams are expanding the most, especially in government, digital, and PMO related work, so many candidates enter there and later transition to strategy roles.

Hope this helps! Feel free to reach out if you have more questions.

Best,
Alessa :)

You seem to have a good overview already. 

Given the current situation in the Middle East, it's virtually impossible to know how consulting firms will adjust hiring. 

I would recommend you approach the recruiter from each target office individually and clarify the hiring situation directly with them. 

Best,
Cristian

It's completely understandable to be thinking ahead to April 2026, but the reality is that specific hiring targets for MBBs and Tier 2 firms are incredibly fluid, especially in a fast-paced market like the Middle East. Headcount planning is typically done on a much shorter cycle, often within 6-12 months of the actual hiring window, driven by live project pipeline and economic sentiment. What firms are prioritizing today can change significantly by then.

That said, the fundamental growth drivers you're observing — large-scale government initiatives, digital transformation, and diversification efforts across key sectors — are enduring themes in the region. These structural shifts will continue to create demand for top-tier strategic consulting. While the exact who might be hard to pinpoint two years out, the what they're looking for in terms of skills, impact, and regional expertise will remain consistent.

My advice would be to use this lead time to intensify your preparation and networking. Focus on excelling in your current Big4 role, seeking out projects with strategic impact, and building a narrative around your contributions that aligns with the problem-solving approach of MBB/Tier 2 firms. Start building those genuine connections now, learning from people who are in those roles, to understand the nuanced demands and culture. This proactive approach will put you in the strongest position, regardless of which specific firms have the most open spots in 2026.

All the best!