Hi there,

My advice is to ignore this one and follow your networking + background.

Networking

In your networking, which office has been most interested in you? Which seems to like you more? Which one do you have a referral for?

Background

Where have you worked/studied/lived. Where does your background (degree, industry, etc.) match the work that is done in that region?

Hi there, 

It's hard to tell. And as a consequence I wouldn't make this criteria the basis of my preference. 

Realistically, Dubai is bigger, but it's almost more competitive (in terms of more applications). 

You could make the claim that they already have a lot of consultants so they're not hiring as much. But you could also make the claim that because they are a bigger office, they also have the possibility to hire more people. 

Dubai also gets a lot of international applications, whereas Doha gets comparatively more local ones. 

If you still want additional sources of input, I'd recommend you reach out to some of the current consultants in these offices. 

Here's how to conduct these discussions and also potentially get a referral on the way:

• Free Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals

Best,
Cristian

When it comes to choosing location preferences for McKinsey and BCG in the Middle East, it's important to consider various factors beyond just the size of the office. While the Dubai office may be larger in size, it doesn't necessarily mean that your chances of getting in are higher. The hiring decisions are based on a combination of factors, including the specific needs of the office, the demand for consultants in each location, and the overall applicant pool.

Regarding the number of consultants in the Dubai and Doha offices for McKinsey and BCG, I don't have access to the exact figures as they can vary over time. However, both firms have a significant presence in both cities, with multiple teams and projects. It's best to reach out to the firms directly or connect with individuals who currently work or have worked in those offices for more specific information on the size and dynamics of the teams.

Hi there,

1) Do you think because Dubai office is larger, I have a higher chance of getting in? Or the opposite?

Very difficult to predict because there are several elements affecting demand/supply besides the size.

I would rather apply where you can find a referral/find sectors more interesting. The person referring you could also comment on the current situation in terms of hiring and help to understand which option could have a higher likelihood.

2) Also does anyone know how many consultants are there in Dubai office and Doha office for both McKinsey and BCG?

You can check it on LinkedIn as follows, for them and other companies as well:

1. Select McKinsey/BCG as the employer
2. Select Dubai/Doha as the location

Good luck!

Francesco

Hello,

For what starting dates are you applying to?

Thanks!