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Dubai vs. London in Consulting – Which Hub Is Better to Target?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been thinking about something and would love your thoughts.

While researching consulting salaries across top firms, I noticed that entry-level compensation in Dubai is significantly higher than in London, at least for the first few levels on the pyramid.

This made me wonder: which of the two hubs is actually better to target for someone at the beginning of their consulting career?

For context, I’m Italian, and English is my only second language.

A few questions I’d appreciate help with:

  • Which city/hub would you consider better overall?
  • What key categories would you use to compare the two? (For example: salary, type of projects, career progression, lifestyle, difficulty of getting in, etc.)
  • Does it make more sense to apply now for junior roles (even with limited experience) or to build more experience and apply later for stronger positions?
  • Is now a good time to apply, or is it better to wait for a specific recruitment cycle or season?

Thanks a lot in advance—your insights would be super helpful!

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Beste Antwort
am 10. Apr. 2025

Great question — I’ve looked into this myself, and I’d personally recommend targeting Dubai, especially if you're just starting out in consulting.

Here’s why:

  • Compensation: Like you mentioned, salaries in Dubai tend to be higher at entry level, and with no income tax, your take-home pay is significantly better than in London.
  • Cost of Living vs. Savings: While Dubai can be expensive, the ability to save is generally stronger compared to London due to lower taxes and often subsidized benefits like housing or transport.
  • Project Exposure: Dubai offers fast-paced, high-impact projects, often with clients across the Middle East and Africa. The region is still growing, so you’ll likely be involved in more transformational work early on.
  • Lifestyle: It’s a modern city with a strong expat community, and English is widely spoken. Quality of life can be great if you adapt to the culture and climate.
  • Hiring Trends: Dubai firms often look for younger, hungry talent, and they are more flexible with backgrounds. So even with limited experience, now could be a great time to apply.
  • Recruitment Cycles: Unlike London, where firms follow more structured recruitment seasons, Dubai tends to recruit year-round — so no harm in applying now.

London has its strengths (especially long-term career growth and global exposure), but for someone starting out, Dubai offers a strong mix of pay, experience, and opportunity.

10
Florian
Coach
am 7. Apr. 2025
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Which city/hub would you consider better overall?
Dubai is generally the better option from a growth perspective. It’s a more future-oriented, dynamic market, while much of the UK/Europe is currently stagnating or facing headwinds - this won't change but likely accelerate.

How do they compare?

  • Market growth: Dubai is expanding; Europe is more mature and slower-growing/shrinking. Both markets have overhired in the past, which influences current hiring...
  • Difficulty of entry: Both are highly competitive, especially for expats.
  • Career progression: Generally similar, since the career path is very rigid. I'd try to apply in your home country first, then make an internal transfer (unless you have specific ties to a region, e.g., a Masters from a top UK b-school)
  • Project types: Highly dependent on the firm and specific practice (local vs. international staffing).
  • Lifestyle: Fairly comparable, though cultural and personal preferences matter.

Does it make more sense to apply now for junior roles or build more experience and apply later?
Both approaches can work. Apply now - if it doesn’t work out, you can always try again after gaining more experience. Note that many firms impose a 12–24 month reapplication period.

Is now a good time to apply, or should I wait for a specific cycle?
It depends on your flexibility. At the moment, hiring is tight unless you have a strong story or a niche, high-demand profile. If you have time and can build your candidacy, waiting might improve your chances.

Cheers,

Florian

Alessa
Coach
am 7. Apr. 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

hey!

Here’s a short and focused reply you can post on PrepLounge:

Hi there! Great question — both Dubai and London have their pros, and the “better” hub really depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick comparison by key factors:

  • Salary: Dubai wins — significantly higher take-home due to tax-free income.
  • Lifestyle: London is more walkable, diverse culturally, and offers a more “European” lifestyle. Dubai is more expat-heavy, car-centric, but very safe and vibrant.
  • Projects: Dubai often focuses on public sector, mega-projects, and implementation-heavy work. London offers broader industry exposure (finance, consumer, etc.) and often more strategy-focused work.
  • Difficulty getting in: London is more competitive due to volume of applicants. Dubai offices are smaller but still tough — referrals help a lot.
  • Career progression: Similar at MBB level in both, but London may offer smoother transitions to EU industry roles later.

If you’re early in your career, it’s fine to apply now — no need to “wait” unless you think you’ll significantly boost your profile in the next 6–12 months.

Best of luck!

Alessa

am 9. Apr. 2025
1st session -50% and free 15min call| Ex-McKinsey| Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions

HI!

To answer your questions

  • Which city/hub would you consider better overall?

    But what does better mean for you?

    Let's look at:

    1. Salary: Dubai for sure!!! London salaries have stagnated overtime. They're basically half of US salaries and 30% more than African/South East asian office salaries (and the cost of living in Joburg is much less than London). 

    2. Walkability adn culture: Both - both have their pros and cons, both you can find meet-up groups, both you can walk about in, both have lovely food cultures. 

    3. Safety: I'd rate both are safe, but obviously in London don't walk about with your cellphone sticking out of your pocket.

    4. Economic growth: Dubai, more economic activity.  

    5. Difficulty in getting in: Dubai is easier because it's a growing region with more work. 

    6. Progression: This is you dependent. 

     

    It depends what you want and value.

     

  • Does it make more sense to apply now for junior roles (even with limited experience) or to build more experience and apply later for stronger positions?

    I always think it's best to come in as an Associate or Junior Associate as an experienced hire. You get to learn the ways of working in a less pressured role than a Project manager level. 

  • Is now a good time to apply, or is it better to wait for a specific recruitment cycle or season?

    Apply when you are ready. Begin your prep now. 

     

    Happy to discuss and good luck!

Pedro
Coach
am 10. Apr. 2025
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

It's easier to get into Dubai, higher growth opportunities, and a better salary package vs. cost of living.

But you will do more interesting projects in London (less implementation work)

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