Companies hiring in the UAE

Question

Hello everyone,

does anyone know the situation in the UAE when its comes to consulting firms hiring? Who is hiring, who is not? When is the best time to apply w referral (now or e.g August)?

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

I would say wait until August or maybe even later.

All of the tier 2 firms in the region have frozen interviews completely and MBB are only interviewing candidates who were already in the pipeline.

Answer 2

Hi there,

It seems things are starting to pick up again but it varies by office + company.

I suggest you ask your referee when it makes the most sense. You can also reach out to HR as well as stagger your inquiries across firms to spread risk.

According to this recently asked Q&A:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/do-we-have-any-information-on-what-firms-in-dubai-have-delayed-new-joiners-start-dates-and-by-how-long-7179

(I cannot personally verify this, but an anonymous user has stated the following)

1. BCG : Jan/Feb

2. Strategy& : Feb/March

3. Kearney: Feb

4. Mckinsey : Feb (some said that the firm has not decided yet)

5. OW: Not decided yet

6. Rolan Berger: No news yet

This is only for people hired at entry level (BAs/Associates). There's atleast a 6-month delay.

Another user has posted the following in reference to MBB Dubai:

- MBB Dubai / entry-level / Sep 2020 --> Jan 2021 (no stipend)

- MBB Dubai / post-MBA / Jun 2020 --> Sep 2020 (no stipend)

- MBB Dubai / entry-level / Sep 2020 --> Mar 2021 (with stipend)

- OW Dubai / entry-level / Sep 2020 --> Jan 2021 (no stipend)

Answer 3

Hi there,

MBB in Dubai have restarted their interviews as well as some tier-2 companies - I think they are currently processing the applications they have received since Dec-Jan...So it will take them a few months to go through them.

That being said, If you are ready to apply, then go for it - you should hear back whenever it's you applications turn (I would recommend to apply in batches, select one MBB and two tier-2 companies as a first trial, once you hear back from them then decide on applying to a second batch)

Best

Khaled

Answer 4

Hello!

In the last two weeks, recruiting has boomed again worldwide. However, at least from my network and my coachees, none has been called in UAE yet.

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 5

Hello,

If you have a referral and a contact inside the company, the best thing you can do is to ask directly them. Situation varies a lot between companies and the referral can be a good boost to accelerate the process. There is no downside in applying asap.

Best,
Luca

Answer 6

Hi there,

I'm a current MBB consultant in Dubai.

Happy to answer questions you might have in private.

Best

Answer 7

If possible for you, I think it's better to wait until end of summer holidays to launch application (best is to be refered of course)

David