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Inquiry Regarding Major Sectors in MBB and Boutique Consulting Firms

As an aspiring consultant, I'm seeking guidance on the major sectors MBB (McKinsey, Bain, and BCG) and boutique consulting firms like Strategy&, EY-Parthenon, Kearney, and others typically work on in the Middle-East Region. Understanding these sectors will help me align my career goals and develop relevant skills. Any insights you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

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Top answer
on May 23, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach
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Coach
on May 23, 2023
Senior Partner and CEO, helping you reach to MBB and beyond, case and interview marathons, career progression

Dear candidate,

A) To get a thorough view, economy study, brief innovation overview, networking, firm site revision and consulting prep revisions.

B) you ll find work closely relating to main economic sectors in the region for example oil and gas and you will also find some standard work such as general functions like finance, hr, it.

Best regards

Ian
Coach
on May 23, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

The major sectors, give or take, will be:

  1. Energy
  2. O&G
  3. Gov/Public Sector
  4. Tourism
Emily
Coach
on May 23, 2023
300+ coached cases | Former McKinsey interviewer + recruiting lead| End-to-end prep in 2 weeks

While boutique consulting firms do tend to do projects relevant to major industries in the geography, it's important to note that MBB tend to work across nearly every single industry in every geography given the scale and reach of their work. That said, common industries and sectors for the Middle East are:

  1. Energy and Resources: The Middle East is renowned for its vast reserves of oil and natural gas. Consulting firms in this region frequently work with clients in the energy and resources sector, including national oil companies, independent operators, and service providers. They assist with strategic planning, operational efficiency, project management, and market analysis, among other areas.
  2. Financial Services: The Middle East is a significant hub for financial services, including banking, insurance, and capital markets. Consulting firms collaborate with banks, investment firms, and other financial institutions to enhance their performance, develop growth strategies, optimize risk management, and navigate regulatory challenges.
  3. Public Sector: Governments in the Middle East often seek consulting support to drive economic diversification, improve public services, and enhance governance. Firms provide expertise in areas such as policy formulation, organizational design, public-private partnerships, digital transformation, and infrastructure development.
  4. Healthcare: The healthcare sector in the Middle East is experiencing rapid growth and transformation. Consulting firms engage with public and private healthcare providers, regulators, and pharmaceutical companies to improve healthcare delivery, enhance operational efficiency, implement digital health solutions, and develop healthcare strategies aligned with global best practices.
  5. Technology and Telecommunications: With the Middle East's increasing focus on digital transformation and innovation, consulting firms play a crucial role in assisting technology companies and telecommunications operators. They provide expertise in areas like digital strategy, cybersecurity, technology implementation, and telecommunications network optimization.
  6. Consumer Goods and Retail: The Middle East has a thriving consumer market, and consulting firms work closely with consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, and distributors. They help clients with market entry strategies, supply chain optimization, customer experience enhancement, brand positioning, and product portfolio management.
  7. Transportation and Logistics: The Middle East's strategic location as a global transportation hub presents unique challenges and opportunities. Consulting firms assist transportation companies, logistics providers, and government entities in areas such as infrastructure planning, supply chain optimization, logistics network design, and transportation policy development.
Pedro
Coach
on May 29, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Major sectors will be the ones driving the economy.

Ian stated the most relevant ones, I would Resources in general (mining, water, …), Telecom, and Banking. 

Some activity starting in food and healthcare particularly in Saudi Arabia.

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