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Why is the Middle East so hot right now?

Middle East MiddleEast
New answer on Sep 05, 2021
6 Answers
1.1 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Aug 31, 2021

This has intrigued me for a while. What are some examples of people’s motivations for going there? Do they mostly see the opportunity as one that they experiment living there / live there a couple years and then move on? Thanks!!!

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Ian
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replied on Aug 31, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Because of global warming!

Jokes aside, it's a fascinating region and generally has very low taxes. Governments spend a good amount on consultants there, and there's a strong/cohesive expat community as well (particularly in Dubai).

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Francesco
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replied on Sep 01, 2021
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Hi there,

I haven’t worked there myself, however I would imagine for most people the reasons are:

  • Actively hiring foreign candidates without the need of knowledge of Arabic
  • Fast-growing
  • No individual income taxes in several countries
  • International environment

Best,

Francesco

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Pedro
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replied on Aug 31, 2021
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Short answer is that:

  • There's a lot of project work to be done, given the ammount of money flowing into the region (which is investing a lot to recude Oil dependency), and also because Middle East is becoming a Hub for other locations (mostly Africa)
  • They need a lot of expatriates to fill in the vacancies 
  • Salaries are good (taxes are low)
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Agrim
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replied on Sep 01, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

That's because its summer and its the desert!

That said, the region needs a lot of development and growth and they have the money to pay consultants to come in and help out.

Plus lifestyle and living conditions and taxes are attractive - so people don't mind coming and living here.

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Florian
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replied on Sep 01, 2021
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Hey there,

From a corporate view:

  • Fast growth
  • A lot of projects across a couple of focus sectors

From an employee's view:

  • No tax
  • Good geography as a base for travel
  • Applications accepted from almost any country for MBB

Cheers,

Florian

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Mariam
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replied on Sep 05, 2021
Ex-Bain | ~5 years of consulting experience in the Middle East (UAE) | 4 years of candidate coaching with Bain

Hi there!

I have worked there for ~ 5 years! One of the key differentiators of the Middle East offices is that their pay tend to be much higher than other offices, since no taxes are paid on salaries.

The region is growing A LOT as well, particularly projects in Saudi Arabia. 

The region has always been “a temporary transition” for expats, meaning that they come live there for few years, get the experience, international exposure, make money and move back to Europe / US..Therefore, the turnaround tends to be even higher than consulting in other regions..which means more hiring in the Middle East to balance the loss of talent due to relocation..

Hope this answers your question!

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Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

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