Why Middle East?

Question

I am finding it difficult to prepare for the ‘why middle east?’, I am from Egypt and applying to offices in Dubai and Riyadh.

My answer will be in the lines of:

The middle east is an emerging market with very high investments and hopes to excel and become better. With the leader countries in the region have visions to try and develop the region like never before (such as Saudi 2030 or Egypt 2030)

With all this transformational stuff going on, and economy uplifting, I want to be part of such projects. I really want to have an impact by improving the region through the company by working alongside the brightest minds in the industry on such transformational projects.

Is that good enough for an answer? or it is off topic?

Thank you

Answer 1

Hi there,

This is good, but just remember that the “Why this region” “Why this company” and “Why consulting” are ALSO about Why You!

So, continue to tell them about your interest in this region, but also flag why that relates to you! You are also from the middle east and have done x and y in the region. You have also been involved in transformational projects, etc. etc.

Make sense?

Answer 2

Hey there,

Your answer sounds good in terms of the content. If you want to appear a tad more structured you could number and signpost:

‘’I want to work in the Middle East for 3 reasons, 1….2….3…''

Potential other arguments:

High growth and challenging environment
International exposure in a very diverse office
Specific types of projects
Geographical footprint and hub situation in the middle between Europe and Asia
Attractive expat contracts and tax regulations

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 3

The answer is ok, and is not off topic but this is not how you should approach this questions if you want to be seen as an outstanding candidate.

This says nothing about you and, most importantly, it says nothing about why should they hire you. You have to understand that the real question is not why you want Middle East… but rather whether the reasons you have are aligned with the target company, i.e., why should the Middle East office want you…

So your answer should highlight those things.

Happy to discuss in private if you want to design an outstanding pitch.

Answer 4

2 comments from me (overlaps a bit with what others said):

1. Your reasons could be made more “punchy” in concise numbered bullets, if you're sending in written format. If it's a verbal presentation, I would open by saying, “There are X reasons (do 3 if possible - consultants love the number 3)…”. And then you go into each reason

2. Don't forget to sell/ promote yourself. Why would you be suited for Middle East?

Answer 5

Happy to help you out here - having worked in BCG middle-east for 4+ years.

Drop me a message and we can work it out. The answer will need to be customized for you and your profile so we will need to discuss it thoroughly.

Answer 6

Hi!

They are all good points. You'll give a great answer by making it personal, i.e. specific to you and your ambitions/passions.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Anto