What's the state of the market like in terms of pipeline and opportunities in the GCC? Is most of the work still in KSA?
I am in the Financial Services area and based in the US but did a two year stint in the region with the Big4 a few years back and contemplating a return. Unsure if that would be the right move so trying to get some Intel from folks on the ground. Thank you.

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Thanks for the detailed response. The bit about the PIF PortCo's caught my eye because a recruiter had reached out to me a few months back and then went AWOL.

That space is definitely worth looking into. I have given myself a 9-12 month lead time to make connections and network.

Thanks again.

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I hear most of the work is in KSA for financial services. I’m also considering a move to ME

Not very encouraging definitely 😂 but good to know!!

Yes, most work is still in the KSA and that will remain the case for the foreseeable future.

What kind of intel are you looking for exactly to inform your decision?

You've got the whole consulting landscape to pick and choose from, depending on how much of a downgrade you're willing to accept. US/EU experience is definitely still sought after. Best pay is T2/MBB, arguably in that order. Hours aren't going to be great, particularly with FS clients.

Other than that, you've got the SWFs which all pay very well. Less room for foreign talent in junior roles, but door is open at more senior levels. You'll likely be worked just as hard as in consulting at PIF, don't have visibility on other SWFs. Any UAE based SWFs youll find yourself competing heavily purely because UAE is a more desirable destination for many used to a western lifestyle.

You also have subsidiary companies; PIF portcos particularly pay very well. You'll need to be bought all the way in though; very easy to spot the haters. Those who don't lean more towards optimism will not last long (particularly at the super risky projects like NEOM).

Presence of global tech and finance firms is limited. Most if not all have *a* presence, but nothing major. Amazon recently opened a corporate office in Riyadh, and I think they work on interesting stuff out of the Dubai office (e.g.: Arabic Alexa) so things are being done, I'm just doubtful of the scale of hiring for outside talent.

All the above is my opinion from what I've seen, so others are free to correct

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