The year started strongly for hiring across the UAE. We have seen demand for both local and international talent, particularly from government-backed businesses, sovereign investment platforms and family offices. Many of these organisations are either launching new operations in the region or expanding internationally, which has created demand for senior leadership and specialist expertise.
Our clients range from sovereign-backed entities and large family offices through to global investment firms establishing regional headquarters. Across these organisations there has been a clear focus on growth. Businesses are building teams to support international acquisitions, launch new platforms and scale operations across sectors such as media, technology, education and sustainability.
Despite the disruption caused by the recent war in the Gulf, most organisations have not changed their long-term strategy. The overwhelming view among the leaders we speak with is that the UAE continues to offer stability and long-term opportunity. While some sectors linked to tourism have had to take short-term measures, the consensus is that these challenges are temporary.
This reflects a wider confidence in the UAE’s economic direction. The country has consistently demonstrated resilience and an ability to adapt during global disruptions. Many business leaders point to the UAE’s handling of COVID-19 as a clear example. The country managed the crisis effectively and was one of the fastest economies to rebound as borders reopened and investment returned.
Talent is taking a similar view. When speaking to international candidates, very few have been discouraged by recent events. The attraction of the UAE is not simply about tax advantages. Increasingly, senior professionals see the region as a place where they can work on ambitious projects, build businesses at scale and operate in fast-moving sectors.
Education is one area where we have seen particularly strong growth. There has been a significant increase in investment in schools and educational institutions across the UAE as the population continues to grow. Investors recognise the importance of education infrastructure in supporting the country’s long-term development, and we have been involved in several searches for senior leadership and corporate roles in this sector.
Living and working in Dubai myself, I have also seen how residents and businesses respond during periods of uncertainty. Even during challenging moments, daily life continues with a sense of confidence and security. Personally, I have felt safe and have been able to maintain an active outdoor lifestyle, something many friends in the UK have found surprising given how the region is sometimes portrayed internationally.
Of course, there are concerns when tensions rise in the region, but the broader outlook remains optimistic. The UAE has built a system where government, business leaders and residents tend to support one another through difficult periods. That long-term mindset appears to underpin the resilience of the economy.
The opportunities in the UAE remain significant, particularly for those willing to take a longer-term perspective. The businesses and professionals who continue to invest in the region today are likely to be the ones who benefit most from the next phase of growth.
Whether you are building a team to support growth across the region or considering a senior move into one of the UAE’s expanding sectors, our team is well placed to help. We work with sovereign-backed entities, family offices and global firms across the UAE and have a strong network of both local and international talent. To speak to our MENA team, get in touch here.
Our team possesses a unique blend of industry expertise, advanced recruitment acumen, and professional assessment skills on a global scale. With an in-depth understanding of the market, we are perfectly positioned to help you hire the best talent that you need
Meet the team
Hanson Search’s knowledge of the market is up to date and accurate, they understand day to day needs for their clients, but their real USP is the ability to introduce talent that enables ambition & growth.
Talent Partner, Blakeney
Hanson Search is a trusted and valued recruitment partner to MHP Group. They know the business and the teams they work across well and always strive to provide us with the most high-quality candidates.
Talent Partner, MHP Group
The Hanson Search team truly places quality over quantity and it’s refreshing. Their robust screening process means that you may only view a handful of candidates but each one of them has something to offer the role.
Head of Campaigns, Third Bridge
Hanson Search has been instrumental in identifying and recruiting senior executives for RAK Tourism. They deeply understood the nature of the roles and people we need and provided excellent candidates.
CEO, RAK Tourism
Hanson Search quickly ‘got’ us. They were proactive in their search and responsive in their service right from the outset. Very happy client.
MD, firstlightPR, Paul Davies
Hanson Search understands our business and is able to identify very strong candidates at all levels.
Managing Partner, Brunswick Group - Gulf, Rupert Young
I’ve worked with headhunters for the past 20 years, but I’ve found Hanson Search has a better understanding of how to attract and secure the right talent for our market.
CEO, Hanover, Charles Lewington
Career Enquiry
