Why Dubai IB Interviews Can Be Tougher Than London & How to Train for Them
I’ve been seeing more people here aiming for IB or PE roles in Dubai and Riyadh, often attracted by tax-free salaries and faster promotions. But a lot of candidates underestimate the interviews — and get filtered out earlier than they expect.
From what I’ve experienced and seen in GCC recruitment:
- Case studies are the real gatekeeper – almost every process includes one, often an LBO, even for generalist M&A roles.
- They’re more technical than you think – the assumptions can be dense, and the model needs to run perfectly.
- Time pressure is higher – you may get 60–90 minutes to model and answer follow-ups.
- Presentation is scrutinised – clean formatting, logical layout, and readable outputs can make or break your score.
If you haven’t practiced this style before, going in cold can be a deal-breaker — even for strong modellers.
That’s why I put together a Dubai-style LBO practice case based on the complexity and structure of real Middle East interview processes. It’s created for training, but the difficulty is on par with what you’d actually get in an elite boutique assessment.
You’ll get:
- A PDF with the full instructions and assumptions
- A complete Excel model solution so you can compare and see how to structure your own work
- Realistic financials, debt structure, and return metrics just like in GCC interviews
How often do they sponsor for Off-cycle/interns?
Never
Lol they sponsor all the time and UAE has the easiest work visa policy in the world.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, Dubai IB interviews can indeed be tougher than London due to their unique structure and expectations. Here's why and how to prepare effectively:
Why Dubai IB Interviews Are Tougher:
How to Train for Dubai IB Interviews:
If you're serious about breaking into IB in Dubai, dedicating time to mastering these elements is essential.
Sources: 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, How to prepare for an assessment center?, Advice for London applicants, Investment Banking to a Hedge fund... Can You Make the Jump?
Interested
Interested
Interested
Interested
Interested
First Dubai chocolate now Dubai LBO
Interested
Interested
Interested
interested
Interested
Interested
Interested
interested
interested
interested
Interested
interested
Interested!
Interested!
Interested
interested
Interested
Check Inbox
Did anyone work through this case study? Feedback? How does it compare with actual MENA interviews?
Interested
Interested
Blanditiis odit mollitia at expedita perspiciatis. Consequatur consequatur autem aut iure ipsam quo. Vero aut quo ipsam vero voluptatem qui. Cum dolorem adipisci voluptate repellendus.
Id illum iste dolores quia. In aliquid quo exercitationem dolorem. Debitis eaque quisquam nihil non autem optio sint. Harum architecto quia molestias ut dolorem nihil ab. Debitis consequatur animi qui maxime.
Ab qui cum sapiente ex deleniti laborum. Eaque quidem suscipit quasi. Hic velit quo totam ipsum et ut libero quis. Et cupiditate voluptatum ullam voluptate voluptatem error est. Quaerat ea dolores deserunt.
Fuga repellat sapiente autem tempore. Eveniet aliquid repellendus placeat ad accusamus. Nihil voluptatem fugit atque et. Architecto ut architecto fugit occaecati. Aut quasi reprehenderit id deserunt dolorum deserunt.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
In in earum vel quasi dicta. Corrupti et reiciendis omnis voluptatum maxime quis iusto labore. Et ab earum nisi excepturi. Rerum fuga deleniti dolores eligendi quasi voluptatem laudantium.
Qui repellat eos similique repellendus animi sit culpa. Ullam pariatur quod cupiditate aut voluptas. Minus deleniti soluta aut possimus. Ut reiciendis qui delectus consequatur ratione. Et aliquid fugiat aut recusandae maiores.
Aspernatur porro ad reiciendis qui eos molestiae. Ut soluta culpa voluptatum ut ipsa possimus hic. Tenetur ipsam adipisci cumque magni ab earum. Est quod eum et. Voluptatem esse non consequatur omnis placeat exercitationem maxime porro.