How to break into Dubai

I am interested in breaking into an off-cycle position in Dubai, but had no luck after initial attempts. 

My profile is top European target with a top 3 BB internship, alongside O&G experience from previous internships. 

I tried reaching out to Analysts/ Associates on LinkedIn for coffee chats, but they do not reply. I also tried applying to the portals.

I heard networking is essential to land a role Dubai, but as it does not work with my approach I don't know how to continue. I would like to land an Off-Cycle or a Full-Time position and start my career in Dubai.

7 Comments
 

As someone working in Dubai, albeit in trading, I believe a lot of the spot is reserved for local kids. The easier way is to just work 1-2 years in London and then the UAE headhunters will come to you.

 

I see! 

However I would rather try to break in as soon as possible, as I don't want to work in London. 

Do you think there is a way on how to approach finding an off-cycle internship I could try? 

Or how is hiring done for foreign nationals? 

I saw some profiles which do not speak Arabic and are not from the region, yet managed to break in immediately. 

 

For my team atleast we don't have an established "Grad" program. We take internal laterals from london/singapore and have HHs for hiring needs when it comes up.

I would not recommend only applying to Dubai. HC is Dubai is minuscule compared to London and other large cities. If you can get a few YOE under your belt in any major European city with reputable BB/EB your chance of moving to dubai should be pretty high.

 

Curious do you guys ever hire people from Canada? I'll likely end up at a Canadian bank full time as I havent had much luck recruiting elsewhere and hope to move to Dubai. I speak arabic so hope that helps.

 

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