How does one get into Abraaj Capital in Dubai
Would be glad if anyone based in Dubai could shed some light on this.
I graduated from a liberal arts college in the US (kill me now) majoring in finance and mathematics, and I've heard of Abraaj doing some great deals in the region. I've applied to Abraaj's online system, but I guess one never gets a reply from them. Does anyone here have a suggestion on how to get an interview with them. My only finance related internship was PWM role with MS.
I'm pretty sure I can nail the technical side of the interview (have been following every deal in the EMEA region, and can confidently regurgitate every item of DCF/merger modelling/lbos, etc).The fit will always be a wildcard, but based on the result of my interviews with MBB here in Dubai, I think I at least got the cultural fit part right.
They recruit for top-tier schools mostly bschool grads. I have yet to see someone from a non-target. Most guys I know had really good connections (family) + good university + high grades + BB IB experience.
Getting there straight out of undergrad will be a long shot to impossible. I would try to do Dubai BB or MBB first. You are competing with nationals there with BB/MBB experience who are killing to get a spot at Abraaj Capital.
Just like mega funds in the U.S. just higher bonus/salary, tax free salary/bonus, and better lifestyle.
From what I've heard, prospectives at the analyst/associate levels are not so eager to work at Abraaj. Various sources cite absolutely brutal work hours (~110hrs/week), very rude bosses (think dlj/UBS LA) and something close to a 10% staff cut at the lower levels every year. All of this is hearsay, though.
From what I can gather, nationals are indeed killing to get a spot, but most of them try to get in to a VP/SVP level. I gather that the local population is not too fond of being treated like a monkey (apparently there is some sort of "manager-complex" within the emiratis). Hearsay again.
I know a very senior person at Abraaj - PM me.
hi, you still have that connection, can i pm you?
Very interested in Abraaj as well. May I PM you as well, @terry605?
Abraaj Capital (Originally Posted: 11/15/2007)
Anyone knows anything about them? I know they're one of the biggest players in Middle East PE but any other info about them would be useful.
Pm me...is this the Fund in Dubai?
anyone else know much about the firm? i've looked at their portfolio, track record and fund growth and it all looks very impressive. thinking of seriously recruiting there. what do you think the exit opportunities would be like if i were to leave after a few years?
Great fund, easily the most prominent in Dubai. They've done some >$1bn deals too, fundraising has been a breeze for them. Extremely aggressive and they've had some fantastic exits; they're currently on a hiring spree of sorts since they can pick up ex-BBers (hard to come by in Dubai in the past) without a guaranteed bonus etc. You'll get great deal experience there, they're very active and management has great connections in Dubai (which is key in the region).
All that said, the work culture is terrible; it's an absolute sweatshop, they generally cut 10% of people per year, no one there seems terrible happy. Then again, I hear bonuses last year were 500% of base for many (several exits). So comp is good, but it's a tough environment to work in. But as far as local PE players go, they're far and away the biggest name.
500% of base? That's a lot higher than average PE bonus in Dubai.
well, they do have connections with the government because it is owned by the government.
Like I said, wasn't average, they made a few very good exits. But they've paid 5 times base before. Comp is generally not something to worry about.
And no, it isn't a sovereign wealth fund, although a lot of the shareholders are government. Most are actually large HNWIs (influential families) from all over the region, including KSA. It's actually done far better than the 15 or so UAE SWFs.
bump - especially interested in any info regarding their non-Dxb offices (reputation, comp, etc)
has anyone interviewed there recently? applied but no response.
I have a friend who works there and he agreed that the environment is tough, but he also said that if you are not 100% sure that you want to concentrate on the Middle East and Africa in the long-term, you should look for another fund.
im jelly now
Breaking into Abraaj Capital in Dubai (Originally Posted: 02/10/2013)
Hey WSO,
Recently, I have been considering private equity programs straight from an undergraduate education. I am currently interning at a BB, in Equity Research. I can't see myself staying in ER, and I want to make the jump to the buyside as soon as possible.
I know that Silverlake, Blackstone, and other smaller Private Equity firms entertain the idea of analysts coming straight out of undergrad. I was wondering if you guys knew anything about Abraaj Capital? They do a lot of deals in my home country, and it seems that their investments in MENASA are first rate. Hopefully, someone on this board can help. By the way, I have read the other thread on Abraaj Capital, but to no avail. Thank you guys!
what's your "home country" if you dont mind me asking?
I am Pakistani, but born in the US. Do you have any advice for me? I saw that you work in Riyadh?
I've talked to someone at Abraaj - pretty sure they want the same experience that any other giant LBO fund would want.
Does anyone know how to contact Abraaj Careers?
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