MBB Middle East to Sovereign Wealth Fund / Family Fund exit tips?

Hey chimps,

It's been nearly 2 years for me in MBB based in Dubai and have been thinking more and more about exiting - I feel seriously burned out (hours in the region are insane - finishing at midnight is considered a good project), had to work 20% of weekends this year and really sick of all travel. On top with C-19/Oil price crash it seems promotion might be not be as safe as it seemed 6m ago.

I've been reading more and more about the UAE Sovereign Wealth Funds (e.g. ADIA, Mubadala, ICD), and the more I learn the more interested I am in joining their PE arm. I know it's not the most straightforward transition, but I have always had a passion for Equity Finance: After my MSc in Economics and before joining MBB I completed two 3-month long internships - one in Hospitality Real Eastate Investment Manager/Advisory in London and another at a Series A VC fund operating in CEE. Within my MBB the most relevant project was a massive asset divestment strategy for a O&G giant.

I am also open to private funds, but info is very limited on family funds, while PE funds are very few (after the glorious collapse of Abraaj).

Is the transition doable? Any advice on how to approach the SWF & Private/Family PEs? I know the region is very headhunter-based and I am a bit behind in the game with them.

Thanks!

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