Why more business graduates now skip Europe, Asia to work in UAE, GCC

Jose Adrian Hidalgo Moretta, Senior Manager of Strategic Planning and Analysis Dubai Holding and Alliance Manchester Business School MBA graduate, says the UAE’s business-friendly environment, diversity, and iconic projects were key to his move.

“Compared to the US or Europe, the Gulf offers faster growth, a less saturated leadership pipeline, and unparalleled exposure to transformative projects,” says Jose.

He points to Dubai’s strategic location, its role as a global hub, and large-scale developments like NEOM and Palm Jebel Ali as opportunities rarely seen elsewhere. His advice: arrive with an open mind, adaptability, and a long-term vision.

For Rami Mohammed Kheir, BSS Expert at Huawei Technologies in Kuwait and a Global Online MBA graduate from Porto Business School, the Gulf offered a level of scale and speed unmatched by mature markets.

“The Middle East is in a phase of accelerated change where opportunities to make a visible impact are abundant,” says Rami. “Working here has given me access to strategic national projects, senior-level decision-making, and the chance to implement innovation at scale — faster than in the US or Europe.”

Rami’s advice to new graduates: embrace diversity, adapt quickly, and build strong networks. “Opportunities here often come from relationships and proven capability, not just formal processes,” he says.

For Abylay Adambayev, Product Financial Controller at an International Commodity Trading Company in Dubai and an MBA graduate from Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business, the decision to relocate was partly personal — his wife’s career move — but quickly became a professional advantage.

“With over 90% of the UAE’s population being expatriates, you never feel like a foreigner,” Abylay says. “From a career perspective, the UAE offers stability, opportunity, and cultural richness that’s hard to match — plus tax-free income.”

Abylay stresses that while opportunities are abundant, the competition is fierce. “Being on the ground increases your chances of landing the right role,” he advises. “Budget for a 4-to-6-month job search and focus on networking.”