Executive search services in the Middle East: How high-growth real estate companies find talent

In today’s competitive business landscape, securing exceptional leadership talent often determines whether a company succeeds or stagnates. My team and I have personally facilitated the placement of CEOs, Managing Directors, and other senior executives for high-growth real estate companies across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Over the years, we have seen how the right leader can completely change an organisation’s trajectory.

Rising demand for executive talent in Dubai

As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a premier business hub in the Middle East, the demand for top-tier executive talent has grown significantly. ManpowerGroup’s Q3 2025 Employment Outlook Survey reveals that the UAE leads the world with a Net Employment Outlook of +48%, almost double the global average of +24%. This demonstrates an exceptional hiring environment across the Emirates.

Rapidly expanding firms face a pressing question: How do you identify, attract and secure C-suite leaders who can navigate both local complexities and global growth ambitions? Through our dedicated focus on real estate executive recruitment, we know that partnering with a specialist executive search firm in Dubai is essential for sustainable success.

Contrasting talent dynamics: Saudi Arabia vs UAE

A recent MENA economy highlighted key contrasts between Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in terms of talent attraction, recruitment and labour force participation. These findings align with Hintel’s own research across the GCC.

The challenge of talent attraction in Saudi Arabia

Despite its ambitious Vision 2030 programme, Saudi Arabia faces clear challenges in attracting foreign professionals.

• Regulatory barriers: Restrictive labour laws and visa requirements make it difficult for international talent to relocate, particularly in specialised fields such as architecture, engineering and large-scale real estate development.

• Cultural considerations: Concerns about cultural integration and working practices influence the decisions of some expatriates considering roles in the Kingdom.

• Economic diversification: Investment is high, but the domestic talent pool often cannot meet the demands of emerging industries.

Insights from Hintel’s Working in KSA Survey

To understand expatriate experiences, Hintel surveyed over 500 professionals currently living in KSA or who have previously resided there. The results highlighted a more positive picture than many assume:

• 77% of respondents stayed longer than they initially intended, citing strong reasons to remain once settled.

• 92% rated team inclusivity at 3 or higher, despite diverse nationalities and levels of experience.

• 89% said the work ethic in KSA surpassed their home country.

UAE: A magnet for top talent

By contrast, the UAE has become one of the most attractive destinations for international professionals. Several factors underpin its success:

• Open labour policies: Streamlined visa processes and flexible labour regulations.

• Quality of life: Cosmopolitan living, excellent infrastructure and high levels of safety.

• Innovation: A strong commitment to technology and smart city development that appeals to ambitious executives.

The EMIR report notes that this influx of talent reinforces the UAE’s role as a hub for innovation, investment and long-term economic resilience.

Market dynamics shaping executive demand

Our research insights reveal that 78% of UAE firms plan to expand senior leadership teams within the next 18 months. Growth is particularly strong in:

• Technology-enabled real estate: 65% of our 2024 placements

• Sustainable development: 23%

• Hospitality real estate: 12%

The competitive environment has lengthened recruitment cycles. Senior searches now take an average of 4.8 months in 2024, compared with 3.2 months in 2020. Additionally, 94% of searches now involve formal assessment processes, especially for Vision 2030-related projects.

Accessing hidden talent markets

Our research shows that 87% of senior executives in real estate are passive candidates who are not actively seeking new roles. Through Hintel’s global network of more than 500,000 professionals in the GCC real estate sector, we provide clients with access to hidden pools of leadership talent.

Proven expertise and next steps

Hintel has successfully placed 300+ senior executives across the GCC’s most ambitious real estate and construction projects. Whether supporting UAE firms in scaling their leadership teams or advising Saudi organisations on talent strategies, we deliver the expertise and market intelligence to secure the leaders who drive growth.

Speak with one of our consultants today to transform your executive hiring strategy:

• Executive Search Services

• Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)

• Meet Our Leadership Team

• Contact Us

© 2024 Hintel Middle East. A talent consultancy exclusively for Real Estate and Construction, helping your business build and sell the best properties in the world, through the best people.