If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I’m a sucker for new frontiers. Whether it’s micro or macro trends, I like to explore what’s next—and who’s building it.
Lately, I’ve noticed an increasingly loud signal: a growing number of Canadians and Americans—myself included—are looking to the UAE for what comes next. Not just because the job market in North America feels uncertain. But because the Middle East, and the UAE specifically, feels like a place where optimism is still allowed to breathe. Where the future isn’t something to fear—it’s something you help shape.
As part of my exploration, I invited Oscar Orellana-Hyder to the podcast. Oscar is a seasoned headhunter who left the City of London a decade ago to build a career—and now his own firm—in Dubai. He has helped hundreds of executives make the leap into the region, and he brings a rare mix of candor and context.
If you’re even thinking about making a move—or just want a deeper understanding of this evolving global hub—our conversation is a must-listen. But in the meantime, here’s a deeper dive into what I took away.
🔑 1. Want to Win in the UAE? Drop the “Western Speed” Mindset
One of the first things Oscar made clear: the UAE is not just a sunnier, tax-free version of London or Toronto. It’s a different operating system.
In the UAE, especially Abu Dhabi, relationships matter more than resumes. Trust is built slowly. Deals take time. Hiring processes can involve 6, 8, even 10 interviews—and that’s normal. Brunches and paddle games may precede boardroom decisions. And no one is in a rush just because you are.
If you’re used to the “one call, one close” approach of North America, this will be a shift. But if you lean into it, you’ll find that the slower pace comes with deeper roots—and often, longer-term loyalty.
💡 Takeaway: Success here isn’t about having the best credentials on paper. It’s about showing up, being present, and building trust—over time. Whether you are looking for a job, raising capital or starting a business.
🌍 2. The UAE Isn’t Just Open for Business—It’s Building the Future
Oscar described a region that is not only hiring—it’s building. Sovereign wealth funds, government-backed entities, and family offices are investing in infrastructure, education, and innovation at a scale that feels almost surreal from a Western vantage point.
Think: NYU, Sorbonne, Harrow—all with campuses in the UAE. Think: sovereign funds requiring portfolio managers to set up shop locally before cutting a check. Think: getting term sheets that say “We’ll invest—but you need to open an office in Abu Dhabi and hire locally.”
In Oscar’s words, it’s no longer about extracting capital from the region. It’s about contributing to it.
💡 Takeaway: If you want to work with UAE-based institutions, come with more than a pitch deck. Come with a plan to invest in the region—personally, professionally, and structurally.
📈 3. Where Are the Jobs? Middle Management Is Hot—But It’s Competitive
Here’s a quick snapshot Oscar shared:
C-Suite roles? Often parachuted in. Networks matter more than job boards.
Mid-level (8–12 years of experience)? Massive demand, especially in compliance, finance, and risk roles.
Junior roles? Often offshored to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh due to cost and proximity.
Industries? Finance remains dominant, but tech, real estate, and strategic consulting are growing fast.
He also emphasized that companies often hire from their own network or through trusted recruiters—meaning your odds are better with local connections and warm intros than with blind applications.
💡 Takeaway: If you're not a local hire, don't expect the process to mirror your last job search. You’ll need persistence, patience, and people on the ground advocating for you.
💰 4. Zero Income Tax? Yes. But Don’t Be Naïve About Costs.
It’s easy to get stars in your eyes when you hear “no income tax.” But as Oscar pointed out, that’s just part of the picture.
Schools? All private. Think U.K. boarding school tuition—but yearly.
Healthcare? Paid by the employer, but quality and coverage vary widely.
Groceries and lifestyle? Easily 2x compared to Canada or the UK, especially if you stick to imported goods.
Rent? Comparable to central London or downtown Toronto.
💡 Takeaway: You might make more on paper—but costs are real. Budget realistically, especially if you’re relocating with a family.
✈️ 5. The Geography Is Small, the Energy Is Big—and the Opportunity Is Real
Dubai and Abu Dhabi may be compact, but the global ambition is huge. Oscar mentioned that Abu Dhabi is an 8-hour flight from 80% of the world’s population. That means the UAE is becoming a natural hub for capital, talent, and connectivity between East and West.
It also means—if you’re entrepreneurial, curious, and flexible—you can thrive.
In fact, Oscar said something that really stuck with me:
“The people who succeed here aren’t running away from London. They’re running toward something.”
That really landed. The people who make it here aren’t escapees—they’re builders. They’re optimists. They’re people who want to contribute to something bigger than themselves.
Sound familiar? Maybe that’s why you’re reading this.
💬 Final Thoughts: This Isn’t a Trend. It’s a Tectonic Shift.
The Western job market is tightening. Costs are rising. Institutions are playing defense.
Meanwhile, in the UAE, the mindset is growth. Optimism. Build-mode.
That doesn’t mean the move is easy—or for everyone. But if you’re serious about exploring it, my advice (echoing Oscar’s) is simple:
Visit. More than once. Don’t just vacation—network.
Get introductions. Don’t rely on cold outreach alone.
Be humble. Your CV matters less than your attitude.
Be patient. Real relationships take time.
And if you need someone to talk to about it? I’m here. Oscar’s here too. (And yes—he delivers on that offer for a chat.)
Until next time: stay bold, stay curious, and if you’re called to explore—listen.
Peggy Van de Plassche is a value creation strategist and senior advisor with over 20 years of experience in private equity, financial services, healthcare, and technology. She works with investment firms, boards, and C-suite leaders to accelerate portfolio company performance, drive operational transformation, and unlock long-term value. Peggy specializes in the execution of complex value creation plans—spanning capital allocation, digital enablement, transaction advisory, and leadership alignment. Her work consistently bridges strategy and implementation, helping investors and operators maximize EBITDA and enterprise value. A founding board member of Invest in Canada, she also brings deep expertise in public-private partnerships and institutional capital deployment—critical levers for competitive advantage in today’s global landscape. Her clients have included BMO, CI Financial, HOOPP, OMERS, GreenShield Canada, Nicola Wealth, and Power Financial. Learn more at peggyvandeplassche.com.
