Investment Banking in Dubai as a fresh graduate?

Hi monkeys, 

Just wanted to gain some insight into what it takes to break into IB in Dubai offices as a fresh graduate and how possible it is for EB's in the region such as Moelis or Rothschild or any of the best performing BB's. 

For context:

  • I am a second-year undergraduate at a semi-target university in London taking a 4-year degree.       
  • I speak both Arabic and English fluently and have a British Passport (I heard that helps in the middle-east please correct me if mistaken) 
  • I've secured a placement year role at a boutique investment bank in the Middle East, with relatively good deal flow and already have completed a few internships in finance. 
  • I have strong connections with people in the region at regional investment banks and SWF's. However, not in EB's or BB's. 

Being someone who's lived the majority of my life in the Middle East, London has been quite tough to adapt to and somewhere I haven't particularly enjoyed much from a personal standpoint of view. That being said, I have done research and read a lot about Investment Banking in the Middle East, particularly Dubai & Riyadh both places I'm very convinced about in terms of a career start but there's 2 main questions I still haven't been able to get an answer to;

1. What are the chances of breaking in as a fresh graduate from a Bachelors Degree? 

2. What is the best way to prep from now until I start applying for grad roles in 2 years time? 

Any help or tips would be highly appreciative!

 

Dubai IB "encourages" UAE nationals to apply. So I think they try to fill the spots with people who are already there. Or they might move people to their Dubai offices from London.

Your best shot is starting in London.

 

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