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Executive search
Secure the right leaders for your organisation with our tailored executive recruitment service. Our industry-leading teams specialise in headhunting for executive appointments across the Middle East, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia & beyond. We pride ourselves in matching you with top talent, who share your vision and are ready to drive your business forward.
Connecting like-minded leaders and employers through executive recruitment
The right leader in the right place can inspire organisations to reach new heights. Their impact is felt from boardrooms through to balance sheets and share prices. Their performance sets the bar – and their behaviour sets the tone – for everyone who works for and with the organisation.
Finding first class leaders and matching them with the right organisation is a fine art – and at Robert Walters, we’ve honed this skill over more than three decades. Individual leaders and employers trust us to understand their respective qualities, vision, and capabilities, and to connect them with like minds from across the Middle East and overseas.
Let’s talk
Our executive search service recruitment connects the best organisations with the brightest leaders. Contact us to find out more.
Trusted by over 11,000+ organisations
Areas we recruit in
Secure your next executive hire
Let us connect you with the talent that can take your business forward.Why choose Robert Walters to handle your executive search needs?
- Receive a tailored service. With over 38 years in operation, we have gained a proven record as the leading recruitment agency in the Middle East. We deliver a personalised and professional service, whilst providing top talent with access to the best jobs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saidi Arabia & beyond.
- Partner with industry experts. Many of our executive recruiters come from the industries they serve, meaning they have built hyper-specialist knowledge of the industry you operate in.
- Acquire data driven insights. Our executive search and headhunting strategy is highly targeted, defined by the insights from our market intelligence function.
- Take advantage of our global reach. Our International Candidate Management teams have access to the top talent pools from across the globe.
- Share our expertise. Giving you access to our specialist knowledge and in-depth experience though a broad range of insights, advice and thought leadership.
Our track record
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43,000
Executive professionals we help start their next chapter
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11,000
Organisations who we help acquire executive talent
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85%
Of professionals refer us to a friend
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90%
Of organisations recruit more than one role through us
Speak to our executive search recruiters

Omer Zakaria
Associate Director - Country Head Saudi Arabia Middle East
With over a decade of recruitment expertise, Omer Zakaria is a seasoned professional known for his proficiency in placing senior commercial leadership roles across Saudi Arabia. Having joined Robert Walters in 2015, he has been successfully managing the firm's Saudi business for the past 5 years, demonstrating a deep understanding of the local market dynamics.

Jason Grundy
Managing Director, Middle East
Jason graduated from Kingston University business school with a BSc (Hons) in Economics and Business. After a career in publishing, he started out in recruitment in 1999. As Head of Robert Walters in the Middle East & Africa, he oversees teams focusing on Finance, IT, Legal, HR, Strategy & PMO, Procurement & Supply Chain, Marketing and Sales. He has been in the region for eleven years living in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and has travelled extensively throughout the region. He has been visiting Saudi Arabia since 2011 working with many of the top Government, Semi-Government and Private sector clients in the Kingdom.
Our success stories
Hear inspiring success stories from our clients and candidates as they flourish in their new career journeys.Our other recruitment services
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Temporary recruitment
We have our finger on the pulse for all your contingent hiring needs.
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Volume recruitment
Hit the ground running with our volume recruitment specialists.
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Market intelligence
Utilise the latest data to ensure you make the right hiring decisions.
Read more -
RPO
Transfer your permanent recruitment needs to an external provider.
Read more
An award-winning service
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Read MoreFAQs
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What are the current trends within executive recruitment in the Middle East?
Executive recruitment in the Middle East is shaped by several key trends. There is a strong demand for leaders skilled in digital transformation, particularly in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and digital innovation, as businesses strive to remain competitive.
Diversity and inclusion have become priorities, with companies seeking executives who bring varied perspectives and can lead diverse teams effectively.
Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are also gaining importance, prompting the search for leaders who can integrate these principles into strategic planning.
Additionally, regional initiatives such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 are expanding opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, tourism, and technology, prompting the search for executive level professionals that have strong experience in these fields.
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Why does Dubai have the highest demand for executive recruitment?
Dubai's demand for executive recruitment is fueled by its status as a premier global business hub. The city attracts multinational companies across sectors like finance, real estate, technology, and tourism, creating a significant need for skilled leaders to drive growth and manage complex business landscapes. Its strategic location as a bridge between East and West enhances its appeal to international businesses looking to establish a regional presence.
There's an emphasis on innovation, exemplified by ambitious projects such as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, further drives the demand for visionary executives capable of leading transformative initiatives. Additionally, government efforts to diversify the economy have accelerated growth in emerging sectors, necessitating experienced leaders to manage and sustain this expansion.
If you are looking to make an executive level hire in Dubai or beyond, do not hesitate to get in touch.
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What are the benefits of partnering with an executive search firm?
- Access to top talent: Partnering with an executive search & headhunting firm provides access to exclusive networks and highly qualified candidates who aren't actively job hunting.
- Industry expertise: Executive search companies offer deep industry insights and expert assessments, ensuring candidates are a perfect fit for your company culture.
- Streamlined recruitment: These firms handle candidate screening, interviews, and assessments, significantly saving your organisation time and resources.
- Strategic advantage: Utilising an executive hiring agency gives your company a competitive edge by quickly securing top executive talent ahead of your competitors.
If you are looking to make your next C-level hire, get in touch with our expert execuive head-hunters today.
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What industries do you specialise in for executive recruitment?
At Robert Walters, we specialise in executive headhunting & recruitment across a range of professional industries. Our expertise includes:
- Finance: Recruiting top-tier finance executives such as CFOs, Controllers, and Treasurers to drive financial strategy and growth.
- Corporate Leadership: Placing CEOs, COOs, and other senior executives who can lead and inspire across diverse sectors.
- Technology: Identifying leaders like CTOs and IT directors to keep your organisation ahead in the tech landscape.
- Healthcare: Sourcing Administrators and healthcare CFOs to manage and grow healthcare organisations.
- Manufacturing and Engineering: Placing executives like Procurement Managers, VPs of Operations, and Engineering Directors to optimise efficiency and innovation.
- Marketing and Sales: Finding dynamic CMOs, Sales Directors, and other leaders to boost business development and market presence.
- Human Resources: Recruiting HR executives, including CHROs and HR directors, to foster organisational culture and drive HR strategies.
We operate in multiple locations across the Middle East, providing localised expertise with a global reach. Whether you're seeking a CFO in Dubai, a CEO in Saudi Arabia, or a Finance Executive in Abu Dhabi, we have the resources to meet your needs.
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Can you assist with international executive searches?
Harnessing the strength of our international networks and management programs, we excel in conducting global executive searches. Our seasoned teams possess the expertise to navigate diverse talent pools worldwide, guaranteeing the identification of ideal candidates irrespective of geographical constraints.
Our executive search recruitment & headhunting firm boasts a network spanning over 30+ countries across continents and specialised knowledge in cross-cultural dynamics, we are fully equipped to meet your hiring needs on a global scale.
Get in touch with our expert recruiters for support on your next executive hire.
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How can I find data to benchmark salaries?
In the realm of executive search, our Salary Survey stands as a comprehensive guide to salaries and hiring trends in the Middle East. Drawing from the analysis of over 100,000 placements, our survey offers in-depth insights into Muddle East-specific salary and benefits across various industries.
Request your copy of the Salary Survey guide to accurately benchmark salaries to attract and retain top talent.
Salary Survey 2025
If you’re growing your team or simply need to retain the talent you have, the Salary Survey guides you with the insights you need to have the right team in place to keep your business moving forward.