As most of you have heard, Saudi Arabia is the official host for 2034 World Cup. How will this impact consulting and finance roles in Middle East, both in the short and the long term? I would obviously prefer MBB but do not mind Big-4 either

It's exciting to see Saudi Arabia, hosting the 2034 World Cup. While such large events can create short-term opportunities (e.g., increased demand for project mgmt, infra development, strategic planning), I think it's crucial not to base your career strategy on them. These events can boost the economy and create temporary demand, but they shouldn't be the sole factor in your career decisions.

If you are still set on making your MBB entry I would focus on long-term career goals, like skill development, industry knowledge, networking while of course ensuring you have a strong academic record, relevant experience and a lot of prep.

I can help with the latter ;)

Best,

Maja

Hi,

Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup will certainly drive significant activity in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, across consulting and finance sectors. Beyond the World Cup, the Expo 2030 is another major event expected to fuel extensive investments in infrastructure, tourism, and other industries. However, it’s worth noting that while the official announcement is recent, the decision has been anticipated for over a year, and Saudi Arabia has already been preparing by constructing new stadiums and infrastructure.

I’ve worked extensively as a consultant in Saudi Arabia, and there’s no doubt that the market is undergoing a major transformation. The demand for consulting services is growing rapidly, especially with projects linked to Vision 2030 and these mega-events. However, the roles most in demand are generally at a senior level. Saudi companies, including those hiring consulting firms, are increasingly emphasizing Saudization—hiring more local talent. They seek Saudi nationals, often educated abroad, to learn from foreign managers and partners, ultimately forming a future local leadership class.

That doesn’t mean junior roles are out of reach, but it does make competition tougher, particularly since many have already made moves into the region over the past few years.

When considering a consulting career, it's essential to focus on the nature of the work and your career growth rather than just the location. If you’re aiming for MBB or even Big-4, prioritize building the necessary skills and experience, which will make you competitive in any market.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like further advice!

Mauro

Three things to consider here:

1. The 2034 World Cup will create new opportunities in infrastructure development, hospitality, and services. Expect a short-term boom in these areas followed by a decline over time.

2. Base your career decisions on paths and areas that truly inspire you, not just on current trends. Buzz comes and goes, but if you build a solid profile and network, opportunities will always follow.

3. Choosing between MBB and Big4 is a significant decision for many reasons, including growth, learning curve, exit opportunities, networking, salary, and benefits. Think carefully about the best option for you, as preparing for MBB requires significantly more effort.

Best,

Alberto

—

Explore my latest case inspired by a real MBB interview: Sierra Sprints - New Product Launch