Buy Side Recruiters

Market knowledge in the UAE

Our consultants have deep expertise across the UAE’s buy side sectors, including asset management, private equity, hedge funds, insurance, and wealth management. We provide compensation benchmarks, surveys, and hiring trend insights tailored to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider Gulf region. With a clear understanding of local challenges, we connect firms with professionals who have the right skills and experience.

Recruitment strategies tailored to UAE firms

Securing the right professionals is only part of the challenge. Retaining and engaging them as your business expands is equally important. With more than 20 years of buy side recruitment experience, Selby Jennings has built strategies designed for the UAE market that focus on identifying top talent, building lasting relationships, and delivering professionals at the right time.

Global reach, regional expertise

Competition for buy side professionals in the UAE is high, particularly in Dubai’s financial district and Abu Dhabi Global Market. Through our global network and strong relationships with leading financial institutions in the region, we connect with both active and passive candidates. This ensures firms gain access to professionals who combine technical expertise with cultural alignment.

Long-term partnerships

We work as more than recruiters. Our approach is based on long-term collaboration with clients in the UAE, offering continuous support and customised strategies that adapt as market conditions evolve. This partnership-driven model secures access to emerging buy side talent and supports sustained growth.

Selby Jennings partners with a diverse range of buy side institutions globally, including but not limited to:

• Hedge Funds (Long/Short, Macro, Quant, Multi-Manager)
• Private Equity Firms (Growth, Buyout, Sector-Specific)
• Venture Capital Funds (Early-Stage to Growth)
• Asset Managers (Traditional, ESG, Thematic)
• Family Offices (Single & Multi-Family)
• Fund of Funds & OCIO Platforms
• Institutional Allocators (Pensions, Endowments)
• Direct Investment Teams at Sovereign Wealth Funds

…and many more specialised investment platforms across both alternative and traditional strategies.

Looking to grow your team?
Request a call back and speak with one of our specialist consultants today.

Selby Jennings partners with leading buy-side firms globally to deliver top-tier talent across investment, research, and distribution functions. Roles we typically support include, but are not limited to:

• Investment Analyst
• Research Analyst (Equity, Credit, Macro)
• Quantitative Analyst
• ESG Analyst
• Portfolio Analyst
• Trader (Execution / Systematic)
• Risk Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Client Services Associate
• Investor Relations Associate
• Product Analyst
• Capital Raising Associate

We connect high-performing professionals with hedge funds, private equity firms, asset managers, and family offices where performance and precision drive long-term success.

Selby Jennings offers various workforce solutions tailored to your specific objectives.

• Permanent hires - Our permanent search service, whether through contingent or retained buy side recruitment, helps you secure the professionals who can truly make an impact.
• Contract hires - Our extensive network of contractors and interim managers integrate seamlessly into companies to drive short term goals.
• Multi-hire projects - We take a consultative approach with our clients, managing the entire recruitment process from sourcing to hiring across the entire project.

Dubai is the leading hub, with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) hosting global asset managers, private equity firms, and hedge funds. Abu Dhabi, through the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has also become a key center for wealth management, sovereign funds, and insurance. Selby Jennings supports clients across both hubs.

Asset management, private equity, hedge funds, insurance, and sovereign wealth funds dominate the market. The UAE is also expanding in alternatives such as private credit and real assets, with ESG and sustainable finance gaining importance.

Hiring timelines can be extended due to competition for bilingual English-Arabic professionals, regulatory requirements, and demand for international candidates with regional experience. Notice periods are typically one to three months. Selby Jennings reduces delays by providing access to pre-vetted talent and passive candidates not visible in the open market.

Private equity and deal origination experience, portfolio management, ESG and sustainable finance knowledge, quantitative analysis, and compliance with UAE Central Bank and DFSA regulations are highly valued. Cross-border investment expertise is also in demand, given the UAE’s role as a global financial hub.

We combine deep knowledge of Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s financial markets with access to a global candidate network. Our consultants deliver hiring insights, compensation benchmarks, and tailored recruitment strategies, helping firms secure professionals who align with technical requirements and cultural expectations.