How long does it typically take to fill an IT role in Dubai?

"How long will this take" is usually the first question a hiring manager asks, and it's a fair one — a vacant seat on an engineering team has a real cost. The honest answer depends on seniority and how niche the skill set is, but here's the general pattern we see.

For contract roles and staff augmentation, we typically have a shortlist ready within 48 to 72 hours of taking the brief, and the contractor is usually on the ground within 5 to 10 working days once you've approved a candidate. That speed is possible because we maintain an active, pre-screened network rather than starting from a blank search every time.

Permanent hires take longer, and that's by design — you're making a longer commitment, so the process should involve more than one conversation. Mid-level engineering and data roles usually land within 4 to 6 weeks from brief to signed offer. Executive and leadership searches can run longer, since they involve multiple stakeholders and a more thorough evaluation of strategic fit.

If you're up against a hard deadline, tell us early — our consultants can often adjust the search strategy to prioritise speed without skipping the vetting steps outlined in How We Hire. Reach out via Contact and we'll give you a realistic timeline for your specific role.