Strong deal momentum and hiring needs boost pay across the Middle East.
Dubai: Private capital activity is accelerating across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, with the Gulf emerging as a key focus for global investors and senior dealmakers.
Fresh data from Heidrick & Struggles shows that 73% of professionals expect market opportunities to improve over the next 18 months, up from 60% a year ago, reflecting a clear shift in sentiment as deal pipelines rebuild.
This renewed momentum is driving hiring demand. Global funds are expanding their presence in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, positioning both cities as key hubs for senior leadership roles, while Dubai continues to anchor regional operations.
Talent demand reshapes the map
Competition for experienced investment professionals is intensifying, especially among firms actively deploying capital.
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are increasingly attracting senior hires, driven by stronger fundraising activity and a push to strengthen on-the-ground leadership. This shift represents a broader expansion of the region’s talent footprint, which has long been centred on Dubai.
Across the Asia-Pacific, Hong Kong and Singapore remain critical bases for regional leadership. “Hong Kong and Singapore continue to serve as key headquarters for APAC private capital, with executives leading deals across the region rather than just their home markets,” said Guillaume Lévi, Partner at Heidrick & Struggles.
Pay rises gather pace
Compensation is climbing in step with demand. In 2025, 68% of respondents reported higher base salaries, while 66% saw an increase in bonuses, reflecting stronger fund performance and renewed deal activity.
Nearly four in five professionals expect base pay to rise further over the next 18 months, underscoring expectations that competition for talent will remain intense.
Senior roles are seeing the largest gains. Managing partners earned average total cash compensation of $750,000 in 2025, up from $624,000 a year earlier, with bonus-linked payouts driving much of the increase.
In key Asian hubs, pay levels are even higher. Managing partners in Hong Kong and Singapore reported average compensation of $891,000, supported by robust bonus pools tied to performance.
Long-term incentives drive earnings
Long-term incentives remain a key factor in total compensation, with carry and equity playing a central role in aligning senior executives with fund performance.
In Hong Kong and Singapore, carry allocations average $5.487 million, underscoring the scale of long-term wealth creation tied to successful investments.
Pay structures also vary by role and strategy. Professionals in infrastructure, real estate, and credit earn above-average compensation, while roles in investor relations and fundraising typically fall below the mean.
Why firms are paying more
Firms are offering a premium for proven execution and regional expertise as capital deployment accelerates.
“The upward trend in compensation reflects not only strong fund performance across APAC and the Middle East, but also intensified competition for senior talent,” said Shadi El Farr, Regional Managing Partner at Heidrick & Struggles.
He added that firms are increasingly focused on attracting leaders with deep relationships and a proven track record of delivering returns, particularly in fast-growing markets.
What it means for the region
The surge in hiring and rising pay reflects a broader shift in how global capital is positioning itself across the Middle East.
Capital is moving first into infrastructure, followed by private debt, real estate, and private equity, with policy stability and long-term investment frameworks attracting international funds to the region.
Opportunities are expanding at the top end of the market, while competition is intensifying for professionals without strong deal experience or proven track records.
