Executive Search in the UAE and GCC
By Mohummed Yasir Charakla, CEO & Founder, Business Umbrella. Last updated: 27 October 2026
Short answer
Business Umbrella runs confidential searches for senior and C-suite roles for employers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC. A shortlist typically takes 2–4 weeks. Fees are paid on the candidate’s joining date, and the hire is covered by a three-month replacement guarantee. Retained pilots are available for senior or small-team searches.
Senior roles we search for
Director and head-of-function roles across finance, HR and talent acquisition, operations, engineering and IT, plus general management, for example a Finance Director, an IT Director, a Director of Engineering and a Director of Talent Acquisition in our 2026 searches.
How we run a search
- Mandate and success profile
- Market map of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and GCC talent pools
- Direct, confidential approaches
- Our own interviews and assessment
- Shortlist in 2–4 weeks
- We coordinate your interviews and the offer
- Follow-up through the replacement period
Confidentiality
The search isn’t advertised, your company stays unnamed until you agree to reveal it, and the candidate information we share is protected by the confidentiality and data-protection terms of our agreement.
Who leads searches
Searches are led by Mohummed Yasir Charakla, CEO & Founder (FCMA, CIA, CFE; formerly at PwC and EY), with Jessica Tannoury, Senior Manager – Recruitment & Consulting.
GCC coverage
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, the Northern Emirates), Saudi Arabia (see our guide to hiring a CFO in Saudi Arabia), Oman and Qatar. Shortlists take Emiratisation and Saudization targets into account. For mid-level and volume hiring, see our recruitment agency in Dubai page, and our complete guide to executive search in Dubai.
Fees
For permanent hires, the fee is a percentage of the candidate’s annual gross salary. It is agreed in writing before we start and paid only on the candidate’s joining date. If the person resigns or is let go within the first three months, we find a replacement at no extra cost. Candidates never pay us.
Contact
Business Umbrella Group LLC, Office 201, Sharjah Media City (Shams), P.O. Box 9267, Sharjah, UAE. Shams licence no. 2010791.01 (see licence and credentials).
+971 55 442 6831 · info@business-umbrella.com · Sunday to Thursday, 9 AM–6 PM UAE time. The first consultation is free. Discuss your hiring needs.
FAQ
How do I choose an executive search firm in the UAE?
Ask for sector references, how candidates are approached and kept confidential, the time to shortlist, written fee terms and the replacement guarantee. Business Umbrella shortlists in 2–4 weeks, charges on joining and replaces any hire who leaves within three months.
How long does an executive search take in the UAE?
At Business Umbrella, a shortlist typically takes 2–4 weeks. The start date then depends on interviews and the candidate’s notice period.
What is the difference between retained and contingency search?
With a retained search, the firm is paid in stages for an exclusive, dedicated search. With contingency, it is paid only if its candidate is hired. Business Umbrella works mainly on contingency, paid on joining, and runs retained pilots for senior or small-team searches.
How much does executive search cost?
Business Umbrella charges a percentage of the hire’s annual gross salary, agreed in writing up front and paid on the joining date.
Can you search across Saudi Arabia and the UAE together?
Yes. We map both markets and plan around Saudization, Emiratisation, visas and relocation.