In this episode of 3LoD Unlocked, host Ghassan Zeidan is joined by Oscar Oriana Haider, co-founder of Cordell Partners, a boutique headhunting firm in the Middle East. Oscar brings years of recruitment experience, having worked with FTSE 100 companies in London and leading financial services firms in the region. The conversation dives into recruitment challenges in the Middle East, the growth of GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance), the role of ADGM and DIFC in attracting talent, and practical career advice for professionals seeking roles in the region.

Oscar shares insights on the evolving recruitment landscape, differences between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the increasing role of risk and compliance functions. He also provides guidance for candidates looking to enter the Middle East job market, emphasizing the importance of commitment to the region and cultural adaptability.

Whether you’re a job-seeker considering a move to the Gulf or a professional curious about market trends in GRC and recruitment, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Timestamps
• [0:00] – Introduction to Oscar Oriana Haider
• [1:13] – Overview of Cordell Partners and GRC Recruitment Trends
• [2:16] – ADGM vs DIFC: Comparing Growth and Opportunities
• [6:12] – Recruitment Challenges: Authorized Individuals and Regulatory Requirements
• [8:20] – Risk vs Compliance: Salary Differences and Market Trends
• [13:18] – Impact of the UAE Exiting the FATF Gray List
• [15:46] – Advice for Job Seekers: How to Approach the Middle East Market
• [21:00] – The Importance of Workplace Culture in Employee Retention
• [25:04] – Where to Connect with Oscar and Final Thoughts

Quotes to Remember
• “ADGM’s growth has been faster than the DIFC’s in its early years—it’s impressive what they’ve achieved.”
• “Compliance is still the biggest area of hiring, but risk is catching up, especially with fintechs entering the market.”
• “Persistence is key—if you want a job in the Middle East, show commitment, network, and keep coming back.”
• “Cultural adaptability is essential — business here is based on relationships and trust.”

Conclusion
In this insightful episode, Oscar Oriana Haider offers a deep dive into recruitment trends, challenges, and opportunities in the Middle East. He sheds light on the growing importance of GRC roles, the dynamic between ADGM and DIFC, and the evolving workplace culture in the UAE. With practical advice for job seekers and a unique perspective on market trends, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the Gulf job market.

Connect with Us

📌 Follow 3LoD Unlocked on LinkedIn
🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform
📧 For enquiries or to suggest topics, contact Ghassan Zeidan