Top Consulting Firms in the Middle East

In the article “The Top Consulting Firms In The World”, we discussed the vast and fragmented nature of the consulting industry. While there are numerous prominent consulting firms worldwide, this article focuses solely on the top consulting firms in the Middle East.

To provide you with valuable information, we have gathered a list of the top consulting firms in the Middle East. This compilation is based on industry rankings and feedback from employees and more. Continue reading to discover more about these reputable firms in the region.

Top Consulting Firms in the Middle East

Consulting firms are an essential component of any growing business, especially in the Middle East where the market is constantly evolving. With so many players in the field, it can be difficult to identify the best and most effective firms.

Thankfully, a proper list has been compiled that categorizes firms into three segments: generalists, specialists, and hybrid players. Each segment has its own unique attributes that make them stand out from the competition.

By delving into key details of these top consulting firms in the Middle East, we can better understand how they’ve managed to rise to the top of the industry. It’s time to take a closer look at the top consulting firms in the Middle East and all they have to offer.

The Generalist Players

The Middle East is home to some of the most renowned consulting firms in the world that are considered to be generalists. These firms excel in a variety of areas and are known for their adaptability and the ability to bridge talent gaps.

While they may not be experts in a particular expertise, their range of competence makes them invaluable when it comes to satisfying immediate needs. Whether it be in finance, strategy or operations, a generalist consulting firm has the ability to provide creative solutions that are tailored to the needs of the client.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that the firms on this list are highly regarded in the consultancy industry and continue to be a driving force in the Middle East.

The following consulting firms in the Middle East are considered as generalist players.

#1. McKinsey & Company

McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm that provides advisory services to businesses, governments, and institutions around the world. In the Middle East, McKinsey has been operating for several decades, with its presence dating back to the 1950s. The firm recognized the growth potential and economic significance of the region and established a strong foothold to serve its clients effectively.

McKinsey’s key competencies and capabilities in the Middle East are aligned with its global expertise. The firm offers a wide range of consulting services, including strategy development, organizational design, operational improvement, digital transformation, and implementation support. It helps clients tackle complex challenges and seize growth opportunities across industries such as energy, financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, public sector, and more.

Over the years, McKinsey has expanded its presence in the Middle East and currently has multiple offices across the region. While the exact number may vary, the firm has offices in major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha, Cairo, and Istanbul, among others. These offices serve as hubs for McKinsey’s operations and enable it to collaborate closely with clients in different countries within the Middle Eastern region.

#2. Boston Consulting Group

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a renowned global management consulting firm that provides advisory services to organizations across various industries. BCG has a strong presence in the Middle East, helping clients in the region navigate complex business challenges and drive growth.

BCG Middle East has developed key competencies and capabilities in several areas to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. These include strategy development, organizational design, digital transformation, operational improvement, mergers and acquisitions, marketing and sales optimization, and implementation support. It also places significant emphasis on innovation, leveraging advanced analytics and technology-driven solutions to solve complex business problems.

BCG’s journey in the Middle East began in 2007 when it established its first office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Since then, BCG has expanded its operations and established offices in key cities across the region, including Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Cairo, Doha, Istanbul, and Beirut. The firm’s commitment to the Middle East is reflected in its investment in local talent and its deep understanding of the region’s unique business dynamics.

#3. Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global management consulting firm that provides advisory services to businesses and organizations across various industries. It has a significant presence in the Middle East where it began its operations in 2003 when it opened its first office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Since then, the firm has expanded its footprint in the region and established a strong presence in key Middle Eastern markets.

It’s key competencies and capabilities in the Middle East are aligned with its global expertise. The firm offers a wide range of consulting services, including strategy formulation, organizational design, operational improvement, mergers and acquisitions, digital transformation, and performance improvement.

In terms of its regional presence, Bain & Company has multiple offices in the Middle East. In addition to its flagship office in Dubai, the firm has expanded to other major cities in the region, including Abu Dhabi (UAE), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Doha (Qatar), among others. The number of offices may vary over time as the firm continues to grow and adapt to market demands.

#4. Oliver Wyman

Oliver Wyman is a global management consulting firm with a significant presence in the Middle East. The firm has been operating in the region since it opened its first office in 2005. Its establishment in the Middle East was a strategic move to tap into the growing economic opportunities and demand for consulting services in the area.

In terms of key competencies and capabilities, Oliver Wyman offers expertise in a wide range of areas, including strategy, operations, risk management, organizational transformation, and digital innovation. The firm’s consultants are known for their industry knowledge, analytical rigor, and ability to deliver actionable insights to clients.

As for the number of offices in the Middle Eastern region, Oliver Wyman has strategically positioned itself across various countries to better serve its clients. The firm has had a significant presence in major business hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha.

#5. Roland Berger

Roland Berger is a leading global management consulting firm that has been operating in the Middle East since 2006. The firm’s entry into the region marked a significant milestone in its expansion strategy, allowing it to serve clients in one of the world’s fastest-growing economic areas.

The firm’s key competencies and capabilities in the Middle East include strategy development, organizational transformation, operational excellence, mergers and acquisitions, digitalization, and innovation management.

Roland Berger has established a significant presence in the Middle Eastern region. It has offices in several key locations, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and Doha in Qatar.

#6. Simon-Kucher & Partners

Simon Kucher & Partners is a global management consulting firm renowned for its expertise in strategy, marketing, and pricing. The global firm was founded way back in 1985 but it expanded its presence to the Middle East in the year 2012.

Simon-Kucher focuses on assisting companies in improving their pricing strategies, revenue growth, and profitability. They provide expertise in various industries, including automotive, consumer goods, telecommunications, healthcare, and more. Their consulting services encompass areas such as pricing optimization, sales force effectiveness, marketing and brand strategy, product portfolio management, and customer segmentation.

In the Middle East, Simon-Kucher has established a significant presence with multiple offices across the region. Some of the key countries where Simon-Kucher has offices or operations in the region include the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Qatar (Doha), and Turkey (Istanbul).

The Specialist Players

Let’s now explore the top consulting firms in the Middle East that are renowned for their expertise in specific domains. These consulting enterprises excel in their respective fields, serving as specialists.

Here are the firms recognized as the top specialist consulting players in the Middle Eastern region.

#1. Booz Allen Hamilton

Booz Allen Hamilton is a global management and technology consulting firm that was launched in the Middle East some 60+ years ago. It established its presence in the region to offer its expertise in management consulting, technology, and engineering to clients in both the public and private sectors.

The firm’s key competencies and capabilities in the Middle East revolve around providing strategic advice, technological solutions, and operational support to help organizations address complex challenges. Booz Allen Hamilton leverages its deep industry knowledge, data analytics, and digital capabilities to assist clients in transforming their operations, enhancing cybersecurity, optimizing business processes, and driving innovation.

With regard to its presence in the Middle East, Booz Allen Hamilton has established multiple offices in the region to cater to the needs of its clients. The company has offices in countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and others. These offices serve as hubs for providing consulting services to governments, businesses, and organizations in the Middle East.

#2. Kearney

Kearney, formerly known as A.T. Kearney, is a global management consulting firm that was founded way back in 1926 but only launched in the Middle East in the year 2006. Since then, Kearney has expanded its operations and currently has a significant presence across the Middle East.

The firm possesses several key competencies and capabilities that differentiate it in the consulting market. The firm specializes in strategic planning, operational improvement, organizational transformation, digitalization, and sustainable growth strategies. It helps clients across industries solve complex business challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Kearney Middle East maintains a network of offices across the region to effectively serve its clients. It has multiple offices in major Middle Eastern cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Doha. These offices provide local expertise and insights, allowing Kearney to understand the unique dynamics of the Middle Eastern business environment and tailor its solutions accordingly.

#3. Alvarez & Marsal

Alvarez & Marsal is a global professional services firm that provides advisory, consulting, and operational expertise to companies, organizations, and governments. It began its operations in the Middle East in 2007. Since then, it has established a strong presence and reputation in the region.

The firm’s key competencies and capabilities in the Middle East revolve around financial and operational restructuring, performance improvement, and crisis management. The firm specializes in assisting companies facing complex challenges or undergoing transformational change. It’s team of experts works closely with clients to develop and implement practical solutions to enhance performance, optimize operations, and drive growth.

In the Middle Eastern region, Alvarez & Marsal has several offices strategically located to serve its clients effectively. It has offices in major Middle Eastern cities such as Dubai, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi. These offices serve as hubs for Alvarez & Marsal’s professionals who collaborate closely with clients across the region.

The Hybrid Players

Finally, we will now examine the top consulting firms in the Middle East that regularly offer consulting among other services including IT services, accounting, etc. These firms are known as hybrid players, as they specialize in providing tailored solutions based on their clients’ specific requirements. Additionally, they offer a wide range of comprehensive services, encompassing everything from strategic planning to effective implementation.

The following firms are highly regarded as prominent hybrid players in the Middle Eastern region.

#1. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

PwC, also known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, is one of the leading professional services firms globally, offering a wide range of services in the fields of audit and assurance, tax consulting, advisory, and consulting. PwC has a significant presence in the Middle East and has been operating in the region for well over four decades.

PwC’s key competencies and capabilities in the Middle East include providing audit and assurance services to help clients ensure financial transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements. They also offer tax consulting services, assisting clients in navigating complex tax landscapes and optimizing their tax strategies.

Its advisory services cover a wide range of areas, including strategy, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, technology, and human resources. Additionally, PwC provides consulting services to support organizations in transforming their business processes, adopting digital technologies, and enhancing their operational efficiency.

The number of PwC offices in the Middle Eastern region has grown significantly over the years to meet the increasing demand for their services. It has established a strong foothold in key Middle Eastern countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

#2. KPMG Strategy

KPMG Strategy is a division of KPMG International, one of the world’s leading professional services firms. In the Middle East, KPMG Strategy has a strong presence and has been operating in the region since 2014. Moreover, it has established a significant footprint in the region’s business landscape.

KPMG Strategy’s key competencies and capabilities in the Middle East lie in helping clients navigate complex business challenges, develop growth strategies, optimize operational performance, enhance organizational capabilities, and transform their businesses. The division also offers a range of strategic services, including market entry and expansion strategies, mergers and acquisitions, digital transformation, risk management, and cost optimization.

In terms of presence, KPMG Strategy has a significant footprint in the Middle East with multiple offices spread across the region. It has a substantial presence in major Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait, among others.

#3. Accenture Strategy

Accenture Strategy is the strategic consulting arm of Accenture, a global professional services company. In the Middle East, Accenture Strategy began its operations in the early 2000s, establishing a presence to serve clients in the region.

Its key competencies and capabilities in the Middle East lie in assisting organizations in formulating and executing strategies to navigate complex business challenges and achieve their growth objectives. Moreover, Accenture Strategy offers expertise in areas such as digital transformation, operational efficiency, mergers and acquisitions, innovation, and sustainability.

Accenture Strategy has established a strong presence in the Middle East with several strategically located offices across key cities in the region. These offices serve as hubs for collaboration with clients, enabling efficient delivery of services and fostering partnerships that drive lasting success.

Closing Thoughts

The Middle East is home to some of the most renowned and influential consulting firms in the world. These firms have established themselves as trusted advisors and have played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s business landscape.

From assisting government entities in implementing strategic reforms to helping businesses navigate complex challenges, these consulting firms have demonstrated their expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional results.

With their deep understanding of local markets, cultural nuances, and global best practices, these firms have successfully supported clients in achieving their goals and driving sustainable growth.

As the Middle East continues to witness rapid economic development and diversification, the role of consulting firms in the region will only grow in significance.

By leveraging their vast knowledge, innovative thinking, and collaborative approach, these top consulting firms in the Middle East will continue to contribute to the region’s progress and shape its future success.