Whitepaper
Middle East Consulting 2024: Growth, Trends, and Competitive Shifts
Rapid change and fierce competition are reshaping Middle East consulting into a tech-driven, locally led growth engine.
Overview
Middle East Consulting Transformation
The management consultancy sector in the Middle East is changing dramatically. Fueled by ambitious national goals and a shift away from oil dependency, the region has emerged as a key driver of global consulting services growth. In 2024, revenues across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) were projected to exceed $6 billion, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE achieving double-digit growth. From their conventional advisory functions, consulting companies have evolved into vital partners who actively participate in private sector innovation and national initiatives, helping to create a more resilient and diverse economy.
Evalueserve’s Middle East Management Consulting Services Market: Competitive Intelligence Report 2024 identifies top five trends driving the industry's growth which include the following:
1. Leadership Localization
In line with Emiratisation and Qatarisation, firms like KPMG, PwC, and EY appointed local leaders in 2024 to meet national goals and regulatory standards.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Rising AI investments by governments and businesses are driving demand for tech consulting. Deloitte committed $2 bn to AI in the Middle East, and PwC launched an AI Centre of Excellence in Riyadh.
3. Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)
Businesses are giving D&I top priority, with an emphasis on female worker participation. Among the initiatives are Deloitte’s support of “Women of MENA in Technology” and PwC’s Saudi women accelerator program.
4. Digital Transformation
National strategies are boosting cloud, analytics, and e-government adoption. In 2024, Accenture partnered with the UAE Central Bank, and PwC signed multiple digital agreements at LEAP.
5. Employee Experience
Companies are improving well-being through parental leave, wellness initiatives, and flexible work arrangements to draw in talent. Oliver Wyman extended leave policies, and Bain was named the UAE’s Parent-Friendly Label.
Competitive Landscape: Who set the pace in 2024?
Evalueserve’s benchmarking analysis reveals significant shifts in firm strategies and market positioning:
- PwC led the region in deal activity (26 deals in 2024, up from 22) and made a bold hiring leap (96 hires in 2024 vs. 9 in 2023), signaling aggressive expansion.
- Although its client wins are still small in comparison to peers, Deloitte positioned itself as a transformation partner by hiring 38 senior leaders and focusing on capability building through the launch of seven new initiatives.
- Despite closing no new deals, Oliver Wyman made a significant strategic shift by increasing senior hiring to 52 (up from 10) and indicating a focus on internal restructuring and talent acquisition over immediate market activity.
Insights, such as these, helps firms understand not just what’s happening—but why—and how to respond, making Competitive Intelligence solutions an essential requirement for organizations today. It empowers professional services firms to:
- Benchmark performance across competitors
- Identify emerging opportunities early
- Optimize hiring, capability development, and client acquisition
With real-time market monitoring and deep strategic analysis, CI transforms data into foresight—and foresight into competitive advantage.
Strategic Recommendations from Evalueserve
To thrive in this dynamic market, consulting firms in the Middle East must proactively reshape their strategies. Key recommendations based on the report include:
- Capitalize on Digital Transformation and AI: Invest in AI, cloud, and analytics to guide clients through digital transformation and unlock new value streams.
- Develop Specialized Industry Expertise: Build domain expertise to deliver tailored solutions in high-growth sectors like healthcare, public sector, and technology.
- Champion Inclusion: Implement robust D&I programs to attract and retain top regional talent.
- Strengthen Cybersecurity Practices: Provide cutting-edge cybersecurity services to counter growing online risks and promote safe expansion.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
Rapid expansion, intense rivalry, and a definite shift toward innovation, local leadership, and inclusion characterize the Middle East consulting sector. The best-positioned companies to spearhead the next stage of change will be those who make technological investments, assemble specialized teams, and coordinate with local agendas.
About the Authors
Ashish Tripathi
Associate Director, Competitive Intelligence CoE - Professional Services
Utkarsh Saraswat
Manager, Competitive Intelligence CoE - Professional Services
Shreyash Sharma
Senior Analyst, Competitive Intelligence CoE – Professional Services
