The Middle East job market isn’t what it used to be. Power has shifted, AI is creeping into hiring decisions, and many are realising that the so-called “Promised Land” comes with its own fine print.

In this episode, we sit down with Rooslán Totrov, Global Executive Talent Acquisition Leader, for a brutally honest take on what’s really happening behind closed doors. From companies posting fake jobs just to “see what’s out there” to treating candidates like swipe options, Rooslán calls out the harsh reality shaping today’s hiring scene.

Some hard truths Rooslán shares:
↳ How the job market flipped from candidate-driven to company-led.
↳ The ethical dilemma of employers taking advantage of desperate candidates.
↳ Why AI keeps failing in leadership hiring.

If you’ve ever wondered why landing a job in the Middle East feels more like dating than recruiting, this episode will make you rethink how hiring really works.

(00:00:00 ) Opening: The Brutal Reality of Dubai's Job Market(00:01:02 ) The Promised Land Misconception(00:02:48 ) When Hiring Managers Hold All the Cards(00:03:27 ) The Dark Side of Recruitment: Taking Advantage of Desperation(00:06:46 ) Survival Strategies for Job Seekers(00:10:18 ) The 30-40% Pay Cut Reality(00:12:10 ) Leadership Hiring: Why Gut Feeling Still Rules(00:14:55 ) The Assessment Game: Tools or Filters?(00:18:22 ) Hiring Has Turned Into Tinder(00:21:07 ) AI in Executive Search: A Dangerous Marriage(00:25:58 ) Speaking Gen Z While Wearing a Tuxedo(00:30:01 ) Closing: Making Organizations Great Again

Listen on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3hFw3MEwgKJlTjcyRsJRg4?si=S_D5YnBySRC2ikaJWfRZSg
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/has-hiring-in-dubai-turned-into-tinder-roosl%C3%A1n-totrov/id1781880969?i=1000734818806
Connect with Rooslán:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/totrov/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ossetiandoriangray/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/totroff

Follow Our Host:
Mark Timms: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktimmsgrg/