Harry & Jack (Discovered MENA): The Brutal Reality of Design Hiring in 2026... Surplus Talent, AI & Broken Portfolios

The design hiring landscape is shifting fast, especially in the UAE.In this episode of Beyond The Interface, we sit down with Harry and Jack from Discovered MENA to explore what’s really happening in the design recruitment market.They discuss the growing surplus of design talent, why junior designers are struggling to break into the industry, and what hiring managers are actually looking for when reviewing portfolios and CVs.The conversation also dives into the state of design leadership in the Middle East, the increasing overlap between product and design roles, and how AI may reshape the future of the profession.If you're navigating the design job market or building design teams, this episode offers a candid look at the realities of hiring in 2026.Topics covered:The current state of recruitment in the UAEWhy junior designers are struggling in today’s marketHow to craft a portfolio that stands outWhat makes a strong design CVJob search strategies that actually workThe lack of mature design leadership in the regionHow AI could reshape the future of design rolesLinks:Harry SIlvesterJack StevenDiscovered MENAJFBIChapters:00:00 The State of Recruitment in the UAE11:40 Challenges for Junior Designers17:28 Crafting a Standout Portfolio26:31 Navigating the CV Landscape37:47 Innovative Job Search Strategies41:01 The State of Design Leadership in the UAE44:49 Challenges in Design Leadership Recruitment48:32 The Impact of AI on Design Roles53:29 The Evolution of Design Roles and Responsibilities01:02:04 JFBI: A New Era in Design Education