Has Hiring in Dubai Turned Into Tinder? | Rooslán Totrov - Global Executive TA Leader

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. Chapters 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: Apple: 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/