Here at ETRA Talent, leading specialists in contingent and executive search across Banking, Investment Management, Insurance, and Non-Financial Services, we're proud to announce the opening of our new office in Dubai, UAE. This expansion marks a significant milestone in our company’s mission better to serve our growing client base across the Middle East.
The new office will be led by Co-Founder Sultan Afzal, who has relocated with his family from the UK to spearhead the launch. With nearly two decades of recruitment experience, Sultan brings considerable sector experience and expertise, and a proven track record of delivering exceptional talent solutions to clients.
Sultan Afzal, said, “Opening in Dubai is a natural evolution for ETRA Talent. We’ve built strong relationships and networks across the Middle East over the past five years, and having a physical presence centrally allows us to be closer to our clients, respond faster to their needs, and deliver even more value. This move represents our long-term commitment to the Middle Eastern region”
Co-founder Parvyez Salam, who has also played a critical role in developing the firm’s Middle East presence, added: “We already work with several clients in Dubai and the surrounding areas, and this office cements our role as a trusted partner in their ongoing talent strategies. The local insight we gain from being on the ground will make our service more agile, responsive, and culturally aligned.”
The Dubai launch has been backed by ETRA Talent’s investor, Recruitment. Greg Hollis, the CEO of Recruitment Entrepreneur, welcomed the news: “This is the next logical step for ETRA Talent, that’s perfectly aligned with Recruitment Entrepreneur’s growth strategy in the Middle East region. With Sultan’s already well-established UAE network, their relentless ambition and well-respected service levels, I’m confident the Dubai arm of the business will thrive. This expansion reflects our belief in their leadership and the growing opportunities we anticipate from the Middle East as a whole.”
James Caan CBE, Chairman of Recruitment Entrepreneur and a long-time mentor to Sultan and Parvyez, also praised the move: “I’ve seen firsthand the ambition, integrity, and expertise that Sultan and Parvyez bring to ETRA Talent. Their expansion into Dubai is a strategic and well-timed move, and I’m confident they’ll make a significant impact in the regional Middle East talent market.”
How ETRA Talent’s Dubai Presence Enhances Service to Middle East Clients
Local Market Expertise and Proximity
By setting up a dedicated office in Dubai, ETRA Talent now has direct access to the fast-evolving financial and professional services ecosystem of the region. This enables the firm to gain a deeper understanding of local market dynamics, cultural expectations, and regulatory nuances, allowing for more tailored and effective recruitment solutions.
Faster, More Precise Talent Delivery
On-the-ground operations allow for rapid response to client hiring needs, leveraging regional and global networks to identify top talent in areas such as compliance, risk, finance, analytics, and technology—vital in a market where specialist skills are in high demand.
Stronger Relationships and Communication
Face-to-face engagement with clients and candidates fosters trust and enhances communication, two key pillars of ETRA Talent’s people-first approach, which is essential for navigating the relational business culture in the Middle East.
Deep Sector Knowledge
With over 18 years of combined experience, the founders bring sector-specific insights across banking, trading, asset management, insurance, fintech, and emerging areas, including cryptocurrency. Their knowledge ensures clients receive solutions aligned with the region’s dynamic and ambitious growth trajectory.
Broader Reach Across Financial Ecosystem
From sovereign wealth funds and private equity firms to trading houses and family offices, ETRA Talent is now positioned to partner with a wide spectrum of institutions, driving the financial transformation of the Middle East.
Media contacts:
Sultan Afzal
Co-Founder & CEO of ETRA Talent
sultanafzal@etratalent.com
+44 (0)752 5395 355
Parvyez Salam
Co-Founder & CEO of ETRA Talent
parv@etratalent.com
+44 (0)798 5707 734