Insights on elevating talent acquisition from ARC Talent’s CEO

Strategic collaborations can significantly elevate service standards and outcomes. One such partnership is the recent one inked between ARC Talent and Alnaas Advisory. This collaboration is driven by a shared vision of enhancing HR and talent acquisition practices in the MENA region. By combining their expertise, ARC Talent and Alnaas Advisory aim to offer a more robust and comprehensive suite of services.

In this interview with Abdul-Rahman Risilia, founder and CEO of ARC Talent, we delve into the motivations behind this partnership, the expected changes for clients and candidates, and the notable hiring trends in the marketing, tech and digital sectors.

We will also explore the impact of the updated Emiratisation law, the broader localisation efforts in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region, and how advanced technologies like AI are being leveraged to enhance the recruitment process.

How do you envision the collaboration between ARC Talent and Alnaas Advisory enhancing your service offerings in the talent acquisition space?

The partnership between ARC Talent and Alnaas Advisory is driven by a shared vision of elevating human resources (HR) and talent acquisition standards in the region. By combining our strengths, we aim to create a more robust and comprehensive service offering. The founding partners bring a wealth of experience and a strong network, coupled with a fresh, dynamic approach to the industry. Together, we can offer our clients unmatched expertise and resources, ensuring they find and retain the best talent.

We believe that a company’s greatest USP is its people profoundly shapes our client relationships and outcomes. We selectively partner with organisations that share this value, ensuring alignment and mutual commitment to investing in their workforce.

What are the most notable hiring trends you are observing in the marketing, tech and digital industries in the MENA region?

In the MENA region, we are observing notable hiring trends in the mentioned sectors, including a surge in demand for digital transformation specialists, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts. Companies are increasingly looking for talent that can navigate the complexities of a digital-first world.

How has the demand for talent in these sectors evolved over the past few years?

The demand for talent in marketing, tech and digital sectors has evolved significantly over the past few years. There’s a growing emphasis on digital skills, with companies seeking professionals who can drive innovation and adapt to rapid technological changes. The need for data-driven decision-making has also increased, leading to higher demand for data analysts and AI specialists.

How has the updated Emiratisation law affected the recruitment landscape in the UAE?

The updated Emiratisation Law has profoundly impacted the recruitment landscape in the UAE. It has created more opportunities for Emirati professionals and has encouraged companies to invest in local talent development.

This shift is helping to build a more sustainable and locally-driven economy, although it also poses challenges in terms of finding the right balance between expatriate and local talent.

What challenges and opportunities has Emiratisation brought to your clients and your business?

On one hand, Emiratisation requires companies to adapt their hiring strategies to comply with new regulations, which can be resource-intensive. On the other hand, it offers the opportunity to tap into a pool of motivated local talent and contribute to national development goals. For our business, it means staying agile and innovative in our recruitment strategies to meet these evolving needs.

Beyond Emiratisation, how do you address the broader localisation efforts in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region?

We are actively engaged in broader localisation efforts in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region. This involves understanding and aligning with each country’s unique requirements and cultural contexts. We collaborate closely with local partners to ensure our strategies are effective and respectful of local norms.

Co-founder and partner Saif Kidwai’s tenure as chief people officer at the rapidly growing Eyewa has helped provide a solid foundation for our team. During his time there, he was instrumental in hiring over 550 Saudi nationals in just two years, demonstrating his expertise in large-scale recruitment and localisation efforts.

What are the unique challenges and strategies associated with localising the workforce in these regions?

Localising the workforce in the MENA region comes with unique challenges, such as navigating regulatory frameworks and cultural differences.

Our strategies include building strong local networks, investing in local talent development, and offering tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each market.

How is Alnaas Advisory leveraging AI and other advanced technologies in the talent search and recruitment process?

We utilise AI to streamline and automate repetitive and mundane tasks, such as initial resume screening and scheduling interviews. This allows our talent partners to focus more on building meaningful relationships and understanding the unique needs and aspirations of each candidate and client. By freeing up time from administrative tasks, our team can devote more energy to personalised engagement, for a tailored approach to each recruitment and advisory project.

Moreover, AI-driven analytics and data insights enable us to better understand market trends, predict talent needs, and match candidates to roles with a higher degree of accuracy. This technology helps us identify the best-fit candidates more efficiently, reducing time-to-hire and improving overall satisfaction for our clients.

We also employ advanced technologies to enhance the candidate experience. For instance, our AI-powered chatbots provide immediate responses to candidate inquiries, offering a seamless and responsive communication channel.

At the core of our strategy is the belief that technology should serve to elevate human potential. By integrating AI thoughtfully and strategically, we aim to create a more efficient, responsive, and human-centred recruitment process that ultimately leads to better outcomes for all parties involved.