For Catherine, success is all about mindset.
Catherine Farley is a recruitment and talent acquisition leader who has worked both agency and client side in the UK, UAE and KSA. She is founder and CEO of Talent Higher, a leading UAE recruitment agency.
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When I first started Talent Higher, I quickly realised that success isn’t just about what you know, but who you surround yourself with. The people who thrive in Dubai actively connect, engage, and build relationships – whether at industry events or over a casual coffee.
I’ve had the privilege of working with professionals from all over the world – each with their own unique journey. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success here isn’t just about skills or experience. It’s about mindset.
Dubai moves fast and the people who succeed are the ones who embrace change, stay open to new ideas and adjust quickly. It’s true that this is a city of opportunity, but it’s also very competitive. So the most successful people I’ve met don’t just wait for doors to open – they knock on them, push them open, and sometimes build their own.
I really think that the people who truly integrate here are the ones who respect and adapt to different ways of working, thinking, and doing business. So understanding different cultures isn’t just a bonus in Dubai – it’s essential.
Looking back on my own journey, I would say these are the traits that have shaped my path – and it’s these traits I see in every successful professional who makes Dubai their home. If you’re new to this incredible city, stay adaptable, stay hungry, and never stop building relationships. Dubai rewards those who go all in.