The HR & CQ Show
Welcome to The HR & CQ Show, where Cultural Intelligence meets HR expertise in the heart of the UAE. Hosted by Emma Jordaan, a recognised thought leader in Cultural Intelligence, and Sarah Brooks, an HR Guru with a wealth of experience, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of Human Resources and Cultural Intelligence in one of the world's most dynamic regions.
Each episode, we dive deep into the latest HR trends, cultural insights, and best practices tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in the UAE. Whether you're an HR professional, business leader, or simply curious about how culture shapes the workplace, The HR & CQ Show offers actionable strategies, expert interviews, and thought-provoking discussions to help you succeed in today's globalised world.
Tune in and join the conversation as we explore all things HR and CQ in the UAE, from employee life cycle and employee engagement to leadership development and diversity, equity and inclusion, and beyond.
The HR & CQ Show
Episode 16 - Talent Acquisition & Retention in a Culturally Diverse Marketplace
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In this episode of The HR & CQ Show, Emma Jordaan and Sarah Brooks are joined by Niall Hughes, Talent Acquisition Director at KEO International, for an in-depth conversation on hiring, retaining, and managing talent in one of the world’s most culturally diverse regions.
Recorded at Ru'ya 25, Dubai World Trade Center, this episode explores the realities of talent acquisition in the GCC — from Emiratisation and nationalisation strategies to navigating applicant tracking systems, CV screening, and cultural integration in multinational teams.
With over 60 nationalities represented across KEO’s workforce and operations spanning the GCC and Europe, Niall shares practical, behind-the-scenes insights from the employer side of recruitment that jobseekers, HR professionals, and leaders rarely get to hear.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How KEO attracts and retains talent across 60+ nationalities
- Emiratisation and nationalisation: challenges, myths, and what’s actually working
- Graduate programmes and developing local talent sustainably
- Managing culturally diverse teams across regions, roles, and time zones
- Common CV mistakes recruiters see — and how AI & ATS really work
- Why honesty, clarity, and relevance matter more than ever in applications
- Cultural adjustment tips for professionals new to the UAE
- Cost of living expectations and the reality of job hunting in Dubai
- Why patience, adaptability, and cultural awareness are career accelerators in the region
Whether you’re:
✔️ A jobseeker considering a move to the UAE
✔️ Already applying for roles in the region
✔️ An HR or Talent Acquisition professional
✔️ A leader managing diverse, multinational teams
this episode offers grounded, practical insight from someone who sits at the heart of hiring decisions.
