The design hiring landscape is shifting fast, especially in the UAE.
In this episode of Beyond The Interface, we sit down with Harry and Jack from Discovered MENA to explore what’s really happening in the design recruitment market.
They discuss the growing surplus of design talent, why junior designers are struggling to break into the industry, and what hiring managers are actually looking for when reviewing portfolios and CVs.
The conversation also dives into the state of design leadership in the Middle East, the increasing overlap between product and design roles, and how AI may reshape the future of the profession.
If you're navigating the design job market or building design teams, this episode offers a candid look at the realities of hiring in 2026.
Topics covered:
- The current state of recruitment in the UAE
- Why junior designers are struggling in today’s market
- How to craft a portfolio that stands out
- What makes a strong design CV
- Job search strategies that actually work
- The lack of mature design leadership in the region
- How AI could reshape the future of design roles
Links:
Harry SIlvester
Jack Steven
Discovered MENA
JFBI
Chapters:
00:00 The State of Recruitment in the UAE
11:40 Challenges for Junior Designers
17:28 Crafting a Standout Portfolio
26:31 Navigating the CV Landscape
37:47 Innovative Job Search Strategies
41:01 The State of Design Leadership in the UAE
44:49 Challenges in Design Leadership Recruitment
48:32 The Impact of AI on Design Roles
53:29 The Evolution of Design Roles and Responsibilities
01:02:04 JFBI: A New Era in Design Education
