Recruiting for Vision 2030 with Tom Brooks | Saudi Arabia's Transformation

deverellsmith, a specialist property recruitment and talent consultancy, today announced the release of its latest podcast episode, Recruiting for Vision 2030 with Tom Brooks | Saudi Arabia's Transformation, featuring Tom Brooks, Saudi Arabia Country Lead at Hintel, one of the GCC's leading executive search firms specialising in real estate and construction.

The podcast offers an in-depth conversation on Saudi Arabia's transformation under Vision 2030, the talent dynamics shaping recruitment in the Kingdom, and how professionals can position themselves for opportunities ahead of Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup.

Key highlights from the conversation

A transformation unlike any other

Tom Brooks reflects on what makes the current market unique: "What is unfolding in Saudi Arabia is unprecedented in both scale and ambition. These are generational projects, developments that simply do not exist elsewhere."

Riyadh remains the centre of gravity

While opportunities extend across the Kingdom, Riyadh continues to command the majority of activity. Tom notes that Expo 2030 and World Cup preparations have consolidated the capital's position, though Jeddah, AlUla, and the western coast mega-projects,  NEOM and the Red Sea,  represent substantial opportunities in their own right.

The regional experience debate

A key talking point is whether employers should prioritise GCC experience or seek international expertise. Tom shares his perspective: "Regional experience provides meaningful risk mitigation for clients. Candidates who understand local business culture and the regulatory environment tend to integrate more effectively. However, there is genuine appetite for international expertise, particularly in specialist areas."

Career development as the differentiator

With competition for talent intensifying, attractive remuneration is now a baseline expectation. Tom emphasises that the employers winning the best candidates are those articulating clear progression pathways: "Professionals are increasingly evaluating opportunities based on where a role might lead over three, five, or ten years — not merely the immediate responsibilities."

Advice for professionals considering the Kingdom

Tom offers practical guidance for those looking to enter the Saudi market: "Visibility and proactivity are essential. Professionals who secure the most desirable positions are those who actively cultivate relationships with recruiters who understand their market, not those who rely solely on online applications."

The podcast is now available to listen and watch on the deverellsmith website or wherever you get your podcasts.

About Tom Brooks

Tom Brooks is Saudi Arabia Country Lead at Hintel, an executive search firm specialising in real estate and construction recruitment across the GCC. With over two decades of experience placing senior professionals across Saudi Arabia's landmark developments, Tom and his team bring more than 100 years of combined regional expertise to their clients.