Watani Programme

How can I apply to the Watani Graduate programme?

• It’s simple, just check out our how to apply section here

Who can apply?

• Our Watani Programme is open to all UAE Nationals that hold a UAE passport and family book.

Who can I speak to about the Watani Programme?

• If you have any questions about the Watani Programme, you can contact our Watani Programme Lead, Jasmine Soyan on mer_watani@pwc.com.

I have applied but have not heard back yet. How long does the application process take?

• For our graduate programme, we have a robust application process which typically takes 3 months to complete.

I am trying to apply but need some help. Who can I reach out to?

• Please contact our Watani Programme Lead, Jasmine Soyan on mer_watani@pwc.com.

What qualifications do I need to have to apply to the Watani Graduate Programme?

• You must be a UAE National.
• We are looking for UAE nationals who have graduated in the past 18 months and hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

What qualifications will I gain from joining the Watani Graduate Programme?

• The qualifications you gain will depend on the Line of Service you join. Here are some of the typical Professional Qualifications (PQ) you can expect to gain:
  • Assurance - ACCA - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, CIA - Certified Internal Auditor or CPA - Certified Public Accountant
  • Consulting - as required
  • Deals - ACCA - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, CFA - Chartered Financial Analyst, or CPA - Certified Public Accountant. Deals requires you to choose from, and start studying towards, one of these PQs as soon as you join. You'll be expected to complete a PQ in order to graduate from the Edge programme, and to be promoted to Manager in Deals. We will support you on this journey, both financially and through study leave.
  • Tax and Legal Services support our team members through a variety of professional qualifications, and these vary by country and by business unit. Subject to your specialist business unit, some of the PQs you can expect to be given the option to pursue will be the ADIT (Advanced Diploma in International Taxation), NYB (New york Bar Exam), Transfer Pricing Diploma or VAT Diploma.

Do you only accept graduates on the Watani Programme?

• No, other ways you can join us are through our:
  • Internship programme
    
  • Experienced professionals, or
  • Secondees
    

I’m not a UAE national but I want to apply to the PwC Middle East Graduate Programme

• If you are not a UAE national, you can apply to our Middle East Graduate Programme through our careers portal.

How long is a Watani secondment?

• A Watani secondment can be a minimum of 6 months up to a maximum 12 months.

What is a secondment?

• There are two types of secondment - internal and external. An internal secondment is where an employee is temporarily transferred to another role or department. An external secondment is a similar agreement but the employee is temporarily transferred from their existing employer to another company.

What sort of skills do you look for?

• At PwC, we hire only the best talent. That means our recruitment and hiring process can be competitive. What we look for in any candidate is motivation, confidence and a strong work ethic, who is flexible and adaptable, can work under pressure and to deadlines, with a high business and digital acumen

What language skills do I need to apply?

• Our firm is multicultural by nature and so are our clients. To join the Watani programme we are looking for candidates who have excellent English and Arabic written and verbal skills. Other languages skills are desirable

Can I switch to another line of service during my time in the Watani Program?

• During your initial 2 years as the program is tailored to deliver the right training and experience within the LOS. Post the 2 years and on completion of PQ, this can be considered

What’s the difference between the Watani programme and the other graduate programmes?

• Different to our graduate programme, our Watani programme focuses specifically on recruiting and retaining the most ambitious UAE Nationals. Introduced in 2014, our programme was developed to support Emirati talent to enter the professional workplace while providing them with a platform to acquire the desired skills they need to fulfil their career growth aspirations.

What Line of Service will be ideal for my degree?

• Whilst not exhaustive, we have provided some examples of suitable degrees that naturally align themselves to our Line of Service offerings
  • Assurance -  Accounting, Banking and Finance
  • Consulting - Engineering or Technology
  • Deals or Tax - Business Management, Economics, Finance, or STEM
  • Legal - Law

How can I be seconded to PwC?

• Our clients and secondment partners speak to us directly. Have a chat with your HR department about a potential secondment opportunity today.

Are secondments only for experienced hires?

• Yes, external secondments are for experienced hires.