The verdict in three sentences
For an executive search firm, the website is first a proof of discretion: a sitting CFO will never upload a CV to something that looks like a job board. A realistic 2026 budget in Dubai is AED 22,000 to 45,000, including a confidential candidate area, encrypted CV upload and English and Arabic versions. With fees of 20 to 30 % of annual salary per mandate, a single assignment won through the site often covers the investment.
What boards and senior candidates look for
The two audiences read the site differently. A board chair or a group CHRO checks the methodology, sectors covered, depth of the GCC and Africa network and rigour of the assessment process. The senior candidate wants guarantees: who sees the CV, how long it is kept, and whether they will be asked before any submission to a client.
| Audience | What they check | Site response |
|---|---|---|
| Board chair | Method, guarantees, success rate | 6-step process page, 6-month replacement guarantee |
| Multinational CHRO | Country coverage, sectors, languages | GCC and Africa map, sector pages |
| Sitting CEO or CFO candidate | Confidentiality, control of data | Encrypted area, consent before each submission |
| Expat or diaspora candidate | Language, time zones, video calls | EN and AR site, online booking |
| International partner | References, compliance | PDPL notice, public data policy |
In the UAE, Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on personal data protection (PDPL) requires a lawful basis and clear consent; firms in DIFC fall under the DIFC Data Protection Law. A CV sent through a plain email form is not enough.
Detailed 2026 budget in Dubai
Amounts are 2026 estimates for an agency building a custom site, not a modified WordPress theme. For comparison with the Abidjan market, the French version of this article quotes 3,500,000 to 7,000,000 FCFA for an equivalent scope.
| Item | 2026 range (AED) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery, positioning, sitemap | 2,500 to 4,500 | Workshops with founder and 2 partners |
| Premium custom design | 4,500 to 8,500 | Understated identity, consultant photography |
| Site development (12 to 20 pages) | 5,500 to 11,500 | CMS, sector pages, country pages |
| Confidential candidate area | 5,500 to 13,000 | Login, encrypted CV, consent tracking |
| Full Arabic version with RTL | 2,000 to 3,800 | Professional translation and RTL layout |
| PDPL compliance and security | 2,000 to 3,700 | Data policy, logging, strict HTTPS |
| Total project | 22,000 to 45,000 | Delivered in 6 to 9 weeks |
| Secure hosting and maintenance | 130 to 290 per month | Encrypted backups, updates |
The confidential candidate area, technically
The core of the project is the candidate area. Candidates must be able to upload a CV, select sectors and countries of interest, hide their current employer and withdraw their file at any time.
| Feature | Minimum level | Recommended level |
|---|---|---|
| CV upload | PDF upload over HTTPS | AES-256 encryption at rest, isolated storage |
| Consultant access | Shared password | Named accounts, two-factor authentication |
| Submission to client | Email attachment | Link expiring after 7 days, prior consent |
| Retention period | Indefinite | 24 months then automatic deletion |
| Access log | None | Who viewed which CV, and when |
| Employer masking | No | Hidden until the candidate agrees |
The recommended level adds roughly AED 3,800 to 6,500 to the candidate area budget, but it is what convinces a sitting CFO to trust you with their file.
Mini case study
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Layla, founder of a 6-consultant boutique in DIFC, places about ten executives a year. A CFO hired for a logistics group earns AED 1,200,000 a year. At 25 % fees, the mandate brings AED 300,000. The site costs her AED 34,000 plus AED 220 a month in hosting, or AED 36,640 in year one. If the site triggers just one additional mandate a year, through a group CHRO enquiry or a rare candidate registering spontaneously, the investment is covered about 8 times.
FAQ
Should we publish open roles on the site?
For executive mandates, rarely by name. Firms usually publish anonymised "typical assignments" (for example "CFO, industrial group, Dubai, AED 900,000 to 1,400,000") that attract profiles without revealing the client.
Do we need Arabic from day one?
It depends on your clients. If you serve government-related entities or Saudi groups, yes; the Arabic version costs AED 2,000 to 3,800 and signals local credibility.
Where should CVs be hosted to comply with UAE law?
Hosting in the UAE or in an adequate jurisdiction with encryption is possible, provided candidates are informed and consent is recorded. Initial compliance work costs about AED 2,000 to 3,700.
How long until the site goes live?
Allow 6 to 9 weeks. The timeline mostly depends on writing sector pages and consultant profiles, which should start in week 2.
Can the candidate area connect to our recruitment software?
Yes, an integration with an ATS such as Bullhorn, Loxo or an in-house tool costs AED 3,000 to 9,000 depending on the API available.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your sectors, countries and the confidentiality level you need, and we will propose a scope, a budget and a schedule. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
