20 August 2026
We are thrilled to have Elaine Hardman join Anderson Quigley as part of our growing Middle East and North Africa (MENA) team, supporting higher education institutions in identifying and attracting outstanding talent capable of driving transformation and create a lasting impact.
As part of Elaine’s onboarding process, we caught up with her to ask a few questions about her background and future plans at AQ.
Why did you decide to make the move from a sole trader to join AQ?
After 13 incredible years living and working in the Middle East, the time had come for me to rejoin my family and relocate back to the UK. It is an exciting new chapter, but I wasn’t sure whether I could continue building my business independently from so far away. When I was introduced to AQ it quickly became clear that it was the perfect fit and an opportunity that gave a great balance between life in the UK and continuing professional connections in MENA.
AQ has already built real momentum in the Middle East, investing in the region and earning a strong reputation for its work across higher education and schools. Combining my experience, network and understanding of the market created a fantastic opportunity for both sides. Rather than stepping away from a region I know so well, I’m able to continue supporting universities and education providers from the UK as part of a team that shared the same ambition and commitment to the sector and region.
What will your focus be at AQ?
I’ll continue working with clients and candidates across higher education and EdTech in the Middle East. After spending so many years building relationships and growing my network across the region, it felt like the natural next step.
What has always drawn me to the Middle East is its ambition, energy and optimism. It’s a region that is investing heavily in education and innovation, and I’ve always felt privileged to play a small part in that journey. Whether by helping universities attract outstanding academics or recruiting the professional services leaders who enable institutions to thrive, it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to the continued growth of higher education, particularly in the UAE.
Do you have any top tips of your lived experience of living in MENA for any candidates thinking of a career in MENA?
Where do I start? The truth is, life in the UAE isn’t for everyone. But if you’re resilient, adaptable and prepared to work hard, it can be an incredibly rewarding place to live and build a career.
One piece of advice I always give candidates is not to expect everything to be perfect from day one. If you can make small improvements each week, you’re moving in the right direction. Success often comes from embracing the journey rather than expecting instant results.
There is so much to love about living there. The weather (and, thankfully, the air conditioning), the incredible mix of cultures, and the sheer number of opportunities available all make it a unique place to call home. The education system is excellent, and I genuinely believe my daughters benefited enormously from growing up in such an international environment – they were exposed to people, cultures and perspectives from all over the world, and they still talk about how grateful they are to have had that experience. The UAE is also an exceptionally safe place to raise children.
That said, it’s important to go with your eyes open. Public transport is still limited in many areas, so having a car is often essential. There is also very little of the social safety net that many people are used to in the UK. If you lose your job, you need to be financially prepared, so I always recommend keeping savings in the bank as a cushion.
One challenge the UAE continues to face is creating enough opportunities for fresh graduates. It’s a market that tends to favour experienced professionals, so starting a career there can be more difficult than progressing an established one.
And finally, if you’re planning to move for “just a couple of years”… don’t be surprised if you stay much longer. Most people do!
What are the biggest myths people think about life in MENA?
Life in the UAE can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to remember that all that glitters is not gold. Social media often showcases the glamorous side of expat life, but behind the Instagram posts is a lot of hard work, resilience and determination. Success is absolutely possible, but it rarely comes without effort.
One thing that consistently stands out is how safe the UAE is. Women can go out alone with confidence, and it’s one of the safest places I’ve ever lived. That sense of security is something many expats value enormously.
Like any region, the Middle East is not immune to geopolitical events. The current conflict has inevitably created some uncertainty, but the UAE has shown time and again that it is remarkably resilient. It has a strong track record of adapting to challenges and continuing to move forward.
The region has also changed significantly over the past decade. MENA, and particularly the UAE, is no longer seen simply as somewhere to spend two or three years before moving home. Many expatriates have put down roots, bought property, raised families and now consider the UAE their permanent home. For many people, it has become exactly that – home.
What questions are you asked the most from people looking at a career in MENA?
These are some of the questions I’m asked most often. Which universities are likely to be recruiting in the future? (Unfortunately, I don’t have a crystal ball!) What is the cost of living? What career opportunities are available for my partner? What are the schools really like? Is it safe for women to go out alone? Can you drink alcohol? What is the expected dress code in shopping malls and other public places? And, of course, one of the biggest questions of all: how much does housing cost?
They’re all sensible questions, and understanding the practical realities of life in the UAE is just as important as securing the right job. I’m always more than happy to have a chat with people looking at moving to provide answers for your personal situations.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I loved sailing in the UAE, I was on the Board for the Dubai offshore sailing club, were we set up a women’s sailing initiative to encourage women into the sport. I am also a convert to reformer Pilates; generally, I like keeping fit. I like reading, particularly historical fiction where I can learn about events in the past. I really love history!
If you have any further questions or would like to connect with Elaine, please email her at elaine.hardman@andersonquigley.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.
