A specialist, independent and human recruitment partner connecting exceptional financial and tax talent with global multinationals, regional organisations and SMEs across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Founded by Conor and led alongside Partner Weam Kamel, Alchemy Search is built on a shared belief that great recruitment is personal, combining deep sector expertise with genuine human connection across both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Partner & Head of Abu Dhabi Operations
Born and raised in Abu Dhabi and fluent in Arabic and English, Weam has an innate understanding of the UAE's corporate landscape. She leads specialist recruitment for finance, accounting, investment, and strategy professionals, and is happiest meeting candidates and clients face-to-face, building rapport and hosting events such as 'Women in Business'. Having lived and worked in Malaysia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Egypt, she values the chance the UAE has given her to break traditional paths and create her own success.
Specialising in
Founder
Conor McHugh is the Founder of Alchemy Search and a leading specialist in accounting, corporate finance, tax, and treasury recruitment, with over a decade of experience in the UAE market. He began his career at KPMG UK, qualifying in audit before moving into financial reporting and FP&A roles. After several years with a major recruitment consultancy in Dubai, he launched Alchemy Search to fill a gap in the market for specialised finance and tax talent and senior-level appointments across Dubai.
Specialising in
From our corporate films to the Alchemy Uncensored podcast, hear what matters to us and meet the team behind the search.
A short film on who we are and why we built Alchemy Search.
A closer look at how we approach specialist finance and tax recruitment.
Community events like Women in Business and the face-to-face approach behind every search.
Honest conversations on the realities of recruitment, careers and the UAE market.
Alchemy Search provides specialist recruitment solutions supporting appointments across every level of seniority, from emerging specialists to the boardroom.
Qualified accountants and finance professionals across commerce, industry and practice.
Corporate tax, VAT, transfer pricing and international tax specialists across the region.
M&A, transaction services, valuations and investment banking talent.
Treasury, cash management and funding professionals.
GRC specialists covering risk, governance, compliance and controls.
From early-career specialists to C-suite and executive appointments.
Our multinational, multilingual team combines hands-on professional experience with deep industry networks and first-hand sector knowledge, enabling us to understand each brief beyond the job description.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all or database-led approach, we focus on rigorous research, targeted search and genuine candidate fit.
We understand each brief beyond the job description, matching not just skills but culture, ambition and long-term potential.
Through clear communication and tailored support, we keep clients and candidates informed at every stage.
Recruitment should be about more than filling a vacancy. We build placements that deliver lasting value for both clients and candidates.
"Above all, we believe recruitment should be about more than filling a vacancy."
Alchemy Search
Across our team, bringing together deep market knowledge, specialist expertise and established networks across Finance, Tax and related disciplines.
Building trusted partnerships with global multinationals, regional organisations and SMEs across the UAE and wider GCC.
Real feedback from the CFOs, finance directors and finance professionals we partner with across the region.
Weam's diligence, nimbleness, joie-de-vivre, market intelligence and sheer hard work have been absolutely invaluable to me and my organisation, and it is always a pleasure speaking and working with her. I once called her late night on a weekend because we needed a resource urgently, and we had someone by Monday morning, which was nothing short of a miracle. Thank you, Weam, I look forward to our continuing work together and friendship.
It was a real pleasure working with Alchemy on a recent opening in our Finance team; Conor and his team were professional, easy to deal with and had a "personal touch" throughout. They engaged with us quickly, getting an understanding of the role and "softer" fit elements. The shortlist was an excellent response to the requirement, with all candidates strong contenders for the role. We particularly appreciated that not only did Alchemy provide feedback quickly to the candidates but also to us. Alchemy was also very thoughtful in their touch points with the candidate even after her starting. We look forward to working with the team again!
Overall, what separates Alchemy Search from other recruiters is that they genuinely care. I started my job search in March 2022. Up until June 2022, I applied to numerous jobs and got in touch with several recruiters in Dubai. More than 90% didn't get back to me. If I didn't get in touch with Alchemy Search, there is a great chance I would have never got a chance to interview for a role, let alone receive a job offer. Thanks to Conor and Alchemy Search, I have been given an opportunity that could end up being the best life decision and move I could make.
I cannot recommend Anchal enough - she is extremely professional and knowledgeable about the UAE market and the companies she is recruiting for. I really appreciate how honest and trustworthy she is. She is one of the few recruiters who would answer all your queries in detail without any hesitation. Anchal was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was very approachable, honest, and genuinely invested in finding the right fit rather than the "one size fits all" approach. Moreover her communication was excellent, and I always felt stress free and well prepared before an interview. I would highly recommend Anchal to anyone trying to navigate their dream job in Dubai.
Whether you're building a finance team in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, or seeking your next career move, Alchemy Search brings specialist, independent and human expertise to every search.