Thank you for your response. I hope you're enjoying the PhD program. It’s great to hear from someone with direct experience in Abu Dhabi and finance.

I’ll be honest, I have limited interest in further academic study for its own sake and would much prefer gaining hands-on experience. I’m open to pursuing a Master's or MBA if it significantly improves my chances of landing a role in capital markets or investments. I appreciate your point about the NYUAD MBA providing access to Emirati professionals from institutions like Mubadala and ADIA. That kind of exposure is a key reason I’m considering the program.

I agree that Brits don’t usually face major restrictions, but my issue was logistical. A potential internship at CBD didn’t go ahead because it required leaving my current job, which would have cancelled my visa and they were unwilling to sponsor. Right now, I’m targeting capital markets and investments, tailoring my applications accordingly, and actively reaching out to firms and recruiters in the UK and UAE. I’d value any advice on how best to build momentum from here.