What the GCC Can Learn About Top Independent Consulting Platforms in Europe and the US

Rethinking How Expertise Is Sourced

Across the Gulf region, companies are re-evaluating how they access strategic expertise. In a market where speed, flexibility, and trust are increasingly valued, the traditional reliance on large consulting firms is being replaced with more agile, targeted models. Europe and the United States have already embraced independent consulting platforms that deliver curated talent at pace. For the Gulf, recent developments suggest that platforms can play a pivotal role in reshaping how consulting is delivered, particularly in high-growth markets such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Proven Models from the US and Europe

In the United States, platforms like Catalant 2.0 and Toptal have led the shift toward flexible consulting models. They offer pre-vetted experts across disciplines, enabling companies to solve complex challenges without engaging in long-term contracts. These platforms are especially popular with mid-sized businesses and startups that want access to strategic support without the overhead of the traditional consulting firms

In Europe, similar innovations are taking place. Platforms such as OMS and Movemeon are gaining traction by matching consultants to client needs with a high degree of precision. Founded by former consultants themselves, these platforms emphasize quality and trust, helping companies scale with confidence.

What the GCC Needs: Local Understanding and Platform Efficiency

The GCC market presents unique dynamics. Companies here are not only seeking top-tier expertise, but also regional relevance and cultural alignment. Many international platforms lack this dimension, which limits their value in Gulf-specific contexts.

Across the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, demand is growing for partners that combine deep sector knowledge with local understanding. While several consulting companies in Saudi Arabia operate effectively, there remains a gap when it comes to fast, high-quality access to independent consultants with both industry experience and regional fluency.

Synchrony’s Model: Regional Platform with Global Thinking

This is where Synchrony brings a unique approach. Inspired by global best practices, but tailored specifically to the Gulf, Synchrony enables businesses to engage with independent consultants with minimal lead time. Whether supporting government initiatives, advising on strategy, or leading transformation programs, consultants are selected based on fit, availability, and outcomes.

For professionals, Synchrony also creates new opportunities. Many have previously worked at top firms or held leadership roles across sectors and now operate independently within the Gulf’s growing consulting and business landscape. By joining a platform built for this region, they can contribute meaningfully to both national priorities and private sector growth.

Lessons from Global Models

1. Prioritizing Speed and Specialization

US and European platforms have proven that speed of engagement and capability fit matter just as much as brand name. In the Gulf, where Vision 2030 and infrastructure projects move quickly, companies benefit from having the right expertise ready when needed.

2. Moving Beyond Traditional Firms

While the MBB and the Big 4 consulting firms remain important players, they are not always the best fit for short-term or specialized assignments. Independent consultants often bring sharper focus and operational flexibility that traditional firms cannot match.

3. Embracing Local Expertise within a Global Model

Global platforms rarely address the nuances of the Gulf market. A platform like Synchrony bridges that gap by integrating the precision of international models with the cultural context of the region. This is particularly important in markets like Dubai, since management consulting companies in Dubai often combine local experience with sector depth.

Synchrony

As consulting needs in the Gulf evolve, platforms like Synchrony represent the next phase in how companies engage expert talent. Rather than relying exclusively on legacy firms or informal networks, businesses can now access curated consultants with regional expertise, sector fluency, and executional capability.

Whether supporting strategic transformation, public-sector delivery, or operational turnaround, Synchrony provides a platform built around speed, quality, and fit.