Season 4 Episode 4: Fractional Hiring in the UAE Region
Wed Feb 04 2026
Hiring is not about choosing between permanent or flexible talent. It is about knowing when each model makes sense.
In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Graham Halton to unpack how fractional hiring is being used alongside permanent recruitment, not instead of it.
This episode is proudly powered by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform, helping finance teams gain more control and visibility while eliminating manual processes.
As businesses grow, restructure, or enter new phases, there are moments where full-time headcount is not the right first step. Fractional professionals allow companies to access senior expertise quickly, test structures, and build confidence before making long-term hiring decisions.
Graham shares how this model is supporting businesses across the UAE, how it fits into wider recruitment strategies, and where it is delivering the most value for clients today.
This is not about replacing traditional hiring. It is about giving companies more options to build stronger, more agile teams.
What you will hear in this episode:
📌When fractional hiring makes sense and when permanent hiring is the right move
📌How businesses use fractional roles to support growth and transformation
📌What the fractional model looks like in real organisations
📌How visas, payroll, and compliance are managed
📌Real examples of how this approach has helped clients
How Alchemy Search supports you
✅We manage the full end-to-end process, including:
✅Visas and work permits
✅Payroll administration
Whether you are hiring permanent leaders or exploring flexible talent, this episode will help you understand how to build the right team for where your business is today.
Listen to Alchemy Uncensored.
New episodes every Wednesday.
More
Hiring is not about choosing between permanent or flexible talent. It is about knowing when each model makes sense. In this episode of Alchemy Uncensored, Conor McHugh is joined by Graham Halton to unpack how fractional hiring is being used alongside permanent recruitment, not instead of it. This episode is proudly powered by Alaan, the Middle East’s leading corporate card and expense management platform, helping finance teams gain more control and visibility while eliminating manual processes. As businesses grow, restructure, or enter new phases, there are moments where full-time headcount is not the right first step. Fractional professionals allow companies to access senior expertise quickly, test structures, and build confidence before making long-term hiring decisions. Graham shares how this model is supporting businesses across the UAE, how it fits into wider recruitment strategies, and where it is delivering the most value for clients today. This is not about replacing traditional hiring. It is about giving companies more options to build stronger, more agile teams. What you will hear in this episode: 📌When fractional hiring makes sense and when permanent hiring is the right move 📌How businesses use fractional roles to support growth and transformation 📌What the fractional model looks like in real organisations 📌How visas, payroll, and compliance are managed 📌Real examples of how this approach has helped clients How Alchemy Search supports you ✅We manage the full end-to-end process, including: ✅Visas and work permits ✅Payroll administration Whether you are hiring permanent leaders or exploring flexible talent, this episode will help you understand how to build the right team for where your business is today. Listen to Alchemy Uncensored. New episodes every Wednesday.