Ernst & Young MENA already is the largest of the Big 4 professional services organizations in the region by revenue and numbers of staff and offices.

“The additional staff will add to its 4,200 people across 20 offices in 15 countries in the Middle East and North Africa,” Sowailim said.

“I am confident that we will continue to provide great opportunities for our people. Our strategy is to ensure continuity by nurturing and developing the best people in their local environments,” Al-Sowailim added.

Al-Sowailim pointed out that the demand from clients has grown over 2010 as they focus on core competencies and look for the best professional services organization available to advise them during the recovery process.

“Thanks to our area and global integration we are uniquely positioned to provide quality services for our clients.”

The 2010 Universum global recruitment survey of nearly 130,000 students, released earlier this month, placed Ernst & Young as number three among all employers worldwide and as the most attractive place for graduates to work in more markets than any of its competitors.