Meridian Line Advisory

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our services.

What kind of work does Meridian Line take on?

Growth and market-entry strategy, operating model and org design, commercial due diligence, cost and margin programmes, and post-merger integration. Our clients are typically UAE family groups, mid-market operators between AED 50 million and AED 2 billion revenue, and government-linked entities. We do not do IT implementation, staffing or audit.

What does an engagement cost?

Our blended rate is AED 9,500 per consultant-day. A three-week diagnostic sprint with a two-person team is AED 95,000 fixed. A full operating model review runs AED 220,000 to AED 380,000 depending on scope and number of business units. Every proposal is fixed-fee, not time-and-materials.

Is the first conversation free?

Yes. The 30-minute discovery call is free and carries no obligation. If the problem is a fit we follow it with a 90-minute scoping workshop, also unbilled, and you receive a written proposal with scope, team, timeline and fixed fee within five working days.

How long does a typical project run?

A diagnostic sprint is three weeks. Strategy engagements run six to twelve weeks. Operating model and integration work runs three to six months with a partner on site at least one day a week. We publish the milestone plan in the proposal and hold a steering review every second Thursday.

Who actually does the work?

Nadia Haddad or Karim Osman leads every engagement personally — we do not sell a partner and deliver juniors. A typical team is one partner at roughly 30 percent time, one engagement manager full time and one to two analysts. Named CVs are attached to the proposal before you sign.

Do you offer ongoing advisory rather than a project?

Yes. Our retainer is AED 28,000 per month on a six-month minimum and covers up to four partner days, board-meeting attendance and unlimited email and call access. It suits founders and CEOs who need a sounding board rather than a full delivery team.

What sectors do you know best?

Retail and F&B chains, logistics and last-mile, healthcare groups, building materials and contracting, and financial services distribution. We have run more than 40 engagements in the GCC since 2016. If your sector is outside that list we will say so on the discovery call rather than learn on your budget.

How do you handle confidentiality?

We sign your NDA before the scoping workshop, or send ours if you prefer. Client data stays in a dedicated encrypted workspace, is never used for other clients, and is deleted or returned within 60 days of closing the engagement. We name clients in credentials only with written permission.

What are your payment terms?

Thirty percent on signature, then equal monthly instalments against milestones, invoiced in AED with 5 percent VAT. Payment terms are 30 days net. For engagements over AED 250,000 we can align the schedule to your budget cycle if you tell us at proposal stage.