Hospitality sector growth plays key role in the future of young Emiratis

By Christian Tolentino On Nov 7, 2018

Students of Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management

As the UAE’s hospitality industry continues its rapid growth, it presents highly promising career opportunities for skilled professionals, especially Emirati youth. Hotels are increasingly looking out for local talent across operational and functional areas as a part of their commitment to Emiratisation.

At the recently concluded NAJAH higher education fair in Abu Dhabi, Emirati job-seekers were seen showing a keen interest in hospitality-related careers, especially at the stand of the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM), an integral part of Jumeirah Group and one of the Top 10 hospitality management schools in the world.

“It is all the more relevant here in the UAE”

Dr. Scott Richardson, executive dean of EAHM, said: “While it is a well-known fact that the hospitality industry is the world’s second-biggest employer, it is all the more relevant here in the UAE, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi witnessing impressive growth in hotel rooms, especially ahead of upcoming mega-events such as Expo 2020.

“At the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, we are keen to support the UAE government’s drive to create jobs for Emiratis and we were impressed by the turnout at our NAJAH stand.”

Yousef Monjazebi, an Emirati student of EAHM

According to a joint study by KPMG and International Hospitality Consulting Group (INHOCO), Dubai alone will have 100,000 hotel rooms by 2020. The demand for qualified hospitality professionals is extremely high in the UAE. For example, the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management recorded 96% employability rate for its graduates in 2017.

The UAE’s hospitality and tourism sector are a significant contributor to the UAE’s economy and a major employer. In 2017, it is estimated that the sector contributed over AED 150 billion (USD 40.8bn) to its GDP and provided almost 570,000 jobs which represented 4.8% of total employment.

“This new generation of employees are the future of the industry”

“With the many opportunities available in the hospitality sector, young Emiratis are starting to see the range of careers available to them,” added Dr. Richardson.

“This new generation of employees are the future of the industry in the UAE and with the current demand for talent with industry-relevant qualifications, Emiratis can enjoy a successful and fulfilling career in the industry.”