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emiratisation in Hospitality Business

Emiratisation: A Catalyst for Growth in the UAE Hospitality Business

The hospitality industry has broaden its spectrum and functions as a foundation for the growth of UAE economy. It goes beyond the tourism, travel, hotels and also covers the food and events sector as well. This comes with the various employment opportunities which can be advantageous to the Emirati job seekers. For this, practicing Emiratisation in the Hospitality Industry can transform the narratives for both employers and local talented employees. 

Along with the growth of hospitality sector, the government and private companies are prioritizing Emirati professionals to integrate them into their workforce. This approach is game-changing not only for the economy but also for building skilled workforce. 

The Role of Emiratisation in Shaping the UAE’s Hospitality Landscape

Emiratisation has been the transformative force for the hospitality landscape of the UAE. By prioritizing local talent, the industry benefits from fresh perspectives. This boost the deeper understanding of cultural factors, enhancing guest experiences. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision to create a sustainable economy and reduce reliance on foreign labor.

The hospitality sector, which includes hotels, restaurants, and tourism services, has a unique opportunity to showcase Emirati culture. By hiring locals, businesses can offer authentic experiences to visitors, ultimately enriching the tourism sector.

Emiratisation in the Hospitality Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

While Emiratisation presents exciting opportunities, it also brings its share of challenges. 

Setbacks – Many Emiratis face hurdles when entering the hospitality industry. This may include a lack of experience and limited exposure to customer service roles. To overcome these obstacles, businesses must invest in training and mentorship programs. 

Benefits – On the other side, there’s a growing recognition of Emiratisation, especially in private sector. Companies that successfully implement these initiatives get to enjoy the perks of success and legal compliance. As a result, their staff stays motivated, creating a positive workplace culture.

Understanding Emiratisation: Definition and Goals

Instead of prioritizing foreign talent, the government opens door for the local talent. By introducing Emiratisation, it is become mandatory to provide employment offers to local citizens. This gives the chance to promote the skillset Emirati nationals in various sectors, including hospitality. 

The goal:-  to create as many job opportunities as possible for locals and reduce the unemployment rate among Emiratis. This goes beyond just placing people into vacancies. It’s about empowering the talent to promote meaningful careers.

The Result:- it emphasizes the importance of local employment in private companies. Making it significant for the businesses to actively attract, seek out and hire Emirati talent. also, with this, the hiring needs of the companies as well as the national goals are being fulfilled consistently. .

The Impact of Emiratisation on the UAE’s Economy

The positive impact of Emiratisation on the UAE’s economy is undeniable. By fostering a more inclusive workforce, the country can diversify its economy and build resilience against global market fluctuations. An Emirati workforce brings unique insights that can enhance customer satisfaction and drive repeat business.

Moreover, the emphasis on local employment can help reduce the UAE private sector emiratisation fines that companies face if they fail to meet their Emiratisation quotas. This creates a win-win scenario: businesses not only contribute to the national vision but also avoid financial penalties.

Economic Factor Effect
Job Creation Increases employment opportunities for locals
Economic Diversification Reduces dependence on foreign labor
Enhanced Customer Experiences Improves service quality through local insights

Government Initiatives to Promote Emiratisation in Hospitality

There are various UAE government-based initiatives that boost the practice of emiratisation in hospitality sector. Such programs are designed to support both employers and Emirati job seekers. These techniques are also being adapted under the emiratisation law for private companies, encouraging organizations to prioritize local talent. This is followed by offering incentives such as tax benefits and funding for training programs.

Apart from this, the workshops and career fairs are arranged to attract the right candidates and link with the potential Emirati job seekers in hospitality. Events like this provide networking opportunities. This further helps bridge the gap between job seekers and potential employers.

Benefits of Emiratisation for the Hospitality Industry

Emiratisation brings a broad spectrum of benefits. This shifts the success ratio of hospitality industry to new heights. Here are some key advantages that you must note:

1. Cultural Enrichment

Emirati professionals offer invaluable insights into local customs and traditions, enriching the guest experience. Their ability to share stories and cultural practices creates authentic interactions that resonate with visitors, making their stay memorable.

2. Brand Loyalty

Employing locals fosters a strong sense of community connection. When customers see Emiratis in hospitality roles, it reinforces trust and loyalty towards the brand. Locals often prefer to support businesses that reflect their culture and values, leading to a dedicated customer base.

3. Talent Retention

Make sure the employees feel motivated and valued in the workplace. For this, invest in creating an environment that is reliable and encouraging for Emirati professionals. This approach leads to higher retention rates, reducing turnover and eliminating the costs of hiring and training new staff.

4. Enhanced Customer Service

Local employees understand the needs and expectations of Emirati and regional guests, allowing for personalized service that can elevate customer satisfaction. Their familiarity with cultural nuances can lead to better interactions and more tailored offerings.

5. Innovation and Diversity

Emiratisation introduces new perspectives into the workforce, fostering creativity and innovation. A diverse team can approach challenges in unique ways, driving the business forward and setting it apart from competitors.

 

Challenges Faced by Emiratis in the Hospitality Sector

The Emiratisation come with setbacks in hospitality sector. Get the better understanding of all the hurdles that might limits the growth of your organisation. 

  1. Limited Experience – Many Emiratis are entering the hospitality field without prior experience, making it tough to compete against seasoned professionals.
  2. Training Needs – There is often a skills gap that prevents Emiratis from fully excelling in hospitality roles.
  3. Workplace Adjustment – integrating into a running hospitality environment might seem overwhelming, especially to those who may not have previously worked in such settings.
  4. Career Advancement – Lack of mentorship or structured growth paths make it difficult for Emiratis to advance in their career within the hospitality sector.

Success Stories of Emirati Professionals in Hospitality

Many Emirati professionals have successfully carved out careers in the hospitality sector. This proves that with the right support and opportunities, you can also thrive. For instance;

  • Local chefs are gaining recognition for their innovative take on traditional cuisine
  • Emirati managers are leading some of the country’s top hotels.

These success stories not only inspire other Emiratis but also highlight the potential benefits of embracing local talent within the industry.

Future Trends and Prospects for Emiratisation in Hospitality

Looking ahead, the prospects for Emiratisation in the hospitality sector appear promising. With continued government support and an increasing focus on local talent, we can expect to see more Emiratis stepping into leadership roles. This will not only elevate the industry but also contribute to a more vibrant economy.

The rise of technology in hospitality also presents new avenues for Emiratisation. Training programs that incorporate digital skills can help Emiratis adapt to evolving industry demands, ensuring they remain competitive in the workforce.

Conclusion

When it’s time to reshape the landscape of employment in the hospitality industry, the Emiratisation could not be better answer for this. This initiative brings the local talent forward who can be the right fit to run the Hospitality Industry. By practicing recruitment of Emirati talent, this sector can enhanced significantly with better customer experience and economic growth on national level.  Take all the challenges and benefits that mentioned above into account and make the decision accordingly. If you own a business of hospitality, getting the Emirati professionals onboard will change the dynamic for you and drives untroubled success. 

The journey toward a fully Emiratized hospitality sector is ongoing, but with the right policies, support, and commitment, the future looks bright for both Emiratis and the industry as a whole.

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Nakul Sachdeva is Head of Recruitment at EmiratisationHub. His expertise has crossed multiple categories and channels with functional expertise in a variety of industries. He has 10 years of career in executive search firms and supported end to end Recruitment for Major Banks, Financial Institution, IT and Consulting firms based out of Toronto, Canada and Dubai, UAE. He manages end to end Recruitment at EmiratisationHub as well as serves as the client’s initial point of contact when seeking recruiting services.

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