As hotels in the UAE and the surrounding area prepare to increase their operations and launch new brands to meet the rising demand for both visitors and staycations, the number of employment in the hospitality sector is expected to exceed 4,000.
Explosive Job Growth in the UAE and Regional Hospitality Sector
The hospitality sector in the UAE and surrounding regions is on the cusp of a monumental growth spurt, set to create over 4,000 new jobs. This expansion is propelled by a surge in demand for staycations and tourism, prompting renowned brands like IHG Hotels and Resorts, Rotana, The Ascott, H World International, and others to unveil ambitious plans for regional expansion.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the UAE's travel and tourism sector is poised to generate a staggering 23,500 new jobs in 2024 alone. This surge will elevate the total employment figure to 833,000, with projections indicating a workforce of 928,000 by 2034. Remarkably, this equates to approximately 1 in 9 residents being employed in the sector, highlighting its pivotal role in the economy. Over the course of the next decade, an estimated 95,000 new jobs are slated to emerge, showcasing the sustained growth trajectory of the industry.
Insights from Industry Titans
Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, has outlined ambitious hiring plans, aiming to augment the current workforce by 10% by the end of 2024. With a global presence spanning 76 hotels, Rotana's focus on expansion is evident, with 35 properties already established in the UAE and several more in the pipeline across the region. Similarly, IHG Hotels and Resorts, under the stewardship of Haitham Mattar, is primed to introduce nine new hotels boasting over 2,000 keys in the coming years, translating into a substantial influx of employment opportunities.
The industry's growth trajectory is underscored by a commitment to diversification and innovation. Vincent Miccolis, managing director of The Ascott, envisions a future marked by expansion into new markets such as Kuwait and Egypt, alongside a phased approach to existing markets like Oman and Bahrain. This strategic foresight is echoed by Siegfried Nierhaus of H World International, who emphasizes plans for aggressive expansion in Saudi Arabia, alongside the introduction of novel brands like the Chinese Ji Hotel into the UAE market.
The hospitality sector in the UAE and neighboring regions is experiencing an unprecedented surge in job creation, fueled by burgeoning demand and strategic expansion plans by industry giants. With projections indicating sustained growth over the next decade, the future looks exceptionally promising, offering a wealth of employment opportunities and contributing significantly to the region's economic prosperity. As these developments unfold, the landscape of hospitality in the Middle East is poised for transformation, ushering in a new era of prosperity and innovation.