The UAE and regional hospitality sector are set to witness significant job growth, with more than 4,000 new jobs expected to be created as hotels expand their footprint and introduce new brands to meet the increasing demand for staycations and tourists. Major hospitality brands such as IHG Hotels and Resorts, Rotana, the Ascott, H World International, and others are planning to bring their new brands to the region, leading to a surge in job opportunities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other neighboring countries. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the UAE’s travel and tourism sector is projected to create 23,500 new jobs in 2024, with the total number of employment reaching 833,000. By 2034, the sector is expected to employ 928,000 people, with 1 in 9 residents working in the industry.
Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, stated that the group currently employs 10,562 individuals and aims to increase this number by 10% (around 1,050) by the end of 2024. Rotana, which operates 76 hotels globally, with 35 in the UAE, has already launched three new properties in the region in 2024, adding 413 new keys. The group’s regional pipeline includes seven new properties in the UAE and nine in Saudi Arabia, with plans to add another 30 properties by 2026 and venture into new markets.
Haitham Mattar, managing director for India, Middle East, and Africa at IHG Hotels and Resorts, mentioned that the group operates 33 properties in the UAE with 10,000 keys. Mattar highlighted that 9 more hotels are set to open with 2,000 keys over the next 3 to 5 years, which would lead to the creation of over 3,000 new jobs. Across the industry, there is a focus on bringing in new brands and expanding into key markets such as Dubai, which continues to drive tourism growth and offers various opportunities for development and expansion.
Vincent Miccolis, managing director of the Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, and India for The Ascott, shared that the company currently employs nearly 1,000 individuals across its operating portfolio in the GCC. With plans to launch Ascott Villas Riyadh and other properties in the region, The Ascott anticipates hiring an additional 200 to 250 employees. The company operates three properties in the UAE and 11 in the GCC, with aims to debut in new source markets like Kuwait and Egypt, as well as expand in existing markets such as Oman and Bahrain.
Siegfried Nierhaus, vice-president and head of development for Middle East, India, and Africa at H World International, revealed the company’s plans to hire hundreds of people as they expand in the UAE and region, particularly in Saudi Arabia. H World International also intends to introduce its Chinese Ji Hotel brand into the UAE and aggressively expand in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, Deutsche Hospitality was rebranded as H World International, signaling the company’s strategic growth and expansion plans in the region.
In conclusion, the hospitality industry in the UAE and the region is on a growth trajectory, with major hotel brands expanding their presence and introducing new properties. This expansion is not only beneficial for travelers and tourists but also creates numerous job opportunities for residents, contributing to the overall economic development of the sector. As the demand for staycations and tourism continues to rise, the industry is set to witness further growth and job creation, providing a significant boost to the employment market in the coming years.
