Hospitality, tourism and services jobs in the UAE

About hospitality, tourism and services jobs

Hospitality, tourism and services jobs cover hotels, restaurants, cafés, leisure attractions and travel: chefs and cooks, waiters and baristas, receptionists and front office staff, housekeeping and cleaning teams, security guards, and hotel and travel managers. Tourism is one of the UAE's main industries, and it employs people at every level, from entry-level roles to senior management.

Dubai is the largest hospitality market, with hotels, restaurants and attractions across Downtown, Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the airport area. Abu Dhabi's Yas Island and Saadiyat Island combine hotels with theme parks, museums and events, while Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and the east coast are developing resort tourism. Airlines, airport services, catering companies, cruise terminals, malls and facilities management firms also recruit service staff.

Many hotel jobs include accommodation or a housing allowance, meals on duty and transport, which should be checked in the offer. Experience with international hotel brands, guest-facing languages and food safety training are strong advantages.

Main roles

• Chef, sous chef, commis and pastry chef
• Waiter, barista and bartender
• Receptionist, concierge and reservations agent
• Room attendant, housekeeping and cleaning staff
• Security guard and lifeguard
• Hotel, F&B, spa and travel manager

Sectors that are hiring in the UAE

• Hotels and resorts
• Restaurants, cafés and catering
• Theme parks, attractions and events
• Airlines and airport services
• Facilities management and security services
• Travel agencies and tour operators

What employers look for

A hospitality diploma helps but experience and attitude count most. Food handlers and many hotel staff must complete food safety training and hold an occupational health card issued by the local municipality, and security staff need a licence from the authority that regulates security services in their emirate.