Tourism sector needs Emiratis
Nationals working in hospitality will provide a more authentic experience for visitors
Tourism’s growing importance to the economy underscores a pressing need for more Emiratis to become involved in the industry. Today, there are more opportunities for that to happen thanks to a campaign aimed at recruiting at least 500 people by 2020. As The National has reported, an Emiratisation scheme at the Dubai College of Tourism is training university and high-school graduates for front-of-house positions in hotels, and offering vocational training and job opportunities to the unemployed and those who want to shift to tourism. Some young Emiratis have already completed the courses and are ready to start working in a variety of positions, including tour guides, hotel receptionists and guest ambassadors.
Traditionally, negative perceptions about the hotel sector have prevented many from considering a hospitality career. For example, hotels were associated with alcohol and night clubs and many Emiratis were not comfortable with the idea that young women would work in this kind of mixed environment.
But this is starting to change. Indeed, the tourism sector is becoming too big to ignore. In 2015, it contributed almost 9 per cent to this country’s GDP, or Dh134 billion. That amount is expected to reach Dh237bn by 2026, according to Sultan Al Mansouri, the Minister of Economy. We are already seeing Emiratis working in the new amusement parks in Dubai, welcoming visitors and working in shops. However, there are positions at other tourist attractions, hotels, resorts and museums that could and should be filled by Emiratis.
Those people who graduate from the training programmes and enter the tourism industry will not only find fulfilling jobs and opportunities for career advancement, they will become cultural ambassadors, increasing awareness about the country and its people, and playing an essential role in enriching the experience of tourists. Industry experts say that successful long-term tourism depends on authenticity – and Emiratis are best placed to provide that.