As tourism in the UAE becomes more competitive and year-round, hotels are rethinking how they build their teams. Seasonal staffing in UAE hospitality is no longer just a trend—it’s a structural shift that is redefining how hotels operate.

To explore this further, we spoke with Nikhil Nanda, Director at Innovations Group, who shared deep insights into today’s hiring landscape and how flexibility is reshaping the future of hospitality staffing.

A Hiring Surge Driven by Flexibility

According to Nikhil, hiring in UAE hospitality has surged, not only in terms of volume but also in how staffing is structured. Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have seen a wave of new hotel openings. As a result, there’s greater demand for flexible, short-term staffing models.

For instance, during high seasons, hotels increasingly rely on part-time or seasonal workers to manage peaks in occupancy. This allows them to scale up without committing to long-term overheads, which is especially useful in today’s fluctuating market.

Back-of-House Roles Are Booming

Additionally, there’s been a dramatic rise in back-of-house hiring, particularly in areas like housekeeping, cleaning, and lifeguarding. Over the past five years, this segment has seen a 70% increase, driven by both operational needs and the UAE’s emergence as a year-round tourist destination.

While summer used to be quieter, changing travel trends mean hotels must now stay fully staffed—even in the hottest months.

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Smarter Sourcing, Global Talent

To meet this rising demand, hospitality employers are now tapping into global talent pools. Nikhil notes an uptick in sourcing from Eastern Europe, East Asia, Kazakhstan, and several African nations. These regions provide diverse, English-speaking candidates who bring both reliability and adaptability.

Furthermore, companies are getting smarter about employee retention. Initiatives such as cultural training, flexible shifts, and engagement programs are now common. These strategies are not just perks—they’re essential to keeping talent motivated and loyal.

“Today’s workforce is looking for more than pay—they’re looking for purpose, respect, and a healthy work culture,” says Nikhil.

How Innovations Group Powers High-Volume Hospitality Hiring

Through Innovations Group, Nikhil and his team offer targeted, flexible staffing solutions for hotels and resorts across the UAE.

Their services include:

• High-volume staffing for hotel openings
• Monthly, seasonal, or project-based contracts
• A ready-to-deploy talent pool with hospitality experience
• Global recruitment through trusted sourcing networks

Importantly, their speed and scalability give hotels the agility to adapt in real time—something that is crucial in today’s dynamic market.

“We’re not just filling roles—we’re helping hotels stay ahead,” Nikhil emphasizes.

For more on this, check out Digital Magazine Hospitality – The Integrator

Spokesperson: Andrea Sartoris, General Manager, L’Amo Bistro del Mare

Moreover, L’Amo Bistro del Mare embodies coastal Mediterranean elegance in Dubai. Under his leadership, the restaurant seamlessly blends Italian authenticity, seasonal ingredients, and a sense of escapism to deliver experiences that linger long after the final bite.

Culinary Philosophy of Chef Andrea Sartoris

Furthermore, after leading kitchens across France, Corsica, and Dubai, Andrea centers his menus on authenticity and respect for ingredients. He insists on seasonality, allowing produce to shine naturally. Consequently, his Italian roots are expressed with sincerity, precision, and depth.

Seasonal Sourcing & Ingredient Integrity

In addition, Dubai’s dynamic market demands top-tier produce. Therefore, Andrea sources directly from trusted suppliers and travels to regions like Umbria for premium olive oils. This hands-on approach ensures every dish captures true seasonal flavors.

Simplicity, Authenticity & Coastal Vibes

Chef Andrea’s signature dishes—such as hand-rolled tagliolini with sea urchin and lemon zest, or grilled branzino paired with fennel salad—exemplify the restaurant’s flair. Moreover, each plate evokes the Italian Riviera, with bright citrus accents and fresh herbs bringing coastal Mediterranean charm to every forkful.

Defining Moments on the Culinary Journey

At L’Amo Bistro del Mare, simplicity meets sophistication. Guests enjoy light lunches or romantic dinners by the sea. Meanwhile, the atmosphere transports diners to the Riviera through décor, warm service, and authentic Italian melodies.

Notably, Michelin recognition in Paris and leadership at Armani Ristorante shaped Andrea’s approach. Now, L’Amo’s accolades—Gault&Millau UAE and Time Out’s Best Italian Restaurant 2025—highlight his continued success and commitment to quality.

Any Advice for Aspiring Chefs

Finally, Andrea advises young chefs to embrace fear and excitement on Day One. He says, “Stay humble, professional, and loyal.” In truth, growth stems from integrity and the courage to innovate daily.

For More on This Topic, Make Sure to check out Digital Magazine Hospitality – The Integrator

Moreover, METÉ redefines the clean energy drink category with its minimalist ingredient list, brutalist branding, and a cult following. Crafted from pure yerba maté and free of synthetic additives, it delivers a crisp herbal fizz that supports focus, wellness, and a conscious lifestyle.

Introducing METÉ’s Clean Energy Drink

METÉ pioneers a new category of fizzy herbal beverages. First and foremost, it swaps jittery coffee, sugary sodas, and synthetic stimulants for a plant-based formula built around yerba maté. Consequently, consumers enjoy sustained energy and antioxidant benefits without the crash. Furthermore, each can contains only five clean ingredients—yerba maté extract, sparkling water, natural flavors, a touch of agave, and sea salt—making it ideal as both a pre-workout elixir and a mindful social alternative to alcohol.

Reimagining Yerba Maté with Sparkle

Traditionally savored hot and bitter, yerba maté has deep roots in South America and the Arab world. METÉ, however, transforms this heritage herb into a refreshing, chilled sip. Moreover, the brand’s thesis recognizes that modern drinkers crave natural, purposeful ingredients—so METÉ balances earthy maté notes with a fine, effervescent sparkle. Additionally, it harnesses the herb’s caffeine, xanthines, vitamins, and minerals in a bright, accessible format that appeals to new and seasoned fans alike.

Balanced Flavor and Functional Performance

How does METÉ maintain flavor integrity with zero synthetics? Firstly, the extraction process preserves yerba’s complex profile. Secondly, a light agave sweetness and pinch of sea salt accentuate the herb’s natural depth without overwhelming it. As a result, METÉ delivers a smooth, herbaceous taste and functional benefits—enhanced focus, mild appetite support, and antioxidant action—without any artificial aftertaste or added sugars.

Brutalist Branding & Counterculture Identity

Additionally, METÉ’s striking black-and-white packaging rejects mainstream beverage tropes. Instead of flashy cans, the brand opts for a brutalist aesthetic that reflects its stripped-back formula. This design choice doubles as a fashion statement, attracting a core audience of creatives, athletes, and trendsetters. What’s more, METÉ’s edgy tone and underground hype foster a sense of community, one where curiosity and conscious consumption go hand in hand.

Fan Feedback & Community Stories

Consumers quickly took to METÉ. For example, one athlete shared, “METÉ is the new matcha—it fuels my training without jitters.” Similarly, a student said, “I study longer and stay focused—this drink is a game changer.” Often, families remark on how METÉ makes traditional maté accessible to younger generations. Consequently, word-of-mouth buzz continues to drive the brand’s rapid growth across the UAE.

Minimalist Innovation: New Flavors Ahead

Looking ahead, METÉ is experimenting with naturally extracted pomegranate, mint, and ginger. Meanwhile, the R&D team’s cold-brew techniques ensure each new variant stays true to the brand’s plant-forward philosophy. Furthermore, every flavor undergoes rigorous taste and performance testing, so that whether it’s a spicy ginger kick or a cooling mint finish, each release remains a pristine, all-natural experience.

Growth Strategy: UAE Community & Global Expansion

Finally, METÉ’s immediate goal is to deepen loyalty within the UAE by partnering with fitness studios, concept cafés, and cultural events. Simultaneously, the brand is mapping global markets, from Europe’s wellness scene to North America’s craft beverage community. Therefore, METÉ aims to grow a devoted following wherever adventurous consumers seek a cleaner buzz.

To explore more healthful beverage innovations, check out our Digital Magazine: Hospitality.