Exclusive Interview with Nikhil Nanda, Director, Innovations Group

What are the current hiring trends in the UAE’s Hospitality sector, and how have they evolved in past few years?

Over the past few years, the UAE’s Hospitality sector has seen a remarkable shift—not so much in the types of roles being hired, but in the volume and flexibility of those roles. With the exponential growth of new hotel developments, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, hiring numbers have surged.

The most significant evolution has been the rise of flexible and seasonal staffing models, particularly for back-of-house roles. Hotels are now opting for part-time or short-term workforce models—often deployed through staffing companies—to meet peak seasonal demands. For instance, during high tourist seasons, roles like housekeeping and cleaning staff are brought in for 2–4 month stints, ensuring optimal operations without long-term cost commitments.

Are there any specific roles or skillsets that are particularly in high demand across the hospitality industry today?

Yes, there’s a clear surge in demand for back-of-house roles, including housekeeping, public attendants, lifeguards, and general cleaning staff.

This demand is closely tied to the unexpected rise in summer tourism. Traditionally, the summer was a relatively quieter season, but with more tourists choosing the UAE year-round, hotels have had to adjust. Many were not prepared for the increased occupancy, which has pushed operational teams to scale up support functions rapidly and efficiently.

Would you be able to share percentage growth of the hiring graph in this segment?

We’ve observed a 70% increase in back-of-house hiring over the past five years. This growth is directly tied to rising hotel openings, the UAE’s push to become a global tourism hub, and the increasing preference for flexible staffing models that allow employers to scale efficiently during high and low seasons.

How are hospitality employers in the UAE adapting their recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent?

Hospitality employers are becoming increasingly strategic and global in their talent sourcing. They are now tapping into new geographies such as Eastern Europe (e.g., Moldova, Georgia), East Asia, Kazakhstan, and large parts of Africa, especially for English-speaking back-of-house staff. These regions are emerging as rich talent pools that offer both diversity and reliability.

Retention, on the other hand, is being driven by improvements in workplace culture—including the introduction of flexible shifts, cultural sensitivity programs, team engagement initiatives, and third-party staffing models that enable work-life balance. Hotels understand that talent today prioritizes not just pay, but respect, growth, and a positive work environment.

What solutions does Innovations Group offer to support large-scale or high-volume hospitality staffing needs in the region?

At Innovations Group, we specialize in scalable hospitality staffing solutions that cater to both ongoing and project-based needs. Whether it’s a pre-opening ramp-up or managing peak-season demand, we provide:

• – Volume hiring support for new and expanding hotels
• – Experienced back-of-house talent from an existing, vetted pool
• – Flexible work models (monthly, seasonal, or quarterly contracts)
• – Deployment-ready staff with prior hospitality experience
• – Geographically diverse sourcing through our global recruitment channels

What sets us apart is our ability to move quickly and match hotels with hospitality professionals who understand the pace and standards of UAE’s hospitality sector. This blend of speed, scale, and service makes us a trusted partner to many leading hotel brands in the region.

Sharjah is about to get a serious upgrade in the burger department. UK cult favourite Phat Buns is heading to the UAE, bringing its signature mix of unapologetically bold flavours, viral-worthy visuals, and stacked burgers that are engineered to impress.

Founded in Leicester in 2019, Phat Buns has become a street food success story, and co-founded by a literal aerospace engineer, there’s precision behind every layer. From the smash patty technique to the way the sauces hit the palate, Phat Buns isn’t just built different, it’s smart. As co-founder Ahtesham Moosa puts it, “With endless combinations, no two visits need to be the same”.

From well-loved menu staples like the PHAT Classic – a 4oz Aberdeen Angus beef smashed patty burger with melted cheddar cheese, or a fried chicken loaded fries, with grilled mushroom and halloumi. To one of the legends – 4oz Aberdeen Angus BBQ flavoured, 12-hour smoked pulled rib meat sandwich, topped with lettuce, tomato and cheddar.

But that’s just the beginning…

PHAT Buns’ Build-a-Burger concept puts you firmly in the driver’s seat. Fancy a double smash patty stacked with crispy halloumi and a drizzle of that iconic PHAT sauce? Sorted. Prefer spicy chicken with jalapeños and a buttery pretzel bun? You got it. From protein and cheese to sauces and toppings, you call the shots – every burger is made exactly how you want it.

While Sharjah’s will offer a different menu, tailored to local tastes, customers can still expect the same vibrant energy that Phat Buns’ fans love. Think neon lights, bold colours, and a design that gives nods to the street food culture. The experience, as well as the burgers, are ones to be photographed for social media!

The Sharjah expansion marks a new era of growth for the brand. From starting as a single location in the UK to a now growing international footprint, Phat Buns is not one to miss. It has proved fast food can be both fun and elevated, and with a rocket scientist in the kitchen, you can trust the launch will go off with a bang.

SolitAir has announced a strategic partnership with Marsh McLennan. As part of the collaboration, Marsh will provide comprehensive coverage to safeguard SolitAir’s growing fleet of Boeing aircraft, along with its other operational assets.

Commenting on the partnership, Hamdi Osman, Founder & CEO of SolitAir, said: “This collaboration is a significant step in our mission to revolutionize regional air cargo logistics and enhance our service offerings across Africa, the GCC, the Indian Subcontinent and the Stan countries. Marsh’s extensive expertise in risk management and tailored insurance solutions will help us navigate the complexities of the air cargo industry, enabling us to operate with greater confidence and efficiency. Their commitment to leveraging technology aligns perfectly with our vision of being a technology-driven company. Our partnership with Marsh reinforces SolitAir’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and operational excellence. We look forward to a successful collaboration.”

David George, Deputy Chairman, Aviation at Marsh Specialty, said: “Marsh Aviation are proud to be supporting Solitair, a dynamic new Cargo and Express delivery platform in the Gulf. Great people and a great business that will be a great success.”

SolitAir’s growing fleet currently includes four Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters. These aircraft operate out of the airline’s 220,000-square-foot cutting-edge logistics facility at DWC. Three more aircraft will join its fleet by the end of August 2025. The cargo airline planes to have a fleet 20 aircraft by 2027. The company is also laying the groundwork for integrating electric aircraft into its network by the end of the decade, in line with its sustainability vision. 

The versatile fleet is optimised for reliability, efficiency and the safe transport of specialised cargo, including temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, e-commerce shipments and hazardous materials.