Hospitality

BUILDING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW

Published

2 weeks ago

August 26, 2026

Exclusive interview with Ravi Jethwani, CEO, Innovations Global

As the UAE enters the second half of 2026, how would you assess the current state of the job market? What key trends are shaping recruitment today?

The UAE job market remains fundamentally resilient, although it has become more selective. Regional uncertainty created some short-term caution among employers, particularly around the middle of the year, but this has not changed the underlying attractiveness of the UAE as a business and employment hub. Recruiters are already expecting hiring activity to strengthen as companies restart recruitment plans that were temporarily paused.

Despite recent regional uncertainties, hiring activity appears to be picking up. What factors are driving this renewed recruitment momentum?

The biggest driver is the UAE’s continued economic diversification. Businesses are investing across technology, financial services, healthcare, real estate, infrastructure, energy and professional services rather than relying on a single economic engine.

Dubai’s Q1 2026 GDP grew 2.4% year-on-year, with particularly strong performances in healthcare, construction, financial services and utilities.

There is also a significant amount of investment already committed to long-term projects. As business confidence improves, organisations that delayed hiring are likely to revisit those plans.

Dubai has become one of the world’s most attractive employment destinations. What do you believe has contributed to this transformation, and why does it continue to attract global talent?

Dubai has successfully created something that goes beyond simply being a place to work—it has become a global platform for business.

Its advantages include world-class infrastructure, connectivity, a highly international business environment, a relatively business-friendly regulatory framework and access to markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Importantly, Dubai has continuously reinvented itself. It has moved from being primarily associated with trade and real estate to becoming a significant centre for finance, technology, logistics, tourism, healthcare, and professional services and innovation.

Which sectors are expected to lead hiring in the UAE during the second half of 2026, and what roles are currently in highest demand?

I would expect technology and AI, financial services, healthcare, energy and renewables, construction, real estate, logistics, professional services to remain among the strongest areas.

In terms of roles, demand is increasingly concentrated around AI and data professionals, technology specialists, cybersecurity, finance and investment professionals, sales and business development, healthcare specialist, engineering and specialized talent. The important point is that AI is creating demand not only for pure AI specialists, but for people who can combine AI capability with industry expertise

What advice would you give to professionals who are looking to advance their careers or secure new opportunities in the UAE?

My advice would be to be much more strategic about the job search. Don’t simply apply to hundreds of vacancies with the same CV. Understand the industry, identify companies that are expanding and tailor your profile to the requirements of those organisations. Networking is also extremely important in the UAE. Build relationships with recruiters, industry professionals and decision-makers rather than relying entirely on job portals.

Are there any emerging workplace trends—such as flexible work, upskilling, or digital transformation—that will significantly influence the future of work in the UAE?

First is AI enabled work. AI will increasingly become part of everyday workflows rather than a separate technology function.

Second is continuous upskilling. The half-life of skills is becoming shorter, so employers and employees will both have to invest in learning. Third is the evolution of flexible working. I don’t think the future will necessarily be completely remote or completely office-based. Instead, organisations will increasingly adopt hybrid models based on productivity, collaboration and the nature of the role. The UAE has an opportunity to become a leader in this new model because of its young, international and digitally sophisticated workforce.

Looking ahead, what is your outlook for the UAE job market over the next 12 months, and what opportunities do you foresee for employers and job seekers?

I am cautiously optimistic about the next 12 months. I expect recruitment to become progressively more active as businesses move beyond the uncertainty of the first half of 2026 and resume investment and expansion plans. The fundamentals remain strong: economic diversification, infrastructure investment, international capital, population growth and the UAE’s continued positioning as a global business hub.

However, I don’t expect every segment of the market to grow equally. The market will remain selective, and employers will continue to demand stronger productivity and specialised skills.

For employers, the opportunity is to access an increasingly sophisticated global talent pool. For professionals, the opportunity is to build careers in sectors that are expanding rapidly.

Ultimately, I believe the UAE job market is moving from a “jobs market” to a “skills market.” The winners over the next few years will be organisations that can attract and retain the right talent, and professionals who continuously upgrade their skills and demonstrate measurable value.

Hospitality

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Is Moving to Dubai Creek Harbour This Q4

Published

11 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is set to enter a new chapter this Q4, with the award-winning Japanese dining destination relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. Opening in Q4 2026, the new venue will bring a premium fine-dining offering to the growing waterfront community, with a larger bar and lounge, a lifestyle-led terrace and views that will form part of the experience. While the new destination will introduce a fresh energy and more elevated approach, it will remain rooted in the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature dishes that have defined 99 Sushi.

Founded in Madrid in 2005, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is renowned for its precision-led Japanese craftsmanship, ultra-premium ingredients and refined dining experience, with its Abu Dhabi flagship awarded a MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. The brand has grown into an international dining name across Spain, the UAE, Monaco, Rabat and Budapest, with further global expansion underway. In Dubai, 99 Sushi was previously located in Downtown before embarking on this next chapter at Dubai Creek Harbour, alongside the launch of its highly anticipated London restaurant.

Hospitality

Turn Saudi National Day into a Private Island Escape with Sun Siyam

Published

11 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This year’s Saudi National Day offers more than a long weekend. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Maldives, Saudi travellers can exchange city life for spacious private villas, world-class dining and some of the Indian Ocean’s most memorable experiences in under a day. Across its Maldivian resorts, Sun Siyam brings together many of the things Saudi travellers look for in an island holiday – space, privacy, family-friendly experiences, premium all-inclusive halal dining and plenty to experience without leaving the island.

Across the Maldives, Sun Siyam’s three collections offer a different experience for every kind of National Day escape. The Luxury Collection, includes Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, focuses on elevated island living, privacy and spacious accommodation; the Lifestyle Collection, featuring Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, brings together entertainment, experiences and family fun; while the Privé Collection’s Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (in Sri Lanka) offers a more intimate barefoot island escape.

For Families Who Want Space, Privacy and More Choice

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi combines luxurious beach and overwater villas, including private-pool options, with plenty for every generation to enjoy. Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, water sports and kids’ activities, while parents can retreat to the award-winning Spa by Thalgo for a quieter side of island life.

Dining is also a major part of the experience, with 15 dining and drink venues offering plenty of choice throughout the stay. Premium all-inclusive options, halal food and in-villa dining and floating breakfasts make it easy to dine on your own schedule, while multilingual butler service, including Arabic-speaking assistance, adds another layer of convenience for Saudi guests. With kids staying free on selected offers, Iru Fushi is particularly suited to larger families looking to spend the their holiday together without compromising on privacy.

For Adventure from Morning to Night

Few resorts in the Maldives can promise horse riding in the morning, shipwreck diving in the afternoon and an evening of go-kart racing. Siyam World was designed for travellers who believe one holiday should contain many adventures, bringing an unexpected sense of energy to the traditional Maldives experience.

Families and groups can move from the island’s horse ranch and go-kart track to its floating water park, dive beneath the surface to discover its shipwreck, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and their private pool. Spacious villas and multi-bedroom residences give larger families and groups room to stay together, while an extensive choice of restaurants and bars means there is always somwhere different to dine.

The resort’s 24-hour WOW! Premium All-Inclusive concept brings dining, drinks and a wide range of experiences together, making Siyam World particularly well suited to Saudi families and groups looking for a holiday where almost everything is taken care of from the moment they arrive.

For Couples Who Want the Island to Themselves

For couples looking to turn the National Day break into a romantic escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offers a more intimate side of the Maldives. Spacious beach and overwater suites, private pools and a strong sense of seclusion give couples the space and privacy to enjoy the island at their own pace.

With its honeymoon appeal, romantic dining experiences and premium all-inclusive offering, Iru Veli is particularly suited to couples looking for a few uninterrupted days together, combining privacy and understated island luxury in an intimate Maldivian setting.

With the Maldives within easy reach of Saudi Arabia, National Day is a chance to make the long weekend feel considerably longer. So why wait? Pack your bags and turn this year’s celebration into an island escape with Sun Siyam. For the latest Sun Siyam packages, benefits and offers, visit sunsiyam.com/offers or book@sunsiyam.com

Hospitality

Sana Dubai Launches “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” a Sunday Ritual Rooted in Uzbek Comfort Food

Published

11 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Sana Dubai, the Uzbek dining destination at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, announced the launch of its new weekly Sunday Brunch, “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” beginning September 13, 2026. Running every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the brunch reimagines the day after Saturday night as a ritual of recovery, “the Uzbek way.”

Guests will gather around a table designed for sharing, opening with fresh Uzbek vegetables before moving into Sana’s signature Hash: a steaming bowl finished with baked bone marrow and garlic, a dish generations swear by the morning after. From there, diners choose their “cure” — slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek with silky potato purée, carved tableside by the chef, or a whole river-caught Sazan fish in garlic ajika sauce. The feast closes with a plate of traditional Uzbek sweets.

“Hash has always held a special place in Uzbek cuisine — a dish generations have gathered around, made slowly and with care. We wanted to give it the spotlight it deserves, so we built our Sunday Brunch around it: a truly authentic Uzbek feast, unhurried and generous, the way it’s meant to be shared.” — Leonid Litvin, General Manager, Sana Dubai

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch is offered across three packages to suit every table:

Non-Alcoholic — AED 350 per person
House — AED 450 per person
Premium — AED 650 per person

The brunch is unhurried and indulgent by design, built for guests who want to slow down, gather with family and friends, and let a proper feast do the recovering.

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, starting September 13, 2026 Sana Restaurant, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Dubai Reservations:https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sanarestaurant/sunday-brunch-5109127899627520?tracking=marketing