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.

As technology evolves, so do the challenges businesses face in keeping their digital assets secure. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and companies must adopt smarter strategies to stay ahead. Looking ahead to 2025, several key trends are set to shape the cybersecurity landscape. These trends highlight the need for proactive measures, collaboration, and innovation.

1. The Growing Threat of Persistent Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks are no longer quick strikes. Today’s attackers aim to exhaust their targets with prolonged campaigns that evolve over time. A key example is Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, where hackers continuously adapt their tactics, overwhelming organisations’ defences over days or even weeks.

Businesses must prepare by investing in systems that can adapt to changing threats and ensuring their teams are equipped to handle extended attacks without burnout.

2. Securing the Supply Chain

The supply chain remains a critical weak link in cybersecurity. High-profile breaches have shown how vulnerabilities in third-party systems can ripple across entire industries. Many organisations are now testing updates in phases rather than applying them broadly to minimise risks.

Building stronger relationships with suppliers and industry peers and implementing stricter controls can help prevent supply chain disruptions.

3. Unified Cybersecurity Platforms

Organisations are moving towards integrated cybersecurity platforms, where tools work together seamlessly. This approach simplifies operations, reduces costs, and ensures better protection.

However, businesses must ensure these platforms are compatible with their existing systems. The challenge lies in finding solutions that not only meet their needs but also enhance the effectiveness of the overall security framework.

4. Artificial Intelligence: Friend and Foe

AI is transforming cybersecurity on both sides of the equation. For defenders, AI-powered tools can analyse threats faster and predict potential risks. For example, AI can help identify unusual activity on a network and forecast future attacks.

However, attackers are also using AI to automate their methods, making their attacks more effective and harder to counter. Businesses must stay ahead by adopting AI tools that can detect and counter these advanced threats.

5. Cloud Security: A Growing Concern

Cloud computing offers flexibility, but it also introduces risks. Many businesses rely on cloud services without fully understanding the potential vulnerabilities. A failure in a major cloud service could disrupt operations for countless businesses, even those not hosted on the cloud directly.

To minimise risks, organisations should diversify their cloud providers, improve visibility into their cloud environments, and ensure critical systems have backups.

6. Preparing for State-Sponsored Cyberattacks

Geopolitical tensions are driving an increase in state-sponsored cyberattacks. These attacks often target critical infrastructure, creating significant disruptions.

Organisations should work closely with government bodies and security organisations to stay informed and coordinated. Sharing information and best practices across industries will be vital for defence.

7. Bridging the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

The cybersecurity skills gap continues to widen, with a shortage of experienced professionals. Many new hires focus on surface-level tasks without fully understanding the underlying systems they are protecting.

Companies must prioritise training programmes that give employees a deeper understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals. Investing in tools that simplify complex processes can also help make the most of limited resources.

8. The Risks of Over-Reliance on Technology

Many organisations rely heavily on technology without considering what happens if it fails. For instance, a disruption in a commonly used service, like cloud-based analytics tools, could create widespread problems.

To avoid such risks, businesses should plan for contingencies, such as using multiple service providers and ensuring their systems can operate independently if needed.

The Path Forward

Cybersecurity in 2025 will require businesses to think strategically and act proactively. Here’s how companies can prepare:

• Invest in Adaptability: Develop systems that can respond to evolving threats.
• Strengthen Collaboration: Work with industry peers and regulatory bodies to share insights and resources.
• Focus on Fundamentals: Train teams to understand and address root causes, not just surface-level issues.
• Diversify and Secure Infrastructure: Avoid over-reliance on single solutions and ensure redundancy where possible.

The future of cybersecurity is challenging, but it also offers opportunities for innovation. By staying informed and adaptable, businesses can protect their assets and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

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.