File photo used for representation only
Doha: Qatar’s hospitality sector, which is now bouncing back stronger from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a sweet spot in the country’s job market as preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup are now in full swing.
A number of tourism, retail, and hotel projects which are slated to open soon will require more manpower, and are expected to cater to tourists and football fans during the mega sporting event. While other industries are also currently hiring new workers, a significant number of the job vacancies are coming from the hospitality sector.
Speaking to The Peninsula yesterday, Syed Qadeer, General Manager for Human Resources at Global Premium HR Services said demand for jobs in the hospitality sector in Qatar has jumped in the last quarter of 2021, and the trend is expected to continue this year.
Some of the travel and leisure projects expected to open this year include the Qetaifan Island North Project and the Winter Wonderland. While other upcoming notable hotel establishments also include Fairmont & Raffles Lusail Hotel & Residences, Waldorf Astoria, Al Baker Novotel and Sofitel, Hampton by Hilton Doha, The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island and Plaza Doha among others.
“Hiring in Qatar, especially in the hospitality as well as the medical sectors has jumped during the fourth quarter of last year, and this trend will continue in 2022. Qatar will witness the most enjoyable global sporting event this year, and the hospitality sector will play a major role to make the event memorable. Demand for jobs in the hospitality is seen increasing based on the inquiries we receive from our existing and new clients,” said Qadeer.
Hesham Sharaf, Chief Operating Officer at Qetaifan Projects has told The Peninsula that the company will need about 3,000 employees for the Qetaifan Island North Project, which is expected to receive its first visitors from the third quarter of the year.
“For the entire island, including the hospitality and water park, we’re looking at around 3,000 new jobs. The water park has a very unique theme unlike anywhere else in the world. Tailor-made entertainment shows will be provided on a daily basis for the public at the canal. And we have also seen huge demand and interest from different brands whether from the food and beverage (F&B) or retail,” said Sharaf.
Even existing hotels in Doha are also eyeing new workers this year. Rick Enders, Cluster General Manager at JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha has previously told The Peninsula that the hotel has already started hiring new staff since the start of 2021, and will need more people this year.
According to Qadeer, many new doors of opportunities are open for jobseekers in Qatar, and advised them to upscale their required competencies. Advising the employers, he said: “Employers should plan and get professional support from experts on how to retain their best performers by providing career growth and work & personal life balance programmes for their staff to ensure that high quality customer service is delivered. The role of HR professionals will also be put to the test this year,” he added.
