Al Sondos moves nationalisation forward in UAE hospitality sector

The 28-year-old holds a civil engineering degree from the Higher College of Technology, and has worked at the Dubai Ports and Customs Authority and Free Zone Corporation in the Civil Engineering Department.

According to Osama Mariam, director of sales and marketing at Al Sondos Suites, Al Hashemi's recruitment is part of a much-needed step forward in the tourism and hospitality sector to encourage the participation of UAE nationals.

He said: "Our sector is perfect for Arabs thanks to the region's natural lean towards hospitality, but the nationalisation rate in tourism is one of the lowest of any sectors. Al Sondos provides a perfect workplace for nationals as it is a 'dry' property.

"The UAE tourism sector faces challenging times in this regard, where nationals currently make up only 0.2 per cent of the workforce. This is a serious cause for concern, not least because nationals are naturally suited as the face of a country's hospitality sector.

"By 2006, there will be another 150,000 nationals entering looking for employment - increasing the size of the total workforce by 20 per cent. So, if we are to absorb these increasing numbers, we must develop niche areas of employment for nationals to take both the employer and the job-seeker into account."

Located just five minutes' from Dubai International Airport in the Deira shopping and business district, Al Sondos Suites by Le Meridien offers accommodation ideally suited for the needs of GCC visitors and business sector, with 106 suites, all equipped with kitchen facilities as well as large-screen televisions, Internet access, inter-active games and 24-hour concierge and room service.

Its sister property, the 144-suite Dar Al Sondos Hotel Apartments by Le Meridien, is located in the busy Bur Dubai area of the city, providing a value-for-money alternative for executives and leisure travellers who seek accommodation in the heart of the action. The property was reflagged under the Le Meridien brand last year, following extensive refurbishment.