Overview

Hospitality hiring activity in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates continues to show strong momentum in 2026, driven by large-scale hotel developments, tourism-led economic diversification, and sustained demand across luxury and midscale segments. An analysis of hotel job listings tracked across both markets highlights clear differences in hiring patterns, role demand, and regional growth drivers.

While Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid expansion linked to new hotel openings across multiple regions, the UAE remains a mature hospitality market with steady recruitment needs, particularly in operational and guest-facing roles.

Key Hiring Activity Across Both Markets

Hospitality recruitment in both countries remains concentrated in operational departments that directly support guest experience. Food & Beverage, culinary, and front office roles continue to account for the majority of advertised hotel vacancies.

In Saudi Arabia, overall hiring volumes have increased compared to previous years, reflecting the scale of ongoing hotel developments not only in major cities but also in emerging tourism destinations. In contrast, hiring levels in the UAE remain relatively stable, driven by service continuity, replacement hiring, and seasonal demand.

Expansion-Driven Hiring in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality hiring growth in 2026 is closely linked to the opening of new hotel properties across established cities and large-scale destination projects, including agreements reported by Reuters between Marriott International and Al Qimmah Hospitality to add more than 2,700 hotel rooms across the Kingdom. Alongside Riyadh and Jeddah, recruitment activity is increasingly visible in regions associated with new resort developments, including The Red Sea Project and AMAALA.

These destinations are contributing to demand for a wide range of hotel roles, particularly within luxury resorts and lifestyle properties. Hiring activity in these areas reflects preparations for phased hotel openings, with a focus on operational teams across Food & Beverage, culinary, housekeeping, and guest services.

Top Hiring Cities and Regions

Saudi Arabia

Hospitality recruitment remains strongest in Riyadh and Jeddah, driven by business travel, urban tourism, and the expansion of branded hotels, with continued demand for hospitality jobs in Saudi Arabia. Additional hiring activity is observed in Makkah and Madinah, where demand is influenced by religious tourism and year-round occupancy. Emerging resort destinations, including The Red Sea and AMAALA, are also contributing to incremental hiring as new properties approach opening stages.

United Arab Emirates

In the UAE, Dubai remains the largest contributor to hospitality recruitment, driven by its established tourism infrastructure and consistent visitor demand, with ongoing opportunities in hotel jobs throughout the country. Abu Dhabi maintains steady hiring levels, particularly within upscale hotels, resorts, and branded residential developments.

Most In-Demand Departments and Roles

Food & Beverage and Culinary

Food & Beverage remains the most actively hiring department across both markets. Frequently advertised roles include waiters, restaurant supervisors, bartenders, and banquet service staff. Culinary recruitment continues to focus on chef de partie, commis chefs, and specialty cuisine positions, particularly in hotels expanding their dining concepts.

Front Office and Guest Services

Front office hiring remains stable, with ongoing demand for front desk agents, guest relations executives, and concierge staff. In luxury properties and destination resorts, multilingual guest-facing roles continue to be prioritized.

Luxury vs Midscale Hiring Trends

Luxury hotels account for a significant share of hospitality hiring in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, particularly in destination-driven locations and resort developments. At the same time, midscale and lifestyle brands are contributing to overall recruitment volumes, especially in Saudi Arabia, where new market entry and brand diversification are ongoing.

This combination is driving demand not only for entry-level operational roles but also for supervisory and department-level management positions.

Saudi Arabia vs UAE: Market Comparison

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality hiring environment in 2026 is primarily expansion-driven, supported by new hotel openings across urban centers and large-scale tourism projects. The UAE reflects a more mature market structure, with recruitment focused on operational stability, service quality, and workforce continuity.

Despite these differences, both markets continue to demonstrate sustained demand for experienced hospitality professionals across core hotel departments.

Conclusion

Hospitality hiring trends in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2026 highlight the continued growth and importance of the sector across the region. New hotel developments in Saudi Arabia, including destination projects such as The Red Sea and AMAALA, alongside stable demand in the UAE, are shaping recruitment needs across luxury and midscale segments.

As hotel openings progress and tourism activity expands, hospitality recruitment is expected to remain a key focus area for operators in both markets.