Find your passion: Sharjah tourism careers

Located along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah is a hub of culture, heritage and innovation in the United Arab Emirates(UAE). With its rich history, diverse attractions and vibrant cultural scene, Sharjah is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. Under this lies a thriving tourism industry that offers many career opportunities for individuals seeking to turn their passion for travel and hospitality into fulfilling careers.

In this article, we will explore tourism careers in Sharjah. From entry-level positions to management roles, Sharjah’s tourism sector offers several paths to career advancement. We’ll examine the industries and roles you could work in, what it’s like to work in Sharjah and the job requirements you might need to meet.

What it’s like to work in tourism in Sharjah

Working in the tourism sector in Sharjah offers a unique and rewarding experience, characterized by a dynamic and multicultural environment, wide range of job roles and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here’s an overview of what it’s like to work in tourism in Sharjah:

• Cultural diversity: Sharjah attracts tourists from around the world, providing employees with the opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Whether working in hotels, attractions or tour companies, professionals in the tourism sector in Sharjah have the chance to learn about different languages and customs, enriching their professional and personal experiences
• Vibrant work environment: the tourism industry in Sharjah is known for its lively and fast-paced working culture . Whether serving guests at a luxury hotel, guiding tours through historical sites or organizing events and festivals, employees in Sharjah’s tourism sector often find themselves immersed in livelywork environments that keep them engaged and motivated
• Variety of job roles: Sharjah has over 100 hotels, meaning there is a huge range of roles for you to explore. From front-line positions such as hotel receptionists, tour guides and customer service representatives to back-office roles in marketing, finance and operations, Sharjah’s wide range of tourism activities offer a good array of job opportunities to suit different interests and skill sets
• Emphasis on hospitality and service excellence: with it being an essential part of Emirati culture, Sharjah places a strong emphasis on hospitality and service excellence. Here tourism businesses prioritize the highest standards of customer service and guest satisfaction — and over half of the hospitality revenue of the city coming from luxury venues. Employees in the Sharjah tourism sector are trained to deliver the most personalized and memorable experiences to visitors
• Opportunities for career growth: tourism in Sharjah is experiencing rapid growth, creating numerous opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Whether through internal promotions, training programs or educational opportunities, employees in the tourism sector have the chance to progress in their careers and take on leadership roles within their organizations

What kind of hospitality careers are there in Sharjah?

The hospitality industry in Sharjah offers a plenty of career opportunities spanning various sectors and job roles, such as:

• Hotel management: these roles including general manager, operations manager, front office manager and food and beverage manager. This involves overseeing day-to-day operations, managing staff, ensuring guest satisfaction and driving profitability in hotels and resorts across Sharjah. Working in a hotel also means working closely with other departments to make sure everything runs smoothly
• Guest services: these jobs include concierge staff, front desk agents and guest relations managers. They play a crucial role in providing exceptional experiences for hotel guests. They assist guests with check-in/check-out procedures, offer recommendations for dining and entertainment, all while addressing any guest concerns or requests to ensure a memorable stay
• Food and beverage: the dining sector in Sharjah offers a variety of career opportunities, including chefs, restaurant managers and servers. Whether working in upscale restaurants, casual cafes or banquet facilities, professionals in the food and beverage industry have the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills and provide memorable dining experiences for guests.
• Event management: this is a great role if you want to organize and execute different events, including conferences, weddings, festivals and corporate gatherings. Event planners, coordinators and managers work closely with clients, vendors and internal teams to ensure seamless event execution and exceed guest expectations
• Tourism and travel: careers in tourism and travel involve promoting Sharjah as a tourist destination, organizing tours and excursions, and facilitating travel arrangements for visitors. Tour guides, travel agents, and tourism marketing professionals play a vital role in showcasing Sharjah’s attractions, cultural heritage and hospitality to travelers from around the world
• Spa and wellness: the spa and wellness industry in Sharjah offers opportunities for professionals in massage therapy, beauty services, fitness instruction and spa management. Whether working in luxury resorts, wellness centers or day spas, individuals in the spa and wellness sector help guests relax, rejuvenate and maintain their health and well-being

If you want to aim for any of these management roles, the first step is to get a world-class education. This will help you prepare for the kind of Sharjah tourism career that excites you.

Unique tourism roles in Sharjah

Sharjah’s tourism industry offers unique and specialized roles that cater to the diverse interests and preferences of visitors. These roles go beyond traditional hospitality positions and provide chances for individuals to showcase their talents and passion for tourism in innovative ways. Here are some interesting tourism roles in Sharjah:

• Cultural ambassadors: these specialists serve as knowledgeable guides and interpreters of Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. They lead cultural tours, conduct workshops, and engage with visitors to educate them about Sharjah’s history, art, and customs. Cultural ambassadors are key promoting cultural exchange and encouraging a deeper appreciation for Sharjah’s cultural mix
• Heritage conservationists: this role is responsible for preserving and maintaining Sharjah’s historic sites, monuments, and landmarks. They work closely with conservation experts, historians, and government agencies to ensure the protection and restoration of Sharjah’s cultural heritage for future generations. Heritage conservationists help safeguard the identity and heritage of Sharjah’s tourism attractions
• Eco-tourism guides: these guides specialize in leading eco-friendly tours and outdoor adventures that highlight Sharjah’s natural landscapes, wildlife, and conservation efforts. They lead nature hikes, wildlife safaris, and eco-friendly excursions, educating visitors about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable tourism practices. Eco-tourism guides focus on promoting eco-conscious tourism and preserving Sharjah’s natural resources
• Culinary tour guides: this role is all about making immersive experiences that showcase Sharjah’s diverse culinary scene and local gastronomy. They lead food tours, culinary workshops, and tastings, introducing visitors to authentic Emirati cuisine, traditional dishes, and regional specialties. Culinary tour guides provide insights into Sharjah’s culinary traditions and heritage, allowing visitors to explore the city’s vibrant food culture
• Adventure tourism coordinators: from desert safaris and dune driving to mountain climbing and water sports, adventure tourism professionals curate thrilling experiences that cater to adventure-seeking travelers. Adventure tourism coordinators ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants while showcasing Sharjah’s adventurous spirit and natural beauty

How to pick the right role for you

Choosing the right hospitality position that aligns with your interests, skills and career goals is crucial for long-term success in the industry. Here are some steps to help you pick the right kind of hospitality role that you’ll enjoy:

• Self-reflection: start by reflecting on what interests you, your passions, your strengths and what aspects of hospitality appeal to you the most. Are you drawn to customer interaction, event planning, culinary arts, sales, and marketing? Identifying your preferences will help narrow down the types of roles that are likely to be a good fit for you
• Research different roles: take the time to research the various hospitality roles available in Sharjah. Look into job descriptions, responsibilities, and requirements for different positions. Explore the day-to-day tasks, challenges, and opportunities associated with each role to determine which ones resonate with you the most
• Assess your skills and experience: evaluate your skills, experience and qualifications in relation to the requirements of different hospitality roles. Identify your strengths and areas for development, and consider how they align with the skills and competencies required for various positions. Look for roles that use your strengths and offer opportunities for growth and advancement
• Consider your career goals: consider your long-term goals and how different hospitality roles align with them. Are you looking for opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, or specialization in a particular area? Think about whether the roles you’re interested in offer the potential for growth and progression within the industry

How to land an exciting Sharjah hospitality role

If you’re hoping to start a role in the hospitality industry here, there are various things you can do to improve your chances, such as:

• Gain experience: gain practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in the hospitality industry. Previous experience will not only help you develop relevant skills and knowledge but also provide valuable insights into different career paths and help you make informed decisions about your future career
• Education and training: consider pursuing relevant education and training programs to boost your skills and qualifications for your chosen hospitality career. If you’re looking for a career in tourism, getting a hospitality degree from a renowned school such as Les Roches in Abu Dhabi can help you, with internships and expert tutoring. Investing in education and training can open doors to new career opportunities and increase your competitiveness in the job market
• Seek mentorship: experienced professionals in the hospitality industry can help you if you reach out for mentoring and support. Mentors can offer valuable advice, share insights into their careers, and provide support and encouragement as you navigate your own career path. Building relationships with mentors can help you gain valuable industry knowledge, expand your professional network, and accelerate your career growth

Start your career in Sharjah tourism

Sharjah’s tourism industry offers many opportunities for individuals to embark on exciting and rewarding careers that showcase the city’s cultural assets, natural beauty, and diverse attractions.

From traditional hospitality roles to unique and specialized positions, there are plenty of options for Sharjah tourism careers.

As Sharjah continues to grow and evolve as a tourism hub, there will be increasing demand for skilled professionals who are passionate about showcasing the city’s unique offerings and providing memorable experiences for visitors.

If you want to get started in hospitality and tourism in Sharjah, getting a relevant degree from a renowned school such as Les Roches in Abu Dhabi can help you stand out from the crowd.

Main Image: Henglein and Steets / Image Source via Getty Images