Expert Opinion

Jeff Ross is the managing director of Switzerland-based Hospitality Graduate Recruitment. Based on his extensive experience of the hospitality industry in both Europe and the Middle East, he offers his views on our findings.

Noting the fact that 48% of respondents consider themselves underpaid compared to global trends, Ross comments: “We see increasing pressure globally on all salary packages, but now that cost of living is declining in the Middle East, I personally feel that Middle East salary packages are not uncompetitive against other destinations,” said Ross.

This was especially the case, he added, when coupled with the fact that 50% of respondents said they had received a pay rise within the past year.

“Also, in combination with the fact that 75% expect promotion within two years, this offers opportunity to progress quicker than in Europe for example, and therefore can be more attractive in terms of remuneration,” said Ross.

Another positive was that 74% of respondents said they receive more than 25 days’ holiday

“This is definitely much higher than in other regions and is a strong benefit for Middle East workers,” said Ross.

He reiterated the need for employers to maintain these standards and “not use the current trading environment as an opportunity to drive down salary packages, when there are many (desperate) job seekers out there, and the strong bargaining position has now returned again to the employer”.

Jeff Ross is the managing director of Hospitality Graduate Recruitment (h-g-r). For more information: jeff@h-r-g.com or www.h-g-r.com