THE EMPLOYABILITY OF QATARI CITIZENS IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Abstract

The hospitality industry in Qatar is rapidly growing. The growth is supported by the preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and by the efforts of Qatar towards tourism and hospitality development in the country. Consequently, hundreds of international and local hotels were opened in the country in the last few years. This enormous growth in the number of hotels is not supported by a parallel growth in the workforce to cover its needs. Therefore, Qatar entirely depends on foreigners to run hotels and other hospitality facilities. As a country seeking to be distinguished as a tourism destination, this is not an effective practice. This study sheds light on the barriers and obstacles facing Qatari individuals from all genders when trying to work in the hospitality industry. The study triangulates the topic in three major sections, the hospitality industry attractiveness to Qatari’s, social and religious barriers, and lack of hospitality experienced professionals in the Qatari market. The study covers various challenges that might face Qatari’s attempting to work in the hospitality industry, including financial challenges, work nature & stress, and career future. In addition, the study investigates the religious and social challenges which might face Qatari’s in such domain. Through qualitative and quantitative research methods, the research concluded that the current representation of Qatari’s in the hospitality industry is significantly low; less than a hundred Qatari’s who work in this industry. It was also found that most respondents do not consider working in the hospitality industry for various reasons. The community-related barriers are the most critical barriers facing Qatari’s from joining the hospitality industry. The community in Qatar does not perceive hotel jobs as stable and prestige jobs; for all genders. However, for women, it is much harder. The work in hotels requires day-to-day interaction with guests and employees in a place that can host bars, night clubs, and a lifestyle that will not fit a Qatari woman. Another barrier was the industry working conditions. The hospitality industry often means working in shifts, working during holidays, working in beginners’ jobs such as dishwashing, housekeeping, and receptionists. These circumstances do not seem fit to the majority of Qatari’s. The research presented a set of recommendations to affiliated authorities in Qatar to overcome these barriers and attract more Qatari’s to the industry. Qatar is in a great need to enhance the existence of Qatari’s in this segment before it hosts the FIFA World Cup 2022. This study shall support Qatari’s who are attempting to join the hospitality industry, as well as, the current employers in the field currently.