The career paths of general managers in Dubai’s luxury hotel sector

Abstract

This study aims to identify the career paths of general managers (GMs) of five-star hotels in Dubai through 20 face-to-face interviews. GMs see themselves as leaders and role models for their staff. Most participants have spent their careers working in the hospitality industry in operational departments and various locations around the world. The most important competencies to possess include strategic management, revenue management, and effective communication. The biggest challenges faced by GMs were missed opportunities and lack of support. Dubai-specific challenges related to the oversupply of hotel rooms, high expectations of owners and customers, and difficulties in talent acquisition and retention. In the future, GMs are expected to use and employ more technologies to tackle these issues and to stand out in the luxury hotel sector.

Keywords: careers, career development, Dubai, five-star hotels, hospitality industry, UAE