Employees in Ras Al Khaimah's...

Wynn development alone is expected to employ around 7,000

Advisory institution Stirling Hospitality has released the second edition of its Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Investment Pulse report.

Findings show that currently, four- and five-star hotels comprise 77% of the total hotel inventory, with their full-time staff making up more than 85% of the hospitality workforce in RAK.

The Wynn development, which is expected to employ around 7,000 people, is set to more than double the hospitality workforce by 2027.

Wynn Al Marjan Island

By 2030, the number of premium and luxury hotel rooms in RAK is projected to triple, increasing the workforce to approximately 25,200 employees in the sector.

According to the research, RAK's hospitality workforce is predominantly non-management (88%), mainly aged 25 to 35, from countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Philippines.

Reasons cited by skilled workers for relocating to RAK include high levels of job satisfaction, no personal income tax, a broad range of affordable housing options and overall quality of life.

Investors in the emirate can take advantage of low operating costs, low corporate tax rates, and lower staffing costs than the national average. Salaries in RAK are 5% to 15% lower for middle and upper management and up to 30% lower for lower-level staff compared to Dubai.

Lower salaries are counterbalanced by a 40 to 50% lower cost of living for employees. For example, Dubai property rental rates are consistently two times higher than in RAK, while average school fees in RAK are nearly 50% lower.

Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, said: "We are pleased to release the latest edition of RAK Investment Pulse highlighting the crucial role of staff in the northern emirate’s growing hospitality landscape.

"Amid fierce competition in hotel development, attracting and retaining quality employees is imperative. Competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, quality of life initiatives, staff housing and career advancement opportunities are pivotal factors."

Stirling Hospitality Advisory is a subsidiary of RAK Hospitality Holding.

FIND OUT MORE