Dubai’s growing attractions industry creates need for skilled resources

With Dubai’s theme park industry set to attract revenues close to US$5 billion by 2020, the fast growing industry is set to demand increasing numbers of skilled employees.

According to Prakash Parab, Director of Human Resource Solutions for leading regional human resource solutions and waste management services company Dulsco, “the UAE’s theme parks industry is currently making waves globally as it grows rapidly and is playing a vital role in propelling the region’s tourism market.

“These theme parks will therefore need trained people that are skilled in various disciplines and equipped to handle the various roles within the entertainment zones.

“This sector will also require operational staff to support the day-to-day operations, creating more employment opportunities in the market and support the economy.”

Theme parks have requirements of candidates for various positions throughout the year. To meet the current needs of the ever growing themepark industry, Dulsco provides services that include qualified and skilled talent across various categories including cashiers, ushers, guest services, culinary services, admissions, VIP/guest services, ride operations, games, park services and retail.

Other positions include accounting; cash monitoring, security, market research, landscaping, lifeguards, entertainment technical support, corporate alliance brand ambassadors and human resources.

Sharif Rahman, Chief Executive of IEC, the organisers of DEAL 2016, the largest amusement industry trade show in the Middle East, comments “the construction of theme parks at a breakneck speed is in line with Dubai’s vision to transform into an ultimate family tourism destination.

“(As a result) theme parks will generate a lot of job openings, and also generate a lot of revenue setting an example for other countries across the globe.

“Entertainment and leisure projects within the UAE and across GCC have boosted the confidence of the amusement and leisure industry manifold. UAE is experiencing this exponential growth because of its quality infrastructure and growing tourism and retail industry sectors and this translates to a good amount of job opportunities.”

The popularity of the enterainment franchises will drive revenues to these developments. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) forecasted that current and upcoming UAE amusement tourist destinations can draw about 18 million theme park visits by 2021. Currently, there are three developments being constructed in the UAE, mostly revolving on Hollywood blockbusters: IMG Worlds of Adventure, 20th Century Fox World and Dubai Parks & Resorts.

Commenting on the requirements of amusement parks, Parab added “theme parks translate into a massive area with largescale operations and a vast amount of resources to operate the park ensuring safety and smooth operation of rides.

“Theme parks require an efficient and skilled team to co-ordinate for the proper functioning of the park throughout its operational period. Hiring a team of such fine-tuned professionals who would be adept in the day to day functioning is an ardent task and this is where an experienced HR service provider comes into the picture.”

Dulsco is the only waste management company and among very few HR solution providers in the Arabian Gulf region to be awarded the ‘superbrand” status. It is a limited liability company and expanded its services to include all the Emirates and neighbouring Gulf countries. Dulsco was acknowledged as one of the ‘Top 15 Companies to Work For’ in the recent times by the Great Places To Work For Institute, a global research and management consultancy.

For more information go to www.dulsco.com

Image: IMG World of Adventures is set to open in Dubai later this year (top) and Yas Waterworld on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island (below).

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