Afbeelding
Been to the Americas, South Africa and Europe. Looking for a new challenge, I decided to look for a new region in the world and landed on the Arabic Peninsula.
Arriving late in the evening, I got picked up at the airport and brought to the staff accommodation, a large building only a few blocks from my internship hotel. A few days later I had my first shift: Starting out with the Telephone Operators to learn the basics of the hotel, I “graduated” a few weeks later to my actual internship position. Learning on the fly, I got taught the in’s and out’s of VIPs, amenities, local attractions and everything else a guest might want or need. Over the next public holidays, I got roped into helping out with check-ins and check-outs and was thereafter a fully capable Front Office Agent/ First Lady.
At first, I had a few moments of culture shock; a few “oddities” to me. However, my team in Front Office and later on my roommate, who had grown up mostly in the Emirates, were of fantastic help. They were amazing and it was rarely boring to spend long shifts with them. My Manager and Assistant Manager were very supportive of my ideas and thesis process and pushed me to be the best host to our guests.
The United Arab Emirates are special insofar as that there are mostly foreigners living: Many people from the Philippines, from India and other Arabic countries chose to come work in the country, sparkling glass and steel and the riches of Dubai enticing many. Consequently, the country offers something for everybody: We celebrate Islamic holidays surrounding Ramadan and others like Eid al-Adha, but also Christian holidays like Christmas, where we had a staff choir performance, Glühwein and Christmas cookies. Every month, at a Townhall meeting, there were updates on things with corporate, on our performance and awards handed out, finished off by a feast for all staff.
Overall, while the days were long and some guests strenuous, I would do it all over in a heartbeat! Being brave and committing to the change can and will most likely pay off and become an experience never to be forgotten. No time like the present!
