MAYA MANSOUR

DOHA Qatar’s hotel industry is looking to hire more local expertise, Qatar National Hotels (QNH) Operation Officer Nawaf al Obaidli has said.

In an interview with Qatar Tribune, Al Obaidli said, “My main objective is to draw young Qataris to the industry not only as managers and supervisors but at the lower level as well.

They will grow step by step as they get experience,” he said talking of his plans.

Al Obaidli who is mainly handling Qatarisation for Qatar National Hotels said, “We are mostly working on raising awareness among parents.

Our future plan is to work closely with the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Education.

We aim to create programmes within schools and universities that focus on hotel management.” About the latest projects within Qatar National Hotels he said, “Recently we concluded an agreement with the Ministry of Labour for employing 50 Qatari students.

Under the agreement they will undergo a sixmonth training in one of the Qatar National Hotels hotels during which they will be paid by the Ministry of Labour.

If the students pass the training, they will be hired by the hotel as permanent staff.” Asked about the eligibility conditions for the traineeship he said that the aspirants should have at least a high school degree and excellent communication and language skills.

Besides Qatar National Hotels has another agreement with Stenden University Qatar ( former CHNQ) for sponsorship of two Qatari students every year.

The students selected under this programme will be able to continue their education abroad.

Only students with GPA are considered for this programme.

Pointing out that the Qatarisation initiative in the hotel industry requires more support, he said Qatar National Hotels is training its employees in the best hotels.

He revealed that he himself underwent training in Marriott Dubai and London and added that it provided him a great experience.

Asked about new hotels opening under Qatar National Hotels management, he said Merweb Brand will be inaugurated soon in Old Ghanim area.

In response to another question about occupancy in the summer season he admitted occupancy was relatively low adding that is what makes many hotels provide attractive offers to families and children.

He however pointed out that the Sealine Resort has the highest occupancy in Qatar.

“It goes upto 77 percent during week days,” he said.

Here he also pointed out that this was the reason why the fares in the resort were going higher.