Hospitality placements in Dubai
Dubai is known for its shimmering skyscrapers, pristine beaches, and a hospitality industry that blends luxury with innovation.
This fast-paced, cosmopolitan city is a global hub for tourism and service excellence – and now, you could be part of it.
Your paid hospitality placement in Dubai
We work with top 4 and 5 Star hotels in Dubai which offer incredible work placements.
Our paid Dubai Hospitality placements are ideal for undergraduates or graduates wanting a long-term internship experience, from 6 to 12 months in duration.
After accepting you on the Dubai programme we will match your preferences, requirements and previous training with the most suitable hotel. This personal approach ensures you receive the experience and training you want and the hotel receives someone with the skills they need.
Hospitality placements in Dubai include roles within the following areas: Front Office & Guest services, Culinary arts, Food service & bar, Events & Catering, Rooms division, Drivers (comfortable driving a Rolls Royce for airport pick-ups), Spa therapists (including supervisor level).
Who can join our Dubai hospitality placements?
Hospitality placements in Dubai are available to university students, recent graduates and those already working in the hospitality industry.
Accepted degrees include:
- Culinary Arts
- Hospitality Management
- Hotel Management
- Tourism Management
We can accept students or graduates of other degrees, such as Business, Languages etc, if you have at least 6 months’ work experience in the hospitality industry and want to gain some international experience to help develop your future career and make your CV stand out.
Accepted students will need to be at least 20 years old (at the time of starting placement), with no visible tattoos or piercings, clean-shaven (for male candidates), fluent in English (essential); Chinese, Japanese, Arabic an advantage and passionate about creating memorable guest experiences,
You should have an extrovert and bubbly personality, be comfortable having conversations with guests and colleagues, and have an innate ability to provide excellent service.
If you have a different background then please email your CV to info@placement-year.org so we can check your eligibility.
Professional training
With support from experienced supervisors, you’ll receive training, feedback, and opportunities to strengthen career prospects.
During your placement, you’ll receive guidance and feedback from a local supervisor, usually your head of department. They will be your main contact for daily tasks and workplace questions.
Most placements begin with a training schedule, but your success also depends on being proactive—asking questions, taking initiative, and working closely with colleagues. You’ll be trusted with meaningful responsibilities and encouraged to build essential career skills.
By working hard and showing professionalism, you may unlock unexpected opportunities, including the chance of further employment after your placement ends.
Apply now
We keep things simple and quick!
Send your CV and cover letter to us using this page and we'll reply within one working day.
Accommodation
Interns completing a hospitality placement in Dubai will stay in the hotel’s staff accommodation.
This consists of a furnished apartment shared between several staff members, usually with each bedroom accommodating two people. Apartments include several bedrooms, a shared living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and other essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Many also have access to a gym, pool or other facilities.
Duty meals are provided in the staff canteen, which is usually conveniently located within the hotel premises.
Orientation & Staff support
From pre-departure guidance to 24/7 local help, you’ll always feel supported in Dubai.
From the moment you arrive in Dubai, you’ll be looked after by both our local team and UK staff. Before departure, we’ll stay in close contact to organise every detail of your hospitality placement and invite you to monthly online group calls with fellow interns. These sessions cover practical information, cultural awareness, and tips for preparing for life abroad.
When you land in Dubai, a representative from your host company will greet you at the airport, take you to your accommodation, and outline your first few days. You’ll complete onboarding with the HR team and receive a comprehensive orientation from your hotel supervisor.
Throughout your stay, our Dubai and UK staff remain available for advice, check-ins, and 24/7 emergency support.
If your placement is part of your degree, we’ll also liaise with your university to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Health and safety
Your safety is our first priority.
Before your arrival, our Dubai team carries out thorough safety checks at your placement. If your placement is part of your degree, we also ensure that all university health and safety paperwork is completed and approved by your host company.
This process allows your university to confirm that your placement meets their required standards, and we liaise directly with them to make this straightforward.
Additionally, we partner with a reliable insurance provider to offer comprehensive working holiday travel insurance, giving you peace of mind throughout your stay.
Prices & what’s included
It’s important to be clear what you’ll pay and receive in return.
Please see our main Prices & what’s included page for full information.
Remember we’ll give you advice about the flight prices, airlines and routes and we’ll assist with your visa application.
Some universities provide insurance for overseas placements on a university insurance policy so it’s worth checking before buying your own.
How do I apply?
It's easy and quick!
Complete our short application form including uploading your CV and Cover Letter. Please clearly state in your Cover Letter which destination and type of placement you are interested in.
Got more questions? Send us a message!
How do I apply?
It's easy and quick!
Send your CV and Cover Letter to us using our enquiry form.
Please clearly state in your Cover Letter which destination and type of placement you are interested in.
Got more questions? Send us a message!
Working in partnership with universities, prestigious global hotel brands and many other businesses.
"I thank you for your support. It really was a great experience."
Fabien Shaikh, Nottingham Trent University
Nepal Business, Jan 2022
"Did a great job at finding me a placement in my chosen country and in my chosen field - especially given the difficulties of Covid and restricted travel."
Harry Moore, Loughborough University
"I always wanted to work in the UK as it has a rich culture. I have expanded my global connections. You were very helpful and informative."
Charmian Chang, University of Surrey
"I improved my communication, confidence, team work skills. Placement Year International is highly professional and organised. The communication and assistance was great, even after everything was sorted out with contracts!"
Feruza Shakir, University of Huddersfield
"It is a great established company with a lovely director who is very engaging to interns. I will recommend for my fellow Bournemouth University students."
Mei Smith, Bournemouth University
"I definitely enjoyed my placement in Nepal and the process for applying was made very easy by the team at Placement Year International."
Sam Galloway, University of Glasgow
