Located on the exclusive Jumeirah Beach, just twenty minutes from the city centre, the Ritz-Carlton has just 138 rooms, the luxury resort and spa is positioned to offer highly personal levels of service.

Alok Kaul is Front of House Manager for the Ritz-Carlton in Dubai, he kindly found time to answer our questions:

How long have you been in Dubai?
I have been living in Dubai now for just over 7 years.

What nationality are you originally?
I come from Kashmir, India.

What previous experience did you have to secure your position as Reception Manager?
I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Economics and have also attained an MBA from the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

I have worked in the Front Office department for many other hotels in many different countries including Le Meridien, Oberoi Mumbai and the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotels in Dubai before becoming a Front Office Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai.

Do you get on well with your FOH team? Do you socialize together?
Absolutely! I am proud to belong to one of the best front office teams I have ever had the privilege to work with. The basis of The Ritz Carlton Company is that employees are the most important resource and it is important to demonstrate that every day.

The Front Office team actually goes on more departmental outings than any other team in the hotel. I have a target of a minimum of one outing per month for the team but we usually exceed that. Barbecues, house parties, water parks – these are just a few of the activities that we do.

Do you have an opportunity to enjoy the day time leisure activities available in Dubai? The beach, for example, and if not the beach, what do you do in your spare time?
Dubai is such a fast paced city that it is really nice to just relax and unwind in your spare time. When I am off, I like to spend time in any of the many shopping malls and go to the cinema with my wife. Sometimes, I will go to the beach, particularly in the winter when its not too hot. I also love music and as a sociable person, I enjoy getting together with family and friends.

What has been the best moment of your FOH career so far?
When I was nominated for Front Office Person of the Year in the Hotelier Awards Middle East 2006; I was put forward by the Front Office team and hotel management. It is always satisfying to think that your colleagues hold you in such high esteem and that your hard work has been noticed and appreciated. 

Where do you spend your holidays?
I recently spent some time in Istanbul which was a great retreat but there are still so many interesting places to visit! I am very lucky to be in Dubai because it is very easy to travel to great destinations in a short time due to the convenient location and growing number of airlines that service the Middle East region.  

What advice would you give to someone wanting to work as a receptionist in Dubai?
There are so many great opportunities for people wanting to work in hospitality in Dubai, particularly in the Front Office. Dubai is opening numerous luxury hotels every year to keep up with the growing tourism industry so if you are a smiling, confident, friendly person with a determination for success, you will do very well in this city. Previous Front Office experience and familiarity with the relevant computer systems are an added advantage and language skills are a definite bonus as you come into contact with multiple nationalities every day.

Visit the Ritz-Carlton website, click here.