FOH manager, Oasis Beach Hotel, DUBAI  

'Located on the famous Jumeirah Beach and adjacent to Dubai Marina, the Oasis Beach Hotel is a 4 star beachfront property with 252 well appointed rooms.'  A quick search on the internet will throw up reviews from past guests, who all seem to agree that this 4 star hotel provides the service of a 5 star; a firm favourite among the hotels in Dubai, and part of the Jebel Ali International Hotel Group.

Sven Drewitz, Front Office Manager, kindly answered some of our questions:

How long have you been in Dubai?
Three Years 

What nationality are you?
German 

Do you live in, or out?  Do you have dependents living with you?
I live close to the work place together with my wife.  

How many people in your FOH team?  Do you all get on?  Do you socialize together?
I have 55 associates in my team including Reception, Communications, Concierge, Executive Lounge and Resort Relations. They all come from different countries like India, Philippines, Pakistan or Sri Lanka as well as some Europeans. It is great to have a mixed team and see how good the different cultures work together as well as we all can learn a lot from each other. 2-3 times a year we have a big outing and meet e.g. at Hard Rock Café or do a barbeque at the beach park. This empowers further the team spirit and gives the good opportunity to integrate the new comers. 

What has been the most embarrassing moment of your FOH career so far?
I think it was in the first year of my apprenticeship while going through a training schedule in several departments. During my assignment in the restaurant at tea time – of course it happened – I spilled coffee on the fur coat of a lady. I wanted to die that moment but luckily the hotel owner took it quite cool. Maybe that experience was the sign to continue my career in the Rooms Division ;-)  

Which is your favourite social venue in Dubai? (ie restaurant, club, bar etc)
Dubai has plenty of great venues for dining or to chill out. Our Coco Cabana Restaurant at Oasis Beach Hotel e.g. is directly on the beach and perfect for a relaxed dinner under stars. I can also recommend the “Marina Walk” at Dubai Marina where plenty of nice restaurants are located at the promenade. 

Coco Cabana Restaurant at the Oasis Beach Hotel

What advice would you give to someone wanting to work as a receptionist in Dubai?
Be hard working, have great initiative and be enthusiastic to learn new things - then Dubai can be your career-highway.

Thank you Sven!!

Visit the Oasis Beach Hotel Website, click here.