17 years in UAE hospitality — is AED 8,500 too low for a Housekeeping Manager, and do I have a realistic chance in Europe?
I’m currently working as a Housekeeping Manager in a 4-star hotel in Sharjah, UAE, and I have around 17 years of experience in hospitality, all in the UAE.
My current salary is AED 8,500 per month. Since I chose to live out, my company provides food and accommodation as part of the package.
I’m trying to understand whether I’m being underpaid for my experience and position. I’d also like some advice about my future career.
I’m interested in trying to move to Europe, but I don’t currently have a European work permit/visa, and I understand that this makes finding a job more difficult.
For those working in hotel management/hospitality in Europe or the UAE:
- Is AED 8,500 considered low for a Housekeeping Manager with 17 years of experience?
- Which European countries are more realistic for someone with my background?
- How difficult is it to get a hotel job with visa sponsorship?
- Does having 17 years of UAE hotel experience help when applying for European positions?
- Should I focus on applying directly to hotels, recruitment agencies, or both?
I’d really appreciate honest advice from people who have actually worked in the UAE or moved from the Gulf to Europe.