Better pay, attractive staff accommodation and a perceived stronger economy are just a few reasons an influx of Dubai’s hotel staff are accepting jobs in new Yas Island properties.

Hoteliers across the emirate have reported significant numbers of staff being poached for pre-openings at new Yas Island hotels in the lead up to the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, which includes seven new openings commissioned by Aldar Hospitality among others.

“We’ve certainly lost people to Yas Island; while it’s an element of the hotels there offering higher salaries, I think Abu Dhabi is seen as a safer location at this stage,” said Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina complex director of HR Hein Dames.

“We have found that a lot of people have elected Abu Dhabi as a destination where they would like to work. Economically it is seen as being stronger than Dubai, the business market is stronger, and service charges and tips are better so when it comes to Abu Dhabi versus Dubai staff recognise the financial gains in the capital – even if they’re getting the same salary they’re going to a property that’s busier and generating more revenue,” explained Dames.

Dames said that around 30-to-40 staff members had left the complex having been offered promotions at Yas Island properties, while in Dubai many hotels had enforced promotion and pay freezes.

Similarly, Al Manzil Hotel and Qamardeen Hotel complex executive housekeeper Ulricke Hocke said: “A lot of staff are going to Abu Dhabi to Yas Island. The hotels there are quite desperate; they’re taking one of my Burmese boys who has moved from a room attendant to a supervisor so I gave him a supervisor crash training course. He’s been a good attendant for the last three years, he’s got his big break and I had no vacancies.