The UAE Professional Housekeepers Group was founded in May 2003. 

It was Rory Campbell from Johnson Diversey that time, who brought us together and assisted us to form the Group. The inaugural meeting highlighted the challenges of operating five-star hotel properties while coping with an immature supplier market. Looking back, I do remember that we used to suffer and only received new products two years after they had been launched in Europe. We felt neglected and not receiving the right products to enhance our services for our guests.

But of course, it hasn't snowed since yesterday. Dubai’s hospitality scene has grown tremendously since then and suppliers are on their toes to WOW us. And our goal and vision has also changed. Our aim is now to bring the housekeeping managers together, to be able to have a group which can freely network and share knowledge, ideas and also have a bit of fun.

We have hosted many events in which we invite suppliers to showcase their products and explain their benefits. While all of them have been very successful, many have drawn up to 100 housekeepers in attendance. 

Our group became well known and soon we had been invited to round table discussion from leading hospitality magazines here in the region. Suddenly an interest awoke in the industry and there was an urge to hear the voices and opinions of the housekeeping leaders in UAE.  Yearly housekeeping forums started to emerge with suppliers on hand to showcase their products and panel discussions hovering around the latest topics and concerns for our industry. 

Some of us have been on the judging panels for the Clean Middle East awards, something that was done in the evening hours and on everyone’s own time. It is the expertise of the senior housekeepers which can spot when someone has done an extraordinary job, stands out from the rest and deserves to win an award.

We have managed to form a group in which we are able to support each other. Anyone who has a question with regards to anything revolving around our housekeeping operation is welcome to ask and whoever has an answer to it, to reveal it. CV’s are shared almost daily on our WhatsApp group.

The UAE Professional Housekeepers Group proved to be so imported when COVID-19 hit. There was a lot to discuss, to ask and to share. Especially the new procedures of the Dubai Municipality and the DTCM, all was shared and input was given on how to implement the new protocols. 

I'm so proud that this group has brought so many housekeeping professionals together and it makes me happy every time we add a new member. I'm already working on another housekeeper’s event which should take place either in December or early January.

About the author

Tatjana Ahmed is the Director of Housekeeping at Grand Hyatt, Dubai and the Chairperson of the UAE Housekeepers Association.