Looking to recruit Hotel Cleaners in the UAE — or apply for one? This post gives you everything you need: a recruiter-ready job posting (table format), a long-form explanation of duties, salary and benefits, visa & document guidance, a step-by-step hiring process, safety & training checklist, candidate screening tips, sample interview questions, a sample advertisement you can copy-paste, and a clear Apply Now CTA. Use this as a template for hiring multiple positions across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
1. Recruiter-ready job specification (table)
Use the table below as the main job posting on your website, job boards or printed flyers. It’s structured so candidates get every important detail at a glance.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Hotel Cleaner / Room Attendant / Housekeeping Cleaner |
| Location(s) | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah (specify hotel branch) |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Fixed-term (2 years) or Contractual (project basis) |
| No. of Vacancies | [Insert number — e.g., 10] |
| Salary (AED / month) | AED 1,800 – 2,600 (depends on experience, location, and hotel category) |
| Overtime Pay | Yes — paid as per UAE labour law / company policy |
| Working Hours (Duty) | 8–10 hours per day (shift pattern: morning / afternoon / night rotation) |
| Weekly Off | 1 day per week (rotational) |
| Probation Period | 1–3 months (specify) |
| Accommodation | Provided (shared / single — specify); or Allowance if not provided |
| Transport | Shuttle / transport allowance provided |
| Medical | Basic medical insurance per UAE labour law; comprehensive plans for long-term staff |
| Annual Leave | As per UAE labour law (after probation) |
| End of Service | Gratuity as per UAE labour law |
| Uniform & PPE | Provided (uniform, gloves, masks, cleaning shoes) |
| Visa | Employment visa arranged by employer (confirm BEFORE joining) |
| Required Documents | Passport copy, passport-size photo, basic CV/biodata, medical fitness certificate (post-selection), police clearance (if requested) |
| Minimum Qualification | Primary education preferred but not mandatory |
| Experience | 0–2 years (preferred) — freshers welcome for training |
| Language | Basic English / Arabic / Hindi / Urdu helpful — good communication skills an advantage |
| Key Responsibilities | Room cleaning, public area cleaning, linen change, garbage disposal, report maintenance issues |
| Physical Requirements | Able to stand, lift up to 15–20 kg, climb stairs, perform repetitive tasks |
| Age Range | 18–50 (specify company age policy) |
| Security / Background | Background check as required by hotel policy |
Tip for recruiters: Always include whether visa cost is covered and clearly state the accommodation arrangement (shared room, dorm, or allowance). Ambiguity causes candidate drop-off and increases agent risk.
2. Full job description (expanded)
Below is long-form content that you can include beneath the job-table on your careers page to help candidates understand what the role involves and what to expect.
About the role
As a Hotel Cleaner / Room Attendant, you will be a front-line hospitality team member responsible for guest room cleanliness, hygiene and presentation standards. Your work directly influences guest satisfaction, online reviews, and repeat business. Hotel cleaners maintain guest rooms, corridors, public restrooms, and back-of-house areas to a high standard, following hotel SOPs and safety protocols.
Typical daily duties
- Clean and sanitize guest rooms according to hotel checklist (beds, bathrooms, floors, surfaces).
- Strip and make beds, change and fold linens and towels.
- Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, clean mirrors and glass.
- Dispose of garbage and recyclables correctly; maintain linen flows.
- Replenish in-room amenities (toiletries, tea/coffee sachets, stationery).
- Report lost-and-found items, maintenance issues (plumbing, electrical, AC) and security incidents to supervisor.
- Clean public areas (lobbies, corridors, lifts, restrooms) as scheduled.
- Support laundry handling if required.
- Assist guests politely when they request extra supplies or minor help.
- Follow infection-control procedures (especially important for post-pandemic hygiene).
- Adhere strictly to PPE and chemical handling guidelines.
Standards & KPIs
- Room-turn completion time vs standard (e.g., 20–30 minutes per standard room depending on category).
- Spot-check cleanliness scores (internal audits).
- Guest feedback (housekeeping-related comments).
- Adherence to safety & SOP checklists.
- No. of rooms cleaned per shift (target varies by hotel grade).
3. Salary, benefits & cost breakdown (detailed table)
Presenting compensation transparently increases applications and reduces negotiation friction.
Salary & Benefits — Common Packages in UAE (reference ranges)
| Component | Typical Detail / Range |
|---|---|
| Base salary | AED 1,800 – 2,600 / month |
| Overtime | Paid according to UAE labour law (1.25–2x depending on timing) |
| Accommodation | Shared staff housing OR AED 200–800 allowance (if not provided) |
| Transport | Free shuttle / transport allowance AED 150–500 |
| Meals | Staff meals in staff canteen OR meal allowance AED 150–400 |
| Medical insurance | Basic medical as per law; upgrade possible after probation |
| Annual leave | 30 days per year (pro rata) after one year; as per contract for shorter durations |
| End-of-service gratuity | As per UAE labour law (based on years of service) |
| Uniform & PPE | Provided free; replacement policy varies |
| Bonuses | Performance/seasonal bonuses (hotel policy) |
| Probation | 1–3 months (during which terms may be slightly different) |
Example total compensation (monthly)
- Low-tier: Base AED 1,800 + Transport AED 200 + Meals value AED 200 = AED ~2,200 equivalent on paper.
- Mid-tier: Base AED 2,200 + Accommodation provided + Medical + Overtime potential = AED 2,200+.
- Higher-end (4-5* hotels): Base AED 2,500–2,600 + better benefits + higher overtime potential = AED 2,800–3,500 effective.
Note: Always specify if accommodation & transport are “provided” (employer pays) vs “allowance” (paid to employee).
4. Visa, contracts & legal compliance
Recruiters must be careful to comply with UAE labour law and to state visa & contract terms clearly in any ad.
Visa & work permit
- Employment visa: Employer arranges a work permit (employment visa) after offer acceptance and medical fitness test.
- Processing time: Typically 2–6 weeks depending on the sponsor and current government timelines.
- Costs: Employer-paid for legitimate hires; be explicit in the job posting.
- Medical test & Emirates ID: Candidate will take a medical fitness test in UAE and get Emirates ID — usually arranged by employer.
Contract terms
- Written employment contract: Must include salary, working hours, accommodation/allowance, probation period, and end-of-service terms. Provide the contract in a language the worker understands (Arabic/English and local language where possible).
- Working hours & overtime: State expected shift hours and overtime pay rates.
- Termination: Outline notice period and grounds for termination (disciplinary infractions, gross misconduct, absenteeism).
- Leave & holidays: Summarize leave entitlements, public holidays, and entitlement to sick leave.
Legal & ethical hiring notes
- Never ask candidates to pay recruitment fees — this is illegal/unethical; legitimate employers cover recruitment & visa costs or use authorized agents.
- Document receipts: If any fee is legitimately charged (unlikely for employment), ensure written receipts and transparent breakdowns.
- Background checks: Ask for minimal verification such as identity & previous employer references; obtain consent.
5. Step-by-step recruitment process
A practical recruitment workflow to hire hotel cleaners quickly and safely.
Phase A — Job posting & sourcing
- Publish the job spec (table above) on: hotel careers page, popular UAE job boards (e.g., Bayt, Indeed, LinkedIn jobs, local classifieds), and internal noticeboard.
- Use trusted recruitment agencies for foreign hires—verify their licence and terms.
- Accept CVs and short WhatsApp applications (if used, note official follow-up required).
Phase B — Shortlisting & screening
- Shortlist by basic criteria: Right to work / willing to relocate, basic hygiene & language ability, physical fitness.
- Call pre-screen: confirm availability, travel readiness, salary expectations, ability to do shifts.
- Request scanned copies of passport ID and photos (for offshore recruiting supply chain).
Phase C — Interview & practical test
- In-person or virtual interview: 5–10 minutes focused on attitude, punctuality, and prior housekeeping experience.
- Practical demo: For local hires, a 30–60 minute on-site practical test (make a bed to hotel standard, clean a bathroom, fold linen). Rate on checklist.
- Reference check: Call previous employer if the candidate claims experience.
Phase D — Offer, contract & pre-onboarding
- Issue conditional offer letter (subject to medical & background).
- Employee signs employment contract (two copies — employer & employee).
- For overseas hires: commence visa sponsorship once contract accepted.
- Inform candidate of joining date and travel instructions (if hiring internationally).
Phase E — Arrival, medical & induction
- Medical fitness test, Emirates ID processing (for UAE hires) and issue of uniform.
- Induction: safety briefing, chemical handling training, guest interaction etiquette, lost & found policy, waste handling SOP.
- Buddy system: first week pair with an experienced housekeeper for practical mentoring.
6. Candidate screening checklist
Use this checklist when shortlisting.
- Identity documents verified (passport / Emirates ID).
- Work history validated (if experience claimed).
- Physical ability: able to lift up to 15–20 kg and stand for long periods.
- No visible tattoos or piercings if hotel policy requires professional appearance.
- Clean criminal record (as per hotel policy).
- Attendance & reliability references positive.
- Willingness to work rotating shifts and weekends.
- Accepts the salary & accommodation arrangement.
- Understands basic English or hotel’s primary language (Hindi/Urdu/Arabic helpful).
7. Onboarding & 14-day training plan (practical)
A short, practical induction makes cleaners productive quickly and reduces mistakes.
Orientation
- Welcome, hotel tour, team introduction.
- Uniform fitting, ID card issuance.
- Explain shift rota, reporting lines & break timings.
Safety & PPE
- Chemical handling (MSDS overview).
- Personal Protective Equipment usage and sanitation protocols.
- Safe lifting techniques & manual handling.
Room SOPs (Theory + Demo)
- Room cleaning checklist: bathroom, bed making, surface cleaning, minibar handling.
- Demonstration by senior housekeeper.
Supervised practical
- Work in pairs under supervision.
- Focus on time management & maintaining standards.
Public areas & laundry
- Corridor cleaning, lobby cleaning, restroom deep-clean SOPs.
- Linen handling & bagging protocols.
Guest interaction & quality audits
- Polite guest response scripts (guest asks for extra towel, late checkout, etc.).
- Mock audits and feedback sessions.
Ongoing
- Monthly refresher training on infection control and guest handling.
8. Safety, PPE & chemical handling (must-know)
Cleaning staff face chemical and ergonomic risks. Protect them and reduce liability.
PPE list
- Non-slip safety shoes
- Latex / nitrile gloves (chemical-resistant)
- Face masks (when using sprays or in dusty areas)
- Apron or uniform with good coverage
- Eye protection (for splash-prone tasks)
Safe handling of cleaning chemicals
- Keep chemicals in labeled containers.
- Never mix bleach with acid cleaners (dangerous fumes).
- Use dilution charts — train staff on correct dosages.
- Use mechanical aids for heavy lifting.
Ergonomics
- Rotate tasks to avoid repetitive strain.
- Use trolleys for linen & garbage to reduce manual lifting.
- Teach correct posture for bed-making and vacuuming.
9. Interview & selection — sample questions & scoring rubric
Use this short guide to assess attitude and skill in a 7–10 minute interview.
Quick questions
- Tell me about your last housekeeping job. (If none, ask about cleaning at home or other experience.)
- How do you prioritize when you have many rooms to clean?
- What would you do if you found a guest’s lost item?
- Are you comfortable working night shifts and weekends?
- How do you handle a guest who complains about cleanliness?
Practical test
- Bed-making to hotel standard (score 0–5).
- Clean/replace a towel set and restock toiletries (score 0–5).
- Quickly identify three maintenance issues in a mock room (score 0–5).
Scoring rubric
- Attitude & punctuality: 0–5
- Practical skill: 0–10
- Communication & guest etiquette: 0–5
- Fitness & stamina observed: 0–5
- Overall recommendation: Hire / Keep for backup / Reject
Threshold: Consider hiring candidates scoring ≥ 15/25 (adjust to your standard).
10. Sample job advertisement
Use this exact ad on job boards — replace placeholders and the Apply Now URL.
Title: Hotel Cleaner / Room Attendant – Immediate Hiring (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
Location: Dubai, Abu Dhabi (Multiple openings)
Salary: AED 1,800 – 2,600 + Accommodation & Transport (as per hotel policy)
Job Type: Full-time, Rotational Shifts
Job Summary:
We are hiring motivated and reliable Hotel Cleaners to join our housekeeping team. You will ensure guest rooms and public areas meet our high standards of cleanliness and guest comfort.
Responsibilities:
- Clean guest rooms and bathrooms following hotel SOPs.
- Change linens, replenish amenities, and perform quick room checks.
- Clean public areas and assist with laundry handling when required.
- Report maintenance issues and lost & found to Supervisor.
- Follow safety and chemical handling procedures.
Requirements:
- Age 18–50, physically fit.
- Prior housekeeping experience preferred but not required. Freshers welcome.
- Basic English/Hindi/Urdu/Arabic helpful.
- Willingness to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
Benefits: Accommodation + transport + medical insurance + overtime as per UAE labour law. Employment visa provided for out-of-country hires.
11. Candidate communication templates
Short messages you can use to confirm interviews or offers.
Pre-screen message (WhatsApp / SMS):
Hello [Name], this is [HR name] from [Hotel]. We received your application for Hotel Cleaner. Are you available for an interview on [Date] at [Time]? Please bring your passport copy and a recent photo. Reply YES to confirm.
Offer message:
Congratulations [Name], we are pleased to offer you the position of Hotel Cleaner at [Hotel]. Starting salary AED [amount], accommodation [provided/allowance], shift: [details]. Please find the attached offer letter. Please confirm by signing and returning the scanned copy.
13. Tips to attract & retain good cleaners (for hotel management)
High staff turnover in housekeeping is common; adopt these best practices.
- Clear, fair contracts — avoid ambiguity on accommodation and overtime.
- Timely salary payments — delays harm retention.
- Provide decent staff housing — clean, safe dorms with privacy and female-only arrangements where applicable.
- Invest in training & upskilling — send top performers to supervisory training; promotes loyalty.
- Recognize & reward — small incentives or “Employee of the Month” programs boost morale.
- Health & safety focus — regular medical check-ups, ergonomic tools, and safe cleaning chemicals.
- Open communication — a small HR helpdesk or WhatsApp group for staff issues.
14. Sample onboarding checklist
- Signed employment contract & copy given to employee.
- Passport & Emirates ID copies filed.
- Uniform issued & PPE briefing given.
- Medical fitness test completed.
- Orientation (hotel tour) completed.
- SOP manual given (language appropriate).
- Assigned buddy & supervisor introduced.
- First-day practical checklist completed.
15. Apply Now — recruiter CTA & link
Ready to start hiring? Use the Apply Now link below in your job ads or share it on WhatsApp / social channels. Replace the placeholder URL with your actual application page or an HR email.
FAQs (for candidates)
Provide these on your careers page to reduce HR questions.
Q. Is experience mandatory?
A. No — many hotels train freshers. Experience is an advantage and may attract higher starting pay.
Q. Does employer provide visa & accommodation?
A. Most reputable hotels provide employment visas and shared accommodation — always confirm before accepting.
Q. What are typical shift hours?
A. Housekeeping shifts vary: 8–10 hours with rotating weekly off; night shifts possible for public-area cleaning.
Q. Are cleaners eligible for overtime?
A. Yes — overtime is paid as per UAE labour law or company policy.
Q. Is there career growth?
A. Yes — cleaners can progress to Senior Housekeeper, Supervisor, Linen Room In-Charge, or other F&B/Front Office roles with training.
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