Dubai-born dining brand shifts staff abroad to protect jobs as it expands globally

Luxury dining brand GAIA has begun relocating its Dubai-based teams to international destinations as part of its summer 2026 expansion, aiming to preserve jobs while maintaining service standards across markets.

The move, led by Fundamental Hospitality, will see staff deployed to seasonal pop-ups in destinations such as St Tropez and Bodrum, aligning operations with where its global clientele travels during the summer months.

At a time when many hospitality businesses adjust headcount during quieter periods, the group said it has prioritised continuity for its workforce by offering international placements instead.

“Our summer pop-ups are not just about being present in the right destinations, they’re also about creating real opportunities for our teams,” Evgeny Kuzin, Chairman and Founder of Fundamental Hospitality told KhaleejTimes

“We’ve been able to move talent across markets, support our people, and ensure we maintain the level of service we’re known for. That’s something we’re very proud of.”

Seasonal shift, global response

The strategy comes as outbound travel rises, rather than reducing staff, the company has leaned on its growing international footprint to redistribute its workforce, ensuring employees remain active while maintaining brand consistency abroad.

Dubai-trained teams, shaped in one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets, are being placed at overseas locations to replicate the same service standards that built the brand’s reputation.

The approach also allows the company to retain institutional knowledge and team culture, avoiding the disruption that often comes with layoffs or seasonal hiring cycles.

Demand holds steady in Dubai

Despite the seasonal shift, the group noted a recent rebound in local demand.

Its beachfront concept, Sirene by GAIA, has returned to peak weekend performance, recording more than 1,000 lunch covers per day, alongside over 200 fully booked beach and pool beds.

This dual strategy, maintaining strong domestic performance while expanding globally, reflects a broader shift in how UAE-born brands are adapting to changing travel patterns.

With nearly one million guests served globally in 2025, the group says the Gulf will remain central to its long-term plans, even as it scales internationally.

“We’re continuing to grow internationally, but the Gulf is always home,” Kuzin added.