Starting at the Very Bottom
British expatriate Daniel Hillier moved to the UAE seeking a new professional experience. Fifteen years later, he serves as a successful culinary director for Accor. He currently manages the kitchens across three distinct hotel properties in the UAE. He credits the welcoming environment and diverse communities for his easy transition. Hillier began his hospitality career in a very humble role as a pot washer. He slowly progressed through the kitchen ranks to become a chef in London. Moving to Dubai gave him the opportunity to elevate his career significantly. Dubai boasts an outstanding global reputation for premium tourism and luxury hospitality.
Seizing International Opportunities
The city offers chefs the chance to work alongside talented international professionals daily. Hillier cherishes the experience of climbing from the bottom to the executive level. He states the UAE has truly been a land of immense opportunity. The hospitality industry here offers incredible avenues for rapid professional and financial growth. The safety and security of the country also appealed to him deeply. He wanted a stable environment when he considered starting his own family. Being away from family in Britain remains the biggest challenge of living abroad. However, Dubai’s multicultural community helps make the difficult transition much easier.
Giving Back to the Industry
He learned to embrace his surroundings while remaining connected to his roots. The visionary leadership of the UAE taught him to think bigger professionally. He frequently shares his knowledge with the next generation of hospitality professionals. He collaborated with the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management to develop local talent. Hillier strongly believes in championing local UAE ingredients to support regional farmers. His advice to newcomers is to make their time in the country count. He urges expatriates to embrace the culture and dream big while working hard. Learn how ambitious professionals are building successful lives in the Emirates. Discover more inspiring career stories at The WAU.
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