The UAE has helped him grow personally and professionally. Now, he is focused on strengthening local communities and promoting more sustainable ways of living.
DUBAI: Recycling cans, reducing food waste, and helping young hospitality professionals advance their careers are among the ways Rajat Sabharwal is giving back to the UAE.
For Sabharwal, a food and beverage director at a luxury hotel resort in Dubai, professional success means more than career progression. It also means contributing to the community and helping others find opportunities to grow.
Originally from New Delhi, India, Sabharwal, a British national, moved to Dubai in 2018 to join a hotel’s pre-opening team. Over time, the UAE became more than a place to work. It became where he developed as a leader, met his wife, and built a life while finding ways to support causes that benefit others.
“Success becomes more meaningful when you can help others succeed along the way,” Sabharwal told Gulf News.
Turning Small Actions Into Community Impact
Throughout 2025, Sabharwal took part in initiatives focused on community engagement, inclusion and environmental responsibility. These efforts ranged from collecting recyclable materials to supporting events for people of determination.
A can collection drive in February gathered 60 kg of cans for recycling. The following month, an Iftar gathering at the Special Needs Future Development Centre brought people together during Ramadan and supported a more inclusive community experience.
Environmental initiatives continued throughout the year. In July, the “Recycle, Reforest, Repeat” initiative involved collecting 2,930 kg of paper. In December, the “One Root, One Communi-Tree” tree project involved 2,500 sheets of paper and 300 kg of glass.
For Sabharwal, the value of these activities lies in encouraging people to take responsibility for the resources they use and the communities they belong to. Rather than treating community service as a one-off event, he sees it as an ongoing commitment that can make a wider difference when people work together.
Tackling Food Waste in the UAE
Food waste has been another focus of Sabharwal’s efforts to promote more responsible practices.
During Ramadan, he supported the “One Million Meals from Surplus Food” and “Zero Food Waste to Landfills” campaigns. The latter is an initiative of the UAE Food Bank in partnership with NEMA, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative.
Through these efforts, participating organizations collect food waste for appropriate processing and recycling, encouraging more responsible waste management.
The initiatives reflect a wider effort to reduce waste and use resources more carefully, particularly in the hospitality industry, where food preparation and service can generate significant amounts of waste.
Helping the Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals
Alongside environmental responsibility, Sabharwal believes that helping people develop their careers is another meaningful way to contribute.
The hospitality industry brings together employees from different nationalities, cultures, and professional backgrounds. Building a strong team requires more than setting standards and managing daily operations. It also involves giving people the guidance and confidence to take on new responsibilities.
Throughout his career, Sabharwal has benefited from experienced leaders and mentors who recognized his potential. He now tries to offer similar support by mentoring team members, encouraging young professionals, and helping colleagues develop the skills they need to progress.
“For me, one of the most meaningful ways to contribute is by helping others grow. Giving back extends beyond professional development. Hospitality gives us a unique opportunity to bring people together, support those around us, and contribute to a more sustainable future,” he said.
When employees receive opportunities to learn and develop, they can become more confident and better prepared for leadership roles. Watching colleagues earn promotions, discover their strengths, or take the next step in their careers has become a rewarding part of Sabharwal’s own professional journey.
How Dubai Changed His Approach to Leadership
Dubai’s pace of development was one of Sabharwal’s biggest adjustments. New hospitality concepts continued to emerge, the industry expanded, and decisions often had to be made quickly.
Working with colleagues from different backgrounds also required him to adapt his leadership style and bring people together around shared goals.
“I quickly realized that experience alone wasn’t enough. I had to learn to make decisions faster, adapt my leadership style, and bring people together towards a common goal,” he recalled.
Those early challenges helped him become a more confident and adaptable leader.
“Good leadership isn’t only about giving direction. It’s about earning people’s trust, understanding different perspectives, and being prepared to adapt yourself.”
After joining another hotel in late 2023, Sabharwal continued to build on that experience. His responsibilities have included developing food and beverage strategies, identifying revenue opportunities, improving guest experiences, and leading teams across a diverse operation.
Having experienced the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and the uncertainties of 2026, he considers adaptability, strength, and clear leadership essential when circumstances change.
“During difficult periods, people look to you for direction, and you need to remain calm, make informed decisions, and give your team the confidence to keep moving forward.”
Sabharwal also praised the UAE’s emphasis on development and continuous improvement.
“It is an environment that encourages ambition, innovation, and continuous improvement. You arrive with your own ambitions, but over time, you become inspired by the ambitions of the country itself. For me, that is what makes the UAE such a remarkable place to build both a career and a life.”
More Than a Career Destination
For Sabharwal, Dubai’s influence extends beyond his professional life. He also met his wife, Karina Chelengirova, in the UAE.
The country’s safety, stability, diversity, and opportunities have helped them build a life together.
“I originally moved here for professional growth, but the UAE has given me so much more. It has shaped the way I lead, broadened my perspective, and given me a place I am proud to call home,” he said.
That sense of belonging has strengthened his belief that expatriates should contribute positively to the communities in which they live and work.
His Message to Fellow Expats
Sabharwal advises newcomers to combine ambition with hard work, strength, and a willingness to learn.
He believes the UAE offers significant opportunities, but making the most of them requires building relationships, finding mentors, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
He also encourages expatriates to understand the country’s culture, respect the people around them, and look for ways to contribute beyond their jobs.
People do not need to wait until they reach senior positions to make a difference, he believes. Small contributions, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting environmental initiatives, can help strengthen the communities around them.
Many expatriates arrive in the UAE hoping to build a better future for themselves and their families. Sabharwal’s experience has taught him that the opportunity to grow also brings an opportunity to help others do the same.
As he puts it, “The UAE gives you the platform, but it’s up to you what you build on.”
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Dubai-based British expat Rajat Sabharwal
Source: Gulf News
