The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has marked the completion of its inaugural UAE Bootcamp Career Builder Recognition Programme, with 21 young Emirati hospitality professionals graduating from an intensive leadership course at Les Roches Marbella hospitality school in Spain.
The eight-day programme, DCT Abu Dhabi’s first dedicated
recognition and development initiative for high-performing Emirati hospitality
talent, aims to strengthen Emiratisation and build the next generation of
industry leaders.
Participants completed training in hospitality foundations,
guest experience, innovation, career development and leadership while gaining
exposure to international best practices.
The cohort, comprising 12 women and nine men, was nominated
by 15 hotels across Abu Dhabi in recognition of their strong performance and
leadership potential.
Eligible candidates, aged 18 to 26, had at least two years’
hospitality experience and achieved high performance ratings.
The initiative also supports hotels in developing local
talent pipelines while advancing Abu Dhabi’s broader Emiratisation goals.
Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu
Dhabi, said: “With Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality sectors on
long-term growth trajectories, there is an increasing need to develop a
pipeline of skilled national frontliners equipped with global perspectives and
industry expertise. This initiative addresses that need by providing
high-performing nationals with opportunities to enhance their capabilities,
expand their exposure, and contribute to the continued growth of the sector.
The future success of our visitor economy will be shaped by the talent we
invest in today, and these graduates represent a new generation of Emirati
professionals who will help define the hospitality experience of tomorrow.”
Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, said: “Any
destination aspiring to strengthen its position as a competitive, sustainable,
and global tourism hub needs professionals prepared in innovation, excellence,
and responsible experience management. That is the vision we share with DCT Abu
Dhabi on the transformative power of education, and why investing in people is
ultimately an investment in the future of the destination. Hospitality has the
potential to become a driver of economic growth, social development, and
long-term opportunity, and in this first cohort we already see the future Abu
Dhabi is building.” -TradeArabia News Service