Dubai Tourism & Marriott Launch Hospitality Apprenticeship for Emiratis

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), which is part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has teamed up with Marriott International to introduce a special Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis. This initiative is designed to help young Emiratis build a strong future in the UAE’s hospitality industry. The programme, officially approved by the UAE Ministry of Education, will give students both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing them for successful careers in hotels and tourism across Dubai and the UAE.

The first batch of the Diploma in Hospitality - Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will begin in May 2025 with 40 students. These students will study at DCT’s One Central campus, where they will receive a high-quality education in tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, and event management. This initiative also supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to make Dubai a top global destination for business and tourism. A key goal of D33 is to encourage more young Emiratis to join the private sector, and this programme is a step in that direction.

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Mariam Sultan Al Maeeni, Director of Industry Nationalisation at DCT, shared her thoughts on this new collaboration. She said, “Partnering with Marriott International for this programme shows our strong commitment to training Emiratis for careers in tourism and hospitality. Our leadership wants to see more young nationals in the private sector, and this programme is a great opportunity for them. By combining classroom learning with real-world experience, students will gain valuable industry knowledge and practical skills. With guidance from experienced professionals, they will be well-prepared for rewarding careers in Dubai’s thriving hospitality sector. We believe this initiative will help develop the local workforce and enhance the city’s reputation for exceptional hospitality.”

Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer for Marriott International in the Middle East and Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa, also highlighted the importance of the programme. He said, “At Marriott, we are committed to shaping the hospitality leaders of the future. The launch of this apprenticeship programme will give young Emiratis the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to succeed in the industry. The UAE is a key market for us, and we believe that creating a strong training programme for Emiratis will support both our current hotels and our future expansion in the country.”

The apprenticeship programme is a two-year course developed in partnership between Marriott International and DCT. It is open to Emiratis aged 18 and above who will complete their studies for a Level 4 Diploma accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education. Along with their coursework, students will receive hands-on training at various Marriott hotels in the UAE.

During their apprenticeship, students will learn essential skills for managing hotel and restaurant services. They will focus on important areas such as front office operations, housekeeping, and food and beverage management. They will also develop leadership and management skills that will prepare them for roles as hotel managers. Upon successful completion of the programme, Marriott plans to offer graduates full-time jobs within its hotels in the UAE.

Over 40 Marriott hotels in the UAE, including more than 30 in Dubai alone, are participating in the programme’s first year. Marriott currently operates more than 80 properties across the UAE, with over 23,000 rooms under 22 different brands. This apprenticeship programme is also part of Marriott’s sustainability and social impact platform, ‘Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction,’ which focuses on making a positive impact in the communities where Marriott operates. Through this platform, Marriott aims to support young talents, encourage sustainable hotel development, and ensure long-term business growth while benefiting employees, customers, and the environment.

With this collaboration, both DCT and Marriott International are reinforcing their dedication to empowering Emiratis and strengthening the UAE’s hospitality industry. This programme offers young nationals a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the business, setting them up for bright and successful careers in the world of hospitality.

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