Dubai College of Tourism signs agreement with Hilton to train Emirati workforce

The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), has signed an MoU with Hilton to train Emiratis for careers in the country’s tourism industry.

The MoU will include internship opportunities across culinary and hotel operations at Hilton-branded hotels in the UAE, as well as year-round training opportunities for students – including virtual learning, access to Hilton experts and participation in career day activities.

The initiative is part of DCT’s Medyaf programme, a nationalisation initiative aimed to increase the participation of Emiratis within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Through the Medyaf programme, DCT offers Emirati job seekers a recruitment, training and industry on-boarding platform. On the other hand, it also helps industry heads understand the importance of hiring UAE nationals.

“The agreement with global hospitality leader Hilton will provide a major impetus to our Medyaf programme to attract and train talented Emiratis for gainful employment in the tourism sector. It is also a reflection of the strong spirit of collaboration that exists between government and private sector establishments in Dubai and will further enhance the role of the hospitality sector in the implementation of Dubai’s tourism strategy,” said Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism.

“With the world going through challenging times, it is imperative to expand the pool of local talent and we are confident that by working with industry partners of the calibre of Hilton, we will be able to achieve the goals of our industry nationalisation drive, a critical element in strengthening Dubai’s tourism workforce,” added Bin Hadher.

Hilton’s three hotels in Al Seef have already hosted a series of virtual sessions as part of the Medyaf programme – led by Remco Werkhoven, cluster general manager of Hilton’s Al Seef hotels. More than 100 Emiratis participated in those virtual sessions hosted by Hilton.

“Attracting the very best talent to our hotels is critical to our success in Dubai – as we expand our portfolio and play an important role in realising the tourism vision for this world-leading destination,” said William Costley, senior vice president, Arabian Peninsula and Turkey, Hilton.