Latest news with #Emiratization
Web Release
2 days ago
- Business
- Web Release
Hospitality Advisory Council discusses new national initiatives to boost growth and employment opportunities in the sector
The Hospitality Advisory Council convened its second meeting of 2025 under the chairmanship of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council. The session brought together 16 Council members, including CEOs and senior executives from leading national and international hotel groups. Discussions focused on a range of new national initiatives developed in partnership with the private sector to accelerate the growth of the UAE's hospitality sector. The initiatives also aim to generate employment opportunities across all sectors of this vital industry. H.E. Bin Touq said: 'Thanks to the vision and guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE's tourism and hospitality sectors continue to thrive. In the first quarter of 2025, hotel revenues reached AED 13.5 billion, with over 8.4 million guests recorded, a two per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Total hotel nights reached 29.3 million, and the national hotel occupancy rate stood at 81.3 per cent during the same period.' H.E. added: 'These impressive figures reflect the UAE's strong commitment to advancing its hospitality industry in line with global best practices. We have invested heavily in developing hotel and entertainment infrastructure across all seven emirates, organizing major international events, and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences that reflect authentic Emirati heritage and culture. As a result, the UAE has become one of the world's leading hospitality destinations today.' The Minister of Economy continued: 'The year 2025 marks a major milestone for UAE tourism, marked by the election of Shaikha Al Nowais as the first woman globally to serve as Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization for the term 2026-2029. This achievement reinforces the UAE's prominent role in supporting international efforts to advance the global tourism industry.' The meeting's discussions covered a comprehensive array of key files and initiatives that support the UAE's efforts to enhance the growth and competitiveness of its hospitality sector. Participants emphasized the importance of promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors to meet the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to establish the UAE as the top global tourism brand by the next decade. The Council also reviewed the newly launched 'Summer Hospitality Camp' program by the Ministry of Economy. It is designed to support Emiratization across hospitality-related sectors by offering hands-on training to school and university students in real-world environments such as hotels and tourism facilities, in addition to its structured learning tracks. Established by the Emirates Tourism Council, the Hospitality Advisory Council serves as a strategic advisory body to the Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council on matters specific to the hospitality sector. It provides insights and data on industry developments, recommends private-sector initiatives to drive sector growth and reinforce the UAE's position as a leading global tourism destination, and offers feedback on government tourism policies and initiatives.
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Hospitality Advisory Council discusses new national initiatives to boost growth and employment opportunities in the sector
Tourism and hospitality sectors see sustained growth as hotel occupancy rates reach 81.3% in Q1 2025 The Hospitality Advisory Council convened its second meeting of 2025 under the chairmanship of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council. The session brought together 16 Council members, including CEOs and senior executives from leading national and international hotel groups. Discussions focused on a range of new national initiatives developed in partnership with the private sector to accelerate the growth of the UAE's hospitality sector. The initiatives also aim to generate employment opportunities across all sectors of this vital industry. H.E. Bin Touq said: 'Thanks to the vision and guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE's tourism and hospitality sectors continue to thrive. In the first quarter of 2025, hotel revenues reached AED 13.5 billion, with over 8.4 million guests recorded, a two per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Total hotel nights reached 29.3 million, and the national hotel occupancy rate stood at 81.3 per cent during the same period.' H.E. added: 'These impressive figures reflect the UAE's strong commitment to advancing its hospitality industry in line with global best practices. We have invested heavily in developing hotel and entertainment infrastructure across all seven emirates, organizing major international events, and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences that reflect authentic Emirati heritage and culture. As a result, the UAE has become one of the world's leading hospitality destinations today.' The Minister of Economy continued: 'The year 2025 marks a major milestone for UAE tourism, marked by the election of Shaikha Al Nowais as the first woman globally to serve as Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization for the term 2026-2029. This achievement reinforces the UAE's prominent role in supporting international efforts to advance the global tourism industry.' The meeting's discussions covered a comprehensive array of key files and initiatives that support the UAE's efforts to enhance the growth and competitiveness of its hospitality sector. Participants emphasized the importance of promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors to meet the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to establish the UAE as the top global tourism brand by the next decade. The Council also reviewed the newly launched 'Summer Hospitality Camp' program by the Ministry of Economy. It is designed to support Emiratization across hospitality-related sectors by offering hands-on training to school and university students in real-world environments such as hotels and tourism facilities, in addition to its structured learning tracks. Established by the Emirates Tourism Council, the Hospitality Advisory Council serves as a strategic advisory body to the Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council on matters specific to the hospitality sector. It provides insights and data on industry developments, recommends private-sector initiatives to drive sector growth and reinforce the UAE's position as a leading global tourism destination, and offers feedback on government tourism policies and initiatives.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
HCT and GEMS Education mark two-year milestone in strategic partnership advancing Emiratization in education
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is proud to celebrate a significant milestone in its strategic partnership with GEMS Education, marking two years of impactful collaboration that continues to advance Emiratization within the UAE's education sector. Since its inception, the HCT-GEMS partnership has played a pivotal role in supporting the UAE's national vision for a knowledge-based economy by creating meaningful pathways for Emirati nationals to enter and thrive in the education workforce. The initiative has provided both employment and practical training opportunities for HCT students and graduates, equipping them with the tools needed for successful and sustainable careers. To date, GEMS Education has welcomed 49 HCT graduates into its network of schools since the launch of the partnership, offering them full-time employment opportunities that reflect their academic training and passion for teaching. In total, 95 HCT graduates have joined GEMS schools over the years, underscoring the long-standing alignment between the two institutions. In addition, 121 HCT students have taken part in hands-on apprenticeship placements across GEMS institutions, surpassing the original target and demonstrating the strong commitment both organizations have toward nurturing homegrown talent. The collaboration has also fostered broader engagement through dedicated JAHIZ Days and consistent GEMS participation in HCT Employment Expos. These activities have further strengthened the bridge between academia and industry, showcasing the capabilities of Emirati youth and preparing them for long-term professional success. Dr. Faisal Alayyan, President & Chief Executive Officer of HCT, said: ' This partnership exemplifies HCT's commitment to empowering our graduates with practical skills and career opportunities. We are proud to work alongside GEMS Education in delivering tangible outcomes that support the national Emiratization agenda and help shape the next generation of Emirati educators and professionals.' Dino Varkey, Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, added: 'We are deeply proud of our collaboration with HCT, and the progress achieved over the past two years. By welcoming talented Emirati graduates and apprentices into our schools, we are not only supporting the national Emiratization drive but also enriching our learning environments with local perspectives and leadership. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and building on its success.' Fatima Alshamsi, Vice President of Emiratisation at GEMS Education, also commented: 'This partnership reflects a shared investment in the future of our nation. The success stories emerging from our collaboration with HCT inspire us every day. Emirati youth are stepping confidently into the education sector, and at GEMS, we are honored to be part of their journey toward meaningful and impactful careers.' The two-year milestone stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through sustained collaboration between academia and industry. As both institutions look ahead, the shared ambition remains clear: to continue building a generation of empowered Emirati educators who will lead the UAE's education landscape into the future. About the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is the UAE's largest applied higher education institution, committed to preparing Emirati youth for the future economy through hands-on, industry-aligned learning. Established in 1988, HCT operates campuses across the Emirates, offering a wide range of programs in engineering, business, health sciences, computer information science, applied media, and education. HCT serves as a key driver of economic growth and social impact through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. Its leadership team champions institutional excellence, faculty transformation, and future-ready learning to empower graduates to lead in vital sectors and contribute to the nation's prosperity. About GEMS Education: GEMS Education is one of the oldest and largest K-12 private education providers in the world and a trusted and highly regarded choice for quality education in the Middle East and North Africa region. As a company founded in the UAE in 1959, it holds an unparalleled track record of providing diverse curricula and educational choices to all socio-economic means. Having started with a single school run from a private home in Dubai, GEMS remains a family business to this day. Its inspiring Founder, Sunny Varkey, and his son, Dino Varkey, who is Group Chief Executive Officer, are responsible for providing vision, insight, and strategy across the organisation. Every day, GEMS has the privilege of educating students from over 176 countries through its owned and managed schools globally. And through its growing network, as well as charitable contributions, it is fulfilling the GEMS vision of putting a quality education within the reach of every learner. Every year, students graduating from GEMS schools progress to the world's best universities. Over the past five years, GEMS students have been accepted into over 1,050 universities in 53 countries including all eight Ivy League universities in the US and all 24 Russell Group universities and colleges in the UK.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Customs launches Masar33 to empower Emiratis in logistics
Dubai – Dubai Logistics Academy has announced the launch of the first cohort of the "Certified Specialist in Customs and Trade Operations" program, developed in collaboration with (Nafis). This initiative is part of Dubai Customs' ongoing efforts to support a sustainable economic environment by empowering and upskilling Emirati talent for roles in the private logistics sector and increasing Emiratization within the industry. The program spans 32 days, comprising 27 days of classroom training and 5 days of hands-on practical training. It is accredited by the UK-based Continuing Professional Development (CPD) institute, a globally recognized authority in professional education, underscoring the program's high quality and industry relevance. Key topics include: Customs procedures and the Unified Customs Law Mirsal 2 system Trade agreements and rules of origin Incoterms Trade documentation Customs valuation and compliance standards Land, air, and sea freight operations Supply chain security standards Basics of handling customs data Upon successful completion, participants will receive the Certified Specialist in Customs and Trade Operations certificate, qualifying them for a range of roles such as freight forwarding and clearance agents, import/export specialists, customs compliance officers, operations staff, and business development professionals. Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director, Human Resources Division at Dubai Customs, stated: 'This program is a key component of Masar33, one of Dubai Customs' strategic initiatives aligned with the economic and social targets of Dubai's D33 Agenda. It focuses on equipping Emirati youth with both academic knowledge and practical skills for long-term, meaningful integration into the private workforce.' He added: 'Partnering with the private sector is essential to building a qualified national workforce capable of leading our strategic industries. We've developed a fully funded, comprehensive training program that concludes with guaranteed job placements at leading logistics companies.'
Trade Arabia
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Trade Arabia
ADNOC Distribution achieves major ESG milestones
ADNOC Distribution recently released its 2024 ESG Report, one of the most ambitious sustainability disclosures from the region's mobility and retail fuel sector to date. The report underscores ADNOC Distribution's journey from a traditional fuel retailer into a sustainability-driven mobility and convenience leader. Some standout achievements include: • 100% of UAE fleet now operates on B20 biofuels, reducing 1,468 tCO₂e annually • 100% renewable energy powers the E2GO EV charging network • Over 5.8 million bottles recycled via Reverse Vending Machines in 2024 • 25,000+ mangroves planted in 2024, which are "adoptable" by loyalty customers through the ADNOC Distribution app • 220 fast and super-fast EV chargers installed as of the end of 2024 - a 4x year-on-year increase - with ADNOC Distribution on-track to have 300 installed across the E2GO network by the end of 2025 • 5,083 MWh of solar energy generated from 31 solar photovoltaic (PV) - equipped stations • Recognition for ESG leadership by Bloomberg, FTSE, S&P Global, London Stock Exchange Group, and MSCI • 62% Emiratization rate, with significant investment in youth and women empowerment The report also highlights ADNOC Distribution's commitment to ESG governance, with the creation of a board-level ESG Subcommittee and achievement of key KPIs under its AED5.5 billion sustainability-linked loan.
