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Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai DET, Marriott International sign MoU to strengthen hospitality ecosystem
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marriott International, one of the world's largest hospitality companies, which aims to further boost the city's international visibility, diversify the destination offering, elevate guest experiences, and nurture next-generation industry talent. The MoU extends the long-standing collaborative efforts between DET and Marriott International, and marks another important step in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. Signed by Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Sandeep Walia, COO, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, the MoU reinforces their commitment to accelerate the growth of the city's tourism and hospitality sectors. The MoU sets the foundation for potential collaborations whereby Dubai will be prominently promoted to guests worldwide through Marriott International's portfolio of hotels. In addition, potential joint marketing initiatives including multi-channel advertising, high-impact social media campaigns, and influencer collaborations will spotlight Dubai's unique attractions, cultural heritage, and exceptional experiences, aiming to drive wider international awareness and visitor demand. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said, 'The growth and resilience of our tourism sector is driven by robust strategies and the collective commitment of forward-thinking partners such as Marriott International. The new MoU is inspired by visionary leadership to ensure Dubai remains at the forefront of global tourism and hospitality innovation. By leveraging the reach and expertise of one of the world's most prominent hotel groups, we are amplifying Dubai's global profile and delivering richer experiences to our visitors. As we pursue the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, such alliances embody the spirit of public-private collaboration that define Dubai's continued success in delivering unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world.' Sandeep Walia, COO, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, added, 'We are proud to have a portfolio of over 50 hotels in Dubai across all segments – select, premium and luxury, that align with the diversity of experiences the city offers for every type of traveller. DET continues to set an example of unity and cohesion between the public and private sector, and their collaboration has been an integral part of our long-standing legacy and success in this market. We remain committed to working with DET to deliver memorable moments to guests from across the globe and provide them with an opportunity to unlock and discover experiences in this beautiful destination.' Plans include the integration of Dubai's iconic landmarks, culinary scene, and immersive experiences into Marriott International's seasonal travel packages and within the group's loyalty programme offering. This initiative aims to provide guests with authentic, locally-curated experiences, deepening their connection with the city and supporting Dubai's position as a must-visit destination. The collaboration between DET and Marriott International highlights the strength of Dubai's public-private partnerships in driving sustained tourism sector growth, evidenced by a robust performance so far in 2025. Dubai welcomed 7.15 million international overnight visitors in the first four months of this year, up 7 percent on the same period last year. This follows a record 18.72 million visitors, who arrived in Dubai in 2024, a 9 percent YoY growth. To further elevate service standards, DET's Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) will deliver specialised training for hotel staff through its Dubai Way programme, featuring customised training modules focused on customer service excellence, cultural awareness, and guest relations, ensuring that hospitality professionals deliver world-class service tailored to diverse global visitors. The MoU reflects DET's ongoing efforts to establish meaningful partnerships, including the Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis launched by DCT and Marriott International in March 2025. Through this initiative, students receive exclusive internship and mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, further supporting Dubai's talent development agenda and specifically helping to build a broad pool of home-grown talent for the tourism workforce. With over 80 properties and 23,000 rooms across 23 renowned brands in the UAE – including 59 properties in Dubai alone – Marriott International continues to play a key role in shaping the city's hospitality landscape. DET's collaboration with Marriott International is part of its broader strategy to engage global industry leaders in shaping a future-ready tourism sector.
Tourism Breaking News
2 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Marriott International Enhance Collaboration with MoU to Strengthen Hospitality Ecosystem
Post Views: 32 Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marriott International which aims to further boost the city's international visibility, diversify the destination offering, elevate guest experiences, and nurture next-generation industry talent. The MoU extends the long-standing collaborative efforts between DET and Marriott International, and marks another important step in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. Signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Sandeep Walia, COO, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, the MoU reinforces their commitment to accelerate the growth of the city's tourism and hospitality sectors. The MoU sets the foundation for potential collaborations whereby Dubai will be prominently promoted to guests worldwide through Marriott International's portfolio of hotels. In addition, potential joint marketing initiatives including multi-channel advertising, high-impact social media campaigns, and influencer collaborations will spotlight Dubai's unique attractions, cultural heritage, and exceptional experiences, aiming to drive wider international awareness and visitor demand. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said: 'The growth and resilience of our tourism sector is driven by robust strategies and the collective commitment of forward-thinking partners such as Marriott International. The new MoU is inspired by visionary leadership to ensure Dubai remains at the forefront of global tourism and hospitality innovation. By leveraging the reach and expertise of one of the world's most prominent hotel groups, we are amplifying Dubai's global profile and delivering richer experiences to our visitors. As we pursue the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, such alliances embody the spirit of public-private collaboration that define Dubai's continued success in delivering unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world.' Sandeep Walia, COO, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, added: 'We are proud to have a portfolio of over 50 hotels in Dubai across all segments – select, premium and luxury, that align with the diversity of experiences the city offers for every type of traveller. DET continues to set an example of unity and cohesion between the public and private sector, and their collaboration has been an integral part of our long-standing legacy and success in this market. We remain committed to working with DET to deliver memorable moments to guests from across the globe and provide them with an opportunity to unlock and discover experiences in this beautiful destination.' Plans include the integration of Dubai's iconic landmarks, culinary scene, and immersive experiences into Marriott International's seasonal travel packages and within the group's loyalty programme offering. This initiative aims to provide guests with authentic, locally-curated experiences, deepening their connection with the city and supporting Dubai's position as a must-visit destination. The collaboration between DET and Marriott International highlights the strength of Dubai's public-private partnerships in driving sustained tourism sector growth, evidenced by a robust performance so far in 2025. Dubai welcomed 7.15 million international overnight visitors in the first four months of this year, up 7% on the same period last year. This follows a record 18.72 million visitors, who arrived in Dubai in 2024, a 9% YoY growth. To further elevate service standards, DET's Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) will deliver specialised training for hotel staff through its Dubai Way programme, featuring customised training modules focused on customer service excellence, cultural awareness, and guest relations, ensuring that hospitality professionals deliver world-class service tailored to diverse global visitors. The MoU reflects DET's ongoing efforts to establish meaningful partnerships, including the Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis launched by DCT and Marriott International in March 2025. Through this initiative, students receive exclusive internship and mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, further supporting Dubai's talent development agenda and specifically helping to build a broad pool of home-grown talent for the tourism workforce. With over 80 properties and 23,000 rooms across 23 renowned brands in the UAE – including 59 properties in Dubai alone – Marriott International continues to play a key role in shaping the city's hospitality landscape. DET's collaboration with Marriott International is part of its broader strategy to engage global industry leaders in shaping a future-ready tourism sector.
Tourism Breaking News
05-03-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Dubai College of Tourism Collaborates with Marriott International to Launch New Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis
Post Views: 79 Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) has collaborated with Marriott International to launch a new Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis, reinforcing their joint commitment to shaping the future of the UAE hospitality industry. This initiative, accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, will provide students with a comprehensive education that blends theoretical learning with hands-on experience, setting them on a path to successful careers in the hospitality industry in Dubai and the wider UAE. The Diploma in Hospitality – Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will commence its first edition in May 2025 with 40 Emirati students who will be enrolled in DCT's One Central campus, where the world-class vocational college delivers full-time certificate and advanced diploma courses in four core subject areas: tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, and events. This initiative is also in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure, with a key D33 priority being to integrate the next generation of Emiratis into the private sector. Mariam Sultan Al Maeeni, Director, Industry Nationalisation at the Dubai College of Tourism, commented: 'This new collaboration with Marriott International on the Diploma in Hospitality – Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis stands as a testament to our commitment to developing a skilled and competent workforce for the tourism and hospitality sectors, in alignment with the aspirations of our visionary leadership to integrate new generations of Emiratis into the private sector, as part of the D33 Agenda. By blending theoretical learning with practical experience, we ensure that our students gain valuable industry insights and develop essential skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. The initiative enables Emirati students to build successful careers in Dubai's thriving hospitality scene, gain comprehensive knowledge of the various areas within the sector, and assess their practical capabilities alongside their academic knowledge. We are confident that this collaboration will contribute to the continued growth and success of Dubai's hospitality industry by bringing in more local talent, and providing guests with unrivalled experiences and service.' Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said: 'As a company, we remain steadfast in our commitment to develop the future hospitality leaders of tomorrow in the region. The introduction of the Diploma in Hospitality – Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will equip young nationals with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to thrive within the travel industry and be part of the UAE's journey towards greater success. The UAE remains a focus market for us, and building a sustainable programme like this for Emiratis will be key for our current operations and future growth in this country.' The hospitality apprenticeship is a two-year programme between Marriott International and the Dubai College of Tourism, where students aged 18 and above will complete their studies for the Level 4 Diploma approved by the UAE Ministry of Education, while receiving practical training across Marriott's hotels in the UAE. As part of the apprenticeship, students will delve into core principles of overseeing hotel and restaurant services, with a focus on front office, housekeeping and food and beverage management, as well as developing essential management abilities, positioning them to excel as hotel managers. Following the completion of the programme, Marriott plans to offer graduates full-time roles within its properties in the UAE. Over 40 of Marriott's properties in the UAE, including more than 30 in Dubai alone, are participating in the first year of the initiative. These hotels play an integral part of Marriott International's strategy in the UAE, where the company's current portfolio encompasses more than 80 properties with more than 23,000 rooms across 22 brands. The programme also falls under Marriott's sustainability and social impact platform, 'Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction', which guides how the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business. From empowerment opportunities to sustainable hotel development, the platform is designed to foster business growth while balancing the needs of associates, customers, owners, the environment and communities.
Emirates 24/7
04-03-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai College of Tourism Collaborates with Marriott International to Launch New Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis
Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has collaborated with Marriott International to launch a new Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis, reinforcing their joint commitment to shaping the future of the UAE hospitality industry. This initiative, accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, will provide students with a comprehensive education that blends theoretical learning with hands-on experience, setting them on a path to successful careers in the hospitality industry in Dubai and the wider UAE. The Diploma in Hospitality - Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will commence its first edition in May 2025 with 40 Emirati students who will be enrolled in DCT's One Central campus, where the world-class vocational college delivers full-time certificate and advanced diploma courses in four core subject areas: tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, and events. This initiative is also in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure, with a key D33 priority being to integrate the next generation of Emiratis into the private sector. Mariam Sultan Al Maeeni, Director, Industry Nationalisation at the Dubai College of Tourism, commented: 'This new collaboration with Marriott International on the Diploma in Hospitality - Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis stands as a testament to our commitment to developing a skilled and competent workforce for the tourism and hospitality sectors, in alignment with the aspirations of our visionary leadership to integrate new generations of Emiratis into the private sector, as part of the D33 Agenda. By blending theoretical learning with practical experience, we ensure that our students gain valuable industry insights and develop essential skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. The initiative enables Emirati students to build successful careers in Dubai's thriving hospitality scene, gain comprehensive knowledge of the various areas within the sector, and assess their practical capabilities alongside their academic knowledge. We are confident that this collaboration will contribute to the continued growth and success of Dubai's hospitality industry by bringing in more local talent, and providing guests with unrivalled experiences and service." Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said: 'As a company, we remain steadfast in our commitment to develop the future hospitality leaders of tomorrow in the region. The introduction of the Diploma in Hospitality - Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will equip young nationals with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to thrive within the travel industry and be part of the UAE's journey towards greater success. The UAE remains a focus market for us, and building a sustainable programme like this for Emiratis will be key for our current operations and future growth in this country.' The hospitality apprenticeship is a two-year programme between Marriott International and the Dubai College of Tourism, where students aged 18 and above will complete their studies for the Level 4 Diploma approved by the UAE Ministry of Education, while receiving practical training across Marriott's hotels in the UAE. As part of the apprenticeship, students will delve into core principles of overseeing hotel and restaurant services, with a focus on front office, housekeeping and food and beverage management, as well as developing essential management abilities, positioning them to excel as hotel managers. Following the completion of the programme, Marriott plans to offer graduates full-time roles within its properties in the UAE. Over 40 of Marriott's properties in the UAE, including more than 30 in Dubai alone, are participating in the first year of the initiative. These hotels play an integral part of Marriott International's strategy in the UAE, where the company's current portfolio encompasses more than 80 properties with more than 23,000 rooms across 22 brands. The programme also falls under Marriott's sustainability and social impact platform, 'Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction', which guides how the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business. From empowerment opportunities to sustainable hotel development, the platform is designed to foster business growth while balancing the needs of associates, customers, owners, the environment and communities. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hi Dubai
04-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai College of Tourism and Marriott International Launch Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis
Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has partnered with Marriott International to introduce a new Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis. The initiative aims to cultivate local talent and strengthen the UAE's hospitality sector, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33's goal of integrating Emiratis into the private sector. The two-year Diploma in Hospitality - Apprenticeship Programme will launch its first edition in May 2025, enrolling 40 Emirati students at DCT's One Central campus. The programme combines theoretical learning with practical training across Marriott's hotels in the UAE, providing students with a Level 4 Diploma accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education. Participants will gain hands-on experience in key areas such as front office, housekeeping, and food and beverage management, preparing them for future leadership roles. Mariam Sultan Al Maeeni, Director of Industry Nationalisation at DCT, highlighted the collaboration as a significant step toward empowering Emirati youth with essential skills under the guidance of industry professionals. Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer at Marriott International, reaffirmed the company's dedication to nurturing future hospitality leaders and contributing to the UAE's long-term growth. Over 40 Marriott properties in the UAE, including more than 30 in Dubai, will participate in the initiative, with the company offering full-time roles to graduates upon completion. The programme also supports Marriott's sustainability and social impact platform, 'Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction,' promoting empowerment and sustainable business practices. This partnership marks a pivotal move in fostering a skilled Emirati workforce and enhancing Dubai's status as a global hospitality destination. News Source: Dubai Media Office
