TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Les Roches Global Hospitality revealed that the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches is set to be launched in Zayed Sports City in September 2024. The new educational institution will be housed in a historic building which seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, setting the stage for an inspiring learning journey.
TT Bureau
A popular destination for athletic events, Zayed Sports City has recently emerged as a hub for a growing number of lifestyle, entertainment, and community experiences. The arrival of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches in the district will add to the area’s cultural development.
Les Roches Global Hospitality’s inaugural campus in the region builds on its legacy since its establishment in Switzerland in 1954, ranking fifth globally in hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024). The academy aims to attract UAE nationals, as well as global talent to the industry, situated strategically in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
The hospitality industry in the emirate is witnessing exponential growth, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations. In 2023, Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector saw a remarkable surge, welcoming nearly 24 million visitors. The 27 per cent rise in hotel guests and 54 per cent increase in international guests bolstered the economy with an approximate AED49 billion contribution to the UAE’s GDP.
His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The enhancement of Abu Dhabi’s hospitality landscape is a key pillar of our roadmap for future growth. With our Tourism Strategy 2030 having set ambitious targets for increasing visits to the emirate, we aim to further elevate Abu Dhabi’s world-renowned hospitality offering and ensure its wide appeal to travellers from around the globe. Building the sector and talent in hospitality is crucial to these ambitions; the innovative curriculum of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches will guarantee the industry access to a steady stream of homegrown talent and a wealth of expertise, enabling a sustainable hospitality ecosystem.”
Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO, Les Roches Global Hospitality, said: “We are thrilled of this new step forward for this ambitious project that will bring our legacy of excellence in hospitality education to the heart of the UAE. Our mission is to prepare students to thrive in a hospitality sector that is future-proof, authentic, and uniquely Emirati.”
The institution will initially offer a bachelor’s degree and will introduce two master’s degrees in 2025. These programmes will combine traditional hospitality education with specialised Emirati-centric courses to deliver tailored training to students. Undergraduate students will be introduced to Emirati hospitality in their first semester through courses such as Hospitality Discovery Experience in the Emirates, Emirati Hospitality Culture, and Emirati Cuisine and Pastry.
Georgette Davey, the newly appointed Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, commented: “Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches will be training and preparing the next generation of industry leaders that uphold the values and authenticity of Emirati hospitality. We are honoured to be part of this unique journey.”
