Initiative invests in the next generation of Emirati talent to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s world-class tourism sector
Abu Dhabi, UAE –July 2026: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has celebrated the successful completion of its inaugural UAE Bootcamp Career Builder Recognition Programme, with 21 high-performing young Emirati hospitality professionals graduating from an intensive international development programme at the world-renowned Les Roches Marbella hospitality school in Spain.
The initiative marks DCT Abu Dhabi’s first dedicated recognition and professional development programme for outstanding Emirati talent working across the hospitality sector, reinforcing the department’s commitment to strengthening Emiratisation and investing in the future leadership of Abu Dhabi’s visitor economy.
Delivered over eight days at the Les Roches campus in Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, the immersive programme exposed participants to global hospitality best practices while developing leadership capabilities, service excellence, innovation, and international perspectives.
The cohort of 21 participants (12 women and 9 men) completed five core learning modules covering Hospitality Foundations; Guest Experience and Culture; Shadowing and Reflection; Career Pathways and Next Steps; and Innovation and Youth in Hospitality.
Participants were nominated by 15 hotels across Abu Dhabi in recognition of their outstanding performance and future leadership potential. The programme not only supports the development of Emirati talent but also helps participating hotels strengthen their internal talent pipelines while contributing to the emirate’s wider Emiratisation ambitions.
HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “With Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality sectors on long-term growth trajectories, there is an increasing need to develop a pipeline of skilled national frontliners equipped with global perspectives and industry expertise. This initiative addresses that need by providing high-performing nationals with opportunities to enhance their capabilities, expand their exposure, and contribute to the continued growth of the sector. The future success of our visitor economy will be shaped by the talent we invest in today, and these graduates represent a new generation of Emirati professionals who will help define the hospitality experience of tomorrow.”
Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, said: “Any destination aspiring to strengthen its position as a competitive, sustainable, and global tourism hub needs professionals prepared in innovation, excellence, and responsible experience management. That is the vision we share with DCT Abu Dhabi on the transformative power of education, and why investing in people is ultimately an investment in the future of the destination. Hospitality has the potential to become a driver of economic growth, social development, and long-term opportunity, and in this first cohort we already see the future Abu Dhabi is building.”
Hotels that achieved their Emiratisation targets were invited to nominate top-performing Emirati employees aged 18 to 26, with a minimum of two years of experience in the hospitality sector and a performance rating of Very Good or Excellent. Successful candidates were selected from hotels across Abu Dhabi City and Al Ain Region.
The programme is planned to continue on an annual basis, with the next cohort anticipated during the summer of 2027.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
About Les Roches:
Les Roches is a distinguished Swiss institution dedicated to fostering innovative and entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow in the hospitality industry. Founded in 1954 in Switzerland, Les Roches offers undergraduate, graduate degrees and executive programs in Luxury, Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management. Les Roches has campuses across Switzerland, Spain, the UAE and China, as well as partner campus in New Delhi.
Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Les Roches ranks No. 2 globally in Hospitality & Leisure Management (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).
Les Roches has received official recognition from the Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC) as a University of Applied Sciences Institute and is also accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
