How Dubai's Evolving Tourism Sector Can Take Students Higher

It is no secret that Dubai is one of the most popular and most visited tourist destinations in the world. The emirate’s efforts to globalize itself, and become the sweetest spot in the MENA region, as far as tourism is concerned, are well-known and well-shown. In the past few years Dubai has strategically placed itself in a position where it has been able to take up unique initiatives to drive its tourism sector. One such endeavor has been that the emirate’s tourism industry is evolving itself to the extent that it is planning to involve education in order to meet its goals.

In April of this year, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) unveiled the launch of the Dubai College of Tourism. The facility is set up to facilitate the training of upcoming professionals who want to foray into the country’s tourism sector. This initiative by Dubai’s tourism department sheds light at how the emirate is gearing up to design and devise means and opportunities by which its tourism sector can play a significant role in inspiring students to get attracted to the industry, as well as further education.

The core idea backing up this move by the emirate’s government is that it wants to create a platform for education. Moreover, the main plan is to educate and empower a group of future leaders, business persons, entrepreneurs, and employees who will help in the expansion and growth of the UAE’s travel and tourism sector. The government is keen on building a solid and well-defined team of highly-trained professionals in its hospitality sector, to cater to the tall lineup of hospitality projects which are in the works.

Furthermore, the intention is to utilize means of education to provide and further enhance the skills and acumen of the UAE nationals. The new educational facility will be wired with prolific educational and training programs which will enable UAE’s local populace to establish themselves within the tourism industry and its evolution. It is interesting to note that the college has lined up a selection of vocational courses – which are both practical and flexible – for students to pursue and excel in. These are centered on five faculties in particular - tourism, events, hospitality, retail and culinary arts.

The entire educational curriculum of all the programs will be accredited by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The college is a government-backed initiative and it will open its doors to the first batch of students in September this year.

"Developing a knowledgeable and well-rounded hospitality workforce that delivers exceptional customer service is key to Dubai’s rapidly expanding tourism industry”, quoted Essa bin Hadher, general manager of the college. It is quite clear that the UAE government and Dubai’s governance in particular is aiming to widen horizons as well as prepare a workforce which is as vibrant and well-equipped to meet the demands of the travel and tourism sector, specifically. He further added, “"Supported by the Government, Dubai College of Tourism is dedicated to delivering ‘best-in-class’ vocational educational programmes that will develop key skills, provide practical on-the-job experience and ensure we meet the needs of both learners and employers."

The launch of Dubai College of Tourism is seen as part and parcel of the bigger picture – that is the Dubai Expo 2020. The college is a strategic move as part of the Dubai Tourism’s strategy. The emirate is gearing up to welcome as many as 20 million visitors in the mega event. It is poised to elevate UAE’s standing in the international arena as well as provide a major boost to the nation’s economy.