Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority celebrates graduating 30 students enrolled in the Tourism Youth Summer Programme

Dubai, UAE, August 13, 2016:  Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) held a graduation ceremony today (Thursday) at the Park Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi for 30 Emirati students enrolled in the eighth Tourism Youth Summer Programme.

Supporting this programme is consistent with the Authority's strategic vision, which aims to provide Emirati students with professional development opportunities, as well as strengthening Abu Dhabi's status in the global tourism sector. The Authority plans to achieve this objective by encouraging the youth of Abu Dhabi to work in the tourism sector through highlighting its activities, economic and social importance, and the professional development opportunities it offers.

Fatima Al Melhi, Acting Industry Sustainability Section Manager at TCA Abu Dhabi, said: "The Tourism Youth Summer Programme played a great role in encouraging participants to work in the tourism sector, in addition to improving their skills in a manner that supports our plan to motivate Emirati students to engage in this vital sector and take part in its various functions.

"TCA Abu Dhabi is committed to ensuring the growth and prosperity of Abu Dhabi by giving it a strong position in the world of global tourism, which is one of the priorities of this annual programme. Students were encouraged to engage in hotel business and gain necessary expertise and skills." 

Al Melhi added that the graduation ceremony marked the beginning of a new start for a unique Emirati generation responsible for working in the field of tourism and preparing tour guides. "These graduates will only further improve the quality of our cultural heritage offering and tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi," she said.

Students participating in the Tourism Youth Summer Programme - between 18 and 21 years old - engaged with a range of workshops and seminars focussed on the sector as well as the careers associated with it for 3 weeks, from July 24th to August 11th. In addition, the students were able to experience hands-on training that allowed them to gain specialised and professional skills in the hospitality and tourism sectors. 

Speaking about his participation in the Tourism Youth Summer Programme, Nasser Hashem AlKaabi said: “I do encourage UAE nationals who have a passion for the tourism and hospitality industry to participate in these programmes. The programme has been shown to significantly develop values of self-reliance and creativity across different areas of the industry.” 

As for Shaikha Yousef Al Neaimi, who participated in the training programme as well, she said: “This experience has helped me acquire a more comprehensive view of the tourism and hospitality industry by identifying the different necessary skills and experiences found in the sector.”

The workshops were delivered in English and covered a wide range of topics, including culture, hospitality, aviation, tours, events, attractions, sports tourism, entertainment and entrepreneurship. 

Participants also listened to Emirati speakers working in the tourism sector as they showcased their successful experiences, their expertise, and their views on the industry. 

A group of notable hotel brands took part in training the students enrolled in the programme, including the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, the Ritz-Carton Grand Canal Abu Dhabi, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel, the St. Regis Abu Dhabi, the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, the Traders Hotel by Shangri-La and the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche.