The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has graduated 21 Emirati hospitality professionals from its inaugural UAE Bootcamp Career Builder Recognition Programme, delivered at Les Roches Marbella hospitality school in Spain.
The eight-day programme recognised high-performing Emirati talent and focused on developing leadership skills, service excellence, innovation and global hospitality perspectives. Participants completed five modules covering hospitality foundations, guest experience, career pathways, innovation and youth in hospitality.
The cohort, comprising 12 women and 9 men, was nominated by 15 hotels across Abu Dhabi based on performance and leadership potential. The initiative supports Emiratisation efforts while helping hospitality businesses build future talent pipelines.
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.”
The programme is set to continue annually, with the next cohort expected in summer 2027.
