Full Breakdown
Transforming Hospitality Education in Abu Dhabi
10/23/2025, 1:33:58 PM
Localizing Hospitality Training at Les Roches
Les Roches, a Swiss hospitality academy, has opened a new campus in Abu Dhabi, aiming to reshape the local hospitality industry by fostering Emirati talent. Scott Richardson, the academic dean, emphasizes the importance of providing an "Emirati welcome" to guests, marking a significant shift from a historically imported workforce to one that is locally sourced. The initiative reflects Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to enhance its cultural identity within the luxury hospitality sector, which has traditionally relied on European and South Asian expertise.
The new campus, strategically located near cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, is designed to cultivate local leadership in hospitality. Georgette Davey, the managing director, notes that the curriculum is tailored to encompass not just hotel management but also luxury retail and theme park operations, reflecting the diverse nature of the hospitality industry today.
Increasing Emirati Representation
The academy has seen a dramatic increase in Emirati enrollment, with approximately 95% of current students being UAE nationals. This shift is indicative of a growing recognition of the importance of local representation in hospitality roles. Tahnoon Al Qubaisi, an Emirati student currently placed at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, articulates that hospitality is ingrained in Emirati culture, emphasizing the natural inclination to serve and honor guests.
Richardson also highlights plans to increase the number of Emirati professors at the academy, further embedding local culture into the curriculum. This approach not only enhances the educational experience but also aligns with Abu Dhabi's goal of creating 178,000 tourism-related jobs by 2030, with a significant portion intended for Emiratis.
Impact on the Hospitality Sector
The establishment of Les Roches Abu Dhabi is expected to have a ripple effect across the local hospitality landscape. As Emirati students gain experience in top-tier hotels and tourism entities, the industry is anticipated to become more culturally nuanced and representative of the local population. Mohammed Al Hammadi, another Emirati student, underscores the importance of this initiative in meeting the emirate's employment goals.
The academy's focus on local talent is part of a broader movement within Abu Dhabi to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on foreign labor. By investing in education and training for Emiratis, the emirate aims to build a sustainable hospitality sector that reflects its unique cultural identity.
Official Statements and Responses
Les Roches Abu Dhabi's leadership has expressed strong commitment to this educational model. Richardson stated, “We couldn’t just copy-and-paste a European model. Hospitality is cultural. It’s about how you make people feel.” Davey echoed this sentiment, highlighting the academy's role in shaping a new generation of hospitality leaders who are well-versed in both service excellence and cultural nuances.
Conclusion
The opening of Les Roches in Abu Dhabi represents a pivotal moment in the emirate's hospitality sector, aiming to localize training and empower Emirati talent. As the academy continues to grow, it is poised to redefine the standards of hospitality in the region, ensuring that the industry not only thrives but also resonates with the cultural heritage of the UAE. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving a more inclusive and representative hospitality landscape in Abu Dhabi.
