Rotana and Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches Join Hands to Nurture Hospitality Talent

Rotana, a prominent hotel management company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, aiming to develop local talent for the UAE’s thriving hospitality sector. This collaboration marks a significant step towards bolstering the region's workforce as the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, driven by the expansion of the tourism industry.

The Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy, which recently welcomed its first cohort of students, is a key player in the UAE’s hospitality education landscape. The institution offers a blend of academic and practical training, providing a well-rounded foundation for aspiring professionals. Rotana's involvement in this venture will help accelerate the development of these students, offering them opportunities for real-world experience within the company’s network of luxury hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey.

As the UAE prepares for a substantial increase in tourists and business travelers, partnerships like this are crucial to ensure that the local workforce can meet the industry's evolving needs. The Rotana-Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy alliance emphasizes practical learning, leadership development, and industry-specific expertise, setting a high standard for future graduates.

Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President of Owner Relationship Management at Rotana, highlighted that this partnership is essential for shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals in the UAE. She noted that the collaboration reflects Rotana’s commitment to contributing to the UAE’s long-term vision for tourism and hospitality excellence.

This initiative comes at a time when the UAE government has been actively promoting hospitality education and training as part of its broader economic diversification efforts. By creating pathways for local talent to enter this competitive sector, the partnership aims to reduce the reliance on expatriate workers and enhance the country's human capital in tourism.

Students enrolled in the program will benefit from internships and mentorship programs, allowing them to gain firsthand experience in hotel management. In addition, they will have access to Rotana’s expertise, with exposure to world-class hospitality standards and best practices.

By fostering the development of hospitality skills within the UAE, this initiative could also encourage more Emirati nationals to pursue careers in the sector. This is part of a broader government objective to localize key industries, aligning with the UAE's Vision 2030, which seeks to create more opportunities for local citizens while reducing the economy’s dependence on oil.