Tourism Breaking News
Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), which has a dedicated Industry Nationalisation division, Medyaf, and Al-Futtaim Group recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will help further enhance cooperation between the two entities, specifically in training and providing employment to national cadres in the hospitality and retail sectors. The MoU was signed by Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism and Mrs. Mira Al Futtaim, Board Director, Al Futtaim Education Foundation and Group Emiratisation Ambassador at Al-Futtaim Group at a ceremony held at the Innovation Hub at Al-Futtaim Festival Tower, and which was also attended by several senior officials and executives from both DCT and Al-Futtaim Group.
Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism, commented: “The Dubai College of Tourism welcomes this cooperation agreement with the Al Futtaim Group that will further strengthen and highlight the role of Medyaf and its continued support to the Emiratisation programme across the tourism ecosystem. This MoU is considered an essential step for establishing a mutually beneficial partnership, primarily to highlight the many advantages of working in this industry and assist national cadres looking to grow within the tourism and retail sectors.”
Commenting on the partnership, Mrs. Mira Al Futtaim, Board Director, Al Futtaim Education Foundation and Group Emiratisation Ambassador at Al-Futtaim Group, said: “Al-Futtaim Group continues to support the UAE Vision 2021 and its 50 project government plans by attracting and promoting UAE talent within our group. We are honoured to partner with DCT as it actively introduces UAE nationals to the private sector, equipping them with the right skills and knowledge to succeed in their careers, as well as bringing a hospitality mindset to our retail businesses. We aim to build a retail workforce that is capable of maintaining Al-Futtaim Group’s leadership in tandem with the rapid transformation and dynamic nature of the economy, as well as continue to develop initiatives to support the government’s plans for nationalization.”
Régis Schultz, President, Retail, Al-Futtaim Group said: “Al-Futtaim Group is laser-focused on continuing its efforts to developing our Emirati talent with our Emiratisation strategy providing opportunities for skilled Emiratis, from fresh graduates to seasoned professionals to help them enhance their careers within the retail sector. Our partnership with DCT gives renewed impetus to our business’ nationalisation goals and brings the theme ‘bringing a hospitality mindset to Al-Futtaim Group’s retail business’ to the surface. We are delighted to work with this leading institution to reach potential candidates and pursue workforce growth plans, as we continue to invest in training programmes for current employees.
This agreement follows a series of MoUs established by the College with a number of partners in the tourism ecosystem, as part of its strategy aimed at training national cadres to occupy jobs in the travel and tourism, hospitality, retail, and events sectors, as well as culinary arts.
Medyaf, established in 2016, is the Industry Nationalisation division of the Dubai College of Tourism. The programme aims to attract and train Emiratis for suitable careers in the tourism sector with the aim of enhancing the destination offering and visitor experience. To achieve this, Medyaf develops specialised courses and training programmes specifically designed for Emiratis to enhance their capabilities and hone their skills, and to enable them to be a part of the next generation tourism workforce. The programme facilitates the participation of talented Emirati nationals in career fairs and Open Days. In addition to providing career counseling to students, the Emirati Tour Guide Programme within Medyaf provides internships, as well as volunteering opportunities for talented Emiratis. Medyaf also partners with stakeholders to help students choose the right career path, and ultimately, a suitable employer.
