Tag Archives: training

Qatar Tourism, through the Service Excellence Academy, has launched a new training program titled ‘Qatar Ambassadors: The Road to Excellence’, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Police Officers Institute of the Ministry of Interior, with the aim of improving the visitor experience at all entry and exit ports by developing the skills and knowledge of port and passport officers. The first-of-its-kind training program lasted for three days and concluded with the handing over of 20 graduates certificates of completion on October 22 at the Civil Defense Officers Club. During the program, the important role of passport officers as “ambassadors of Qatar” who make first and last impressions that often last for visitors was recalled. Interns gain the experience and skills to deliver exceptional services and seamless experiences for all passengers. The program aims to enable officers to deal with diverse situations with professionalism, empathy and care, by enhancing their effective communication skills, emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity. The program includes five modules: the role of migration in the travel experience, mastering effective communication skills, striving for excellence, emotional intelligence, and Qatar ambassadors. Commenting on the training programme, Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Acting Head of Tourism Development, said: “The Qatar Ambassadors: The Road to Excellence programme is a joint effort and collaboration between Qatar Tourism’s Academy of Service Excellence and the Police Officers Institute to provide training for frontline workers dealing face-to-face with visitors to Qatar, as the first to receive visitors upon arrival in Qatar. The role they play in representing Qatar is vital to maintaining the mental image of our country in front of visitors. At Qatar Tourism, we are committed to achieving the highest standards of …

Sabre Corporation partnered with Diwan of Royal Court, Royal Court Affairs, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Sultanate of Oman to deliver a series of workshops. These sessions are designed to support the Omani government’s broader digital transformation initiative by upskilling the travel management departments within these entities, enhancing operational efficiency, and automating manual processes. Held at Sabre’s regional headquarters in Bahrain, these two weeks of training sessions represent the first collaboration of this kind between Sabre and the Omani government, reaffirming Sabre’s leadership in Oman’s government travel sector. Building on a 15-year partnership, Sabre has supported these key Omani government entities with advanced solutions to elevate their travel management capabilities. This collaboration is the latest milestone, offering a training program that equips teams with the skills to use advanced tools like Sabre 360 Graphical View and New Distribution Capability (NDC). It also emphasizes best practices to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance operational excellence. “We are proud to be partnering with the Omani government on this initiative, which is a testament to our commitment to empowering governments with advanced technology, tools and training,” said Ramzi Al Qassab, Managing Director, Sabre Travel Network Middle East. “By equipping the Omani government with the skills to leverage our advanced tools, we are not only enhancing their operational efficiency but also reinforcing the trust and reliability that have been the foundation of our partnership for over a decade. This collaboration exemplifies Sabre’s role in helping governments achieve their strategic goals, including cost savings and operational excellence.” As Oman pioneers its ambitious digital transformation, it is the first government in the region to launch such a strategic training program to modernize the travel …

Gulf Air to train 70 Bahrainis in the aviation sector with Tamkeen. Gulf Air signed two agreements with Labour Fund (Tamkeen) aimed at supporting the training of Bahrainis as pilots and aviation engineers. This comes as a continuation of the ongoing collaboration between the two organizations over the past years, with the goal of strengthening national capabilities in aviation by providing specialized training and creating promising and sustainable job opportunities. The support includes training 50 Bahrainis as second officers and 24 Bahrainis in aviation engineering, both specialized fields requiring a high level of technical expertise and creating high-quality jobs in the aviation sector. This comes as a continuation of Tamkeen’s training support to 110 pilots at the company. Commenting on this initiative, Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, emphasized Tamkeen’s commitment to supporting Bahraini talent to excel in various sectors and specialties, with the goal of making Bahrainis the preferred choice for employment. She stated: “We take pride in this partnership with Gulf Air Group and the promising opportunities it provides for Bahrainis in the aviation sector, which offers high-income jobs and diverse growth and development opportunities both locally and internationally. This partnership aligns with our ongoing efforts on providing training opportunities that refine national talent according to the highest global standards, preparing Bahrainis to enter and succeed in the aviation sector, which is a vital and important industry in the Kingdom.” Tamkeen’s support for the private sector in Bahrain is aligned with its 2024 strategic priorities focused on economic impact and the private sector under three pillars: increasing economic participation through employment opportunities for new market entrants, expanding career development opportunities available to the Bahraini workforce, and …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) celebrated the graduation of 57 Emirati students from its Tourism Youth Summer Camp 2024. This initiative aligns with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the newly launched Tourism Strategy 2030 by empowering over 60 students annually to drive growth in the emirate’s tourism and hospitality sector. Completing its 11th edition this summer, the two-week programme introduced participants aged 16–21 to Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality sector. The graduation was attended by participants, their families, key industry partners, and government officials, including: Fergus Bugg, Senior Vice President of Guest Experience at Miral Destinations, Salama Al Shamsi, Culture Sites Management Department Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, Ziad Makhlouf, Director of HR at Abu Dhabi National Hotels, Amna Al Suwaidi, Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (NAFIS); Maral Jule Bedoyan, Education and Learning Resources Manager at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Across 11 highly successful editions of the Tourism Summer Youth Camp, DCT Abu Dhabi has strategically fostered growth within the sector, fulfilling our mandate to build capacity and meet tourism demand now and for years to come. We are proactively encouraging and engaging talented Emiratis, who represent the future of travel and hospitality in Abu Dhabi. We are committed to championing our youth, ensuring they are empowered to contribute to the sustainable development and economic growth of the emirate.” During their five-day placement at 22 prestigious Abu Dhabi hotels (ranging from 4- to 5-star), students rotated through various departments, including the front desk, food and beverage service, kitchen, recreation, and events. This experience provided them with a comprehensive understanding of the …

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has implemented two pioneering initiatives that focused on training human resources in working in luxury coastal resorts and travel agencies according to the best international practices. One of the initiatives targeted 1,059 trainees working in major Red Sea tourism projects such as Red Sea Global, Cruise Saudi, and NEOM. The training, which focused on customer service experiences and safety principles, was conducted as part of the second edition of the Tourism Trailblazers Program. (SPA report) The other initiative entailed increasing the public and private sectors integration through collaboration between the ministry and the authority in selecting elite human resources working in luxury coastal resorts and tourism marine agents organizing luxury cruise trips. These selected individuals participated in a specialized training program on a European cruise liner, accredited by the University of Plymouth, in partnership with Dale Carnegie UK and supervised by Umm Al-Qura University. The initiative aims to equip trainees with the skills and expertise needed in hospitality and guest service, and manage various hospitality-related operations on board cruise ships. These initiatives reflect the Ministry of Tourism’s and SRSA’s commitment to training national talent in the coastal tourism sector and their vital role in making Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast a leading coastal tourism destination. SRSA aims to provide over 210,000 jobs by 2030 and contribute more than SAR85 billion to the GDP that same year.

During H1 2024, 832 employees across 26 prominent Dubai’s hotels and touristic destinations participated in special workshops on safe tourism, with more scheduled for the remainder of the year. Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), a part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has organised a series of awareness workshops as part of the Safe Tourism Awareness Programme. The workshops aim to familiarise hospitality staff with DET’s services, teach optimal utilisation of these services, and inform them about communication channels dedicated for various tourism services in Dubai. They also educate employees about consumer rights and duties, ensuring guests and visitors understand how to contact the Consumer Protection Department. This includes displaying the consumer protection number in a visible location, as well as the contact details for submitting complaints. These efforts enhance guest confidence in the transparency of these establishments, further solidifying Dubai’s position as the best city to visit, live and work in. Additionally, the workshops present case studies highlighting services provided by relevant entities, such as Dubai Police smart services, the Lost and Found service, and key hotlines for consumers (999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergencies and general inquiries). These efforts underscore the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to create a safe tourism environment. Organised in collaboration with Dubai Tourist Police Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation (CID) , Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Municipality and the Directorate General Of Civil Defense Dubai, these workshops are designed to enhance Dubai’s status as one the world’s safest cities. Ahmad Ali Moussa, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at DCCPFT, said: “Recognising Dubai’s position as a leading global destination, …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Emirates, and Airbus have joined forces to deliver a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) program for the Airbus A350 type rating, as Emirates prepares for the delivery of its fleet of 65 A350s from mid-2024. An initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained as part of the new course at Emirates’ Training college in Dubai starting from July 2024. The joint work combines the respective expertise of the three organizations. IATA will focus on program design using its published guidance for CBTA. Airbus will contribute knowledge of the aircraft along with its own CBTA experience. Emirates will use its CBTA training and operational experience. This collaboration will create and deliver the first A350 type rating training in full alignment with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for CBTA training and with the best practices contained in the IATA CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training. “Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus and IATA to design and deliver A350 type rating training is a unique opportunity. Our joint aim is to fully utilize the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 in the most efficient and effective way possible. And by doing it together all three organizations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s SVP for Operations, Safety and Security. “Emirates uses cutting-edge training programs so our pilots are among the most competent flight crew in the world. The tailored CBTA program for the A350 supports the integration of 65 new A350 aircraft, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350 Type Rating course. This commitment enhances passenger safety and comfort, …

202 students from 24 UAE schools made a splash at Emirates Aviation University’s seventh Water Rocket Competition, held in collaboration with Boeing. Students in grades 11 and 12 from schools across the UAE built rockets using materials at hand. Each year, the challenge for participants is to launch water rockets at a 45-degree angle, powered solely by water and air pressure. Students design creative nose cones and fins for enhanced impact protection. During the competition they also learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. This year, teams had two hours to complete the task and were given two attempts to launch their rockets. Professor Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University, said: “Emirates Aviation University is committed to innovating and fostering creativity in young minds. Our annual Water Rocket Competition is not just exciting for the student community, it’s also an opportunity to bring in the best and brightest young minds of the country together, challenge them, and encourage them to think about STEM careers. Watching students brainstorm, collaborate, and construct these rockets is an eye-opening experience every year. We hope they are inspired to become leaders in science and engineering. We thank Boeing for their support and for making this challenge a success once again.” Kuljit Ghata-Aura, Boeing President in the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, added: “From launching the Arab world’s first uncrewed mission to Mars to signing the Artemis Accords, the UAE is rapidly emerging as a leader in space exploration. At Boeing, we have been part of every major U.S. endeavor to escape Earth’s gravity. We are excited to continue to partner with Emirates Aviation University to inspire a new generation of …

WingsWay Training institute secures its title as the best training institute for the second consecutive year at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023 held at Sofitel Downtown Dubai. Shakir Kantawala – Co-founder & Managing Partner -WingsWay Training Institute shared, “ this incredible honour for the second year in succession provides a sense of fulfilment. It adds value for students & learners who trust us with their careers and professional lives. Winning symbolizes a further commitment and promise towards excellence in all that we do. It will drive us to become the best, not just in the Middle East but across the World.” The sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards concluded at Sofitel downtown Dubai graced by HE Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil bin Shamsuddin, Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE as Chief Guest presenting the awards to the stars of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. An exclusive invitation only event gathered all the key leaders from travel, tourism and hospitality across the GCC.

As part of its ongoing endeavours to empower national competencies and enhance their skills and experiences in the tourism sector, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) announced the launch of the first of a kind “Leadership Development Academy” and introduced its programmes (SHIFT & LIFT). The academy launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Al Mutasim Said Al Sariri, OMRAN Group’s Vice Chairman, and witnessed the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors, CEO and officials from OMRAN Group, subsidiaries, and owned hospitality assets at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The Leadership Development Academy serves as a platform to enhance the leadership skills of the local competencies and foster a motivating professional environment. In addition to providing the tourism sector with qualified leaders who actively contribute to achieving this promising sector’s growth and development. Commenting on this occasion, Dr.Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, said: “OMRAN Group is devoted to providing various programmes and initiatives that aim to harness national competencies, equip them with the knowledge, insights, and strategies needed to drive the growth and sustainability of our nation’s tourism sector.” He further added, “We affirm our commitment to investing in our human capital and their development in alignment with the national tourism strategy and our corporate objectives.” The ‘SHIFT’ programme will provide training courses in different management and leadership roles within the sector. Its first phase includes 40 participants from management levels at OMRAN Group and its subsidiaries. On the other hand, the ‘LIFT’ programme involves 20 candidates from hospitality assets, concentrating on developing leadership skills specifically for the hospitality industry. To ensure the high quality of the training …