Dubai College of Tourism: Industry-ready, career-ready

Khaleej Times

30-06-2025

Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism, shares how DCT is redefining vocational education with practical, skills-based programmes.
Can you give us an overview of the education programs Dubai College of Tourism offers and the vision that drives your approach to learning?
Inspired by our city's visionary leadership and to position Dubai as a global hub for education and innovation, Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), pioneers practical, career-focused education to empower the next generation of tourism professionals. DCT offers an alternative to the traditional academic route by delivering certificate, diploma and advanced diploma programmes across four core specialisations: tourism, events, hospitality, and culinary arts. The qualifications provide a flexible study model which allows students to go directly into the workforce. Alternatively, graduates of DCT's advanced diploma programmes can apply for direct entry into Year 3 of selected bachelor's degrees at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland.
DCT also offers unique apprenticeship programmes based on the 'earn while you learn' model, delivered in partnership with global industry leaders such as Marriott International. These programmes combine paid, hands-on workplace training with classroom-based learning at the DCT campus, providing a smooth and seamless transition from education to employment.
Located at One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre within the DET headquarters, DCT serves students from diverse backgrounds, reflecting Dubai's cosmopolitan make-up of nearly 200 nationalities. DCT's vision, rooted in Dubai's aspiration to remain at the forefront of the world's most visited and recommended destinations, champions a belief that success is diverse and dynamic. We are dedicated to equipping Dubai's youth with the skills, confidence and industry exposure they need to thrive in the real world, whether they pursue higher education or step directly into the workforce.
What does educational success look like at DCT, and how does this perspective contrast with that of other institutions and universities?
At DCT, educational success is defined by empowering students to excel in the tourism ecosystem. This is measured not only by academic achievement but by employability and professional growth in the workplace. Many of our students graduate into full-time roles or progress to international degree programmes, often while continuing to work.
Unlike traditional universities, DCT prioritises small class sizes and hands-on learning. We place a great emphasis on making sure our graduates are industry- ready and achieve this through instructors who are industry leaders, site visits to major attractions and landmarks in Dubai, a guest speaker programme, plenty of volunteering opportunities, and guaranteed internships. This results in our students graduating with an established professional network and a CV full of experience. Ultimately, success for our students means finding meaningful employment in the field they are passionate about.
It is important to note that we are an accredited training provider of the UAE Ministry of Education, and our curriculum is validated by the National Qualifications Centre (NQC) against the UAE National Qualifications Framework of the UAE (QFEmirates). DCT is also an approved vocational college by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai.
From your perspective, why are diploma and skills-based learning pathways gaining importance in the modern job market?
In a rapidly evolving global job market, skills-based learning pathways, like those offered through DCT, are vital for preparing talent to drive Dubai's vision of a connected tourism economy. Employers are increasingly prioritising practical skills, adaptability, and on-the-job experience over purely academic credentials. Skills-based pathways like those offered by DCT provider a faster, more direct route into employment, with a strong emphasis on applied learning that meets the tourism sector's demand for agile professionals. In a city like Dubai — where tourism, events, and hospitality significantly contribute to economic growth — this type of education is especially valuable, and our programmes align directly with the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. Catering to the needs of the industry by making graduates immediately relevant to employers,these pathways also offer greater accessibility and flexibility, opening doors for students from all backgrounds.
How does DCT ensure its programs stay relevant to industry demands, particularly in tourism and hospitality, and what kind of real-world experience do your students gain through partnerships?
DCT is at the forefront of tourism education, ensuring our programmes reflect Dubai's ambition to lead global hospitality innovation. DCT brings together a dynamic Industry Advisory Council of professionals with expertise spanning across our faculties: tourism, events, hospitality and culinary arts. The Council ensures our programme offerings and curriculum remains up to date and relevant to industry needs. Our instructors come from the industry, not just academia, allowing them to share their stories and experiences to bring the learning to life. Students at DCT are privileged to access a range of top internships, site visits and live projects; examples include tours of the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, visits to Google, and internships in MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Our industry connections enable us to provide students with superb volunteering opportunities at prestigious events such as Dubai Fashion Week, the Dubai World Cup and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which all provide a fantastic learning environment.
One standout example is our recently launched apprenticeship model, which sees students employed and trained simultaneously in leading hospitality businesses across Dubai. Collaborations with industry partners ensure that our graduates are job-ready and confident from day one.
What strategies does DCT use to prepare students for both domestic and international careers?
DCT prepares students to excel in Dubai's global tourism network, equipping them with skills to connect with cultures and markets worldwide. Our curriculum emphasises globally transferable skills, including customer service excellence, digital marketing, cross-cultural communication, and professional English, all aligned with international standards. We also offer internationally recognised qualifications, such as the advanced diploma, which gives students the opportunity to progress into the third year of a UK bachelor's degree at Edinburgh Napier University.
Through real-world training and internships with multinational brands, students adapt to diverse industry demands, ensuring they are competitive in Dubai or abroad.
How is DCT supporting national goals like economic diversification and youth development through its education model?
DCT plays a vital role in supporting the UAE's vision for economic diversification by developing local talent for sectors like tourism and hospitality, which are central to Dubai's long-term strategy. Our model is specifically designed to upskill Emirati youth and residents through practical education and entry-level career pathways, creating a pipeline of qualified, enthusiastic professionals who contribute to sustainable national growth.
Our apprenticeship programme, for example, directly supports Emiratisation and youth employment goals by offering paid training roles for young nationals across Dubai's key tourism and hospitality businesses.
What flexible learning options — such as part-time or online pathways — does DCT offer for students balancing work or other commitments?
DCT promotes diversity and integration, providing adaptable learning pathways to empower Dubai's varied learners in pursuing global tourism careers.
Currently our certificate and advanced diploma programmes do involve a full- time commitment.
Our apprenticeship programme is also designed with flexibility in mind — allowing students to earn while they learn, with time split between the classroom and the workplace.
What are DCT's plans for the next five years, and how do you see your role evolving in the future of education across Dubai, the UAE, and the wider region?
Looking ahead, DCT is focused on scaling up our apprenticeship offerings, expanding access to our programmes through digital platforms, and deepening our partnerships with employers across the UAE. We also aim to build more academic pathways with international universities, giving students even greater flexibility in how they shape their futures.
As Dubai continues to lead the region in tourism and innovation, we see DCT playing a central role in preparing the workforce of tomorrow – agile, skilled, and ready to deliver world-class guest experiences.
'What I love about DCT, is that it is really welcoming, the community is close-knit and everyone is always interacting with each other and making friends with each other, even when we're not in the same programme.
I think students should come to DCT because there are so many opportunities that it has to offer, such as the volunteering opportunities, for example at F1 Abu Dhabi or Dubai Fashion Week," says Lee Angela Castillon, Tourism student, currently completing internship as a Marketing Intern at Atlantis Resorts.
Empowered Today. Employed Tomorrow.
Why DCT?
Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) is Dubai's premier tourism and hospitality college, designed to equip you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in your career. Established by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), DCT aims to be a world-class vocational college, offering a wide range of initiatives such as industry site visits, guest lectures, internship placements, and volunteering opportunities. This hands-on approach sets DCT apart in the industry.
Admissions open for September 2025 intake. Scholarships available.