Latest news with #DubaiCollegeofTourism
The National
22-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Dubai launches academy for travel influencers to ‘amplify global appeal'
Dubai has launched an academy for travel content creators to boost tourism and support digital storytelling projects. It is hoped that the 'Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai' initiative will help promote the city's global image. It will introduce formal standards, structure and accountability to a previously informal field. The curriculum is designed to develop creative and commercial skills combining technical proficiency with marketing principles. After completing the programme, they will be awarded a certificate of participation from Dubai College of Tourism. Influencers interested in enrolling can apply online through the Beautiful Destinations website. The academy session will take place in Dubai from May 2025, lasting three months. 'The launch of this innovative programme with Beautiful Destinations is a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in the tourism sector,' said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. 'By providing a dedicated space for content creators, we aim to amplify Dubai's global appeal and further solidify our position as the best city to visit, live, and work in.' It follows the formation of the Creators HQ earlier this year, which aims to attract 10,000 influencers to the UAE. This will serve to 'empower creators, amplify their impact, and establish sustainable frameworks for the booming creator economy', according to the government. It was established with 100 members drawn from 20 countries, including some of the world's leading content creators as well as those championing the rise of the sector. The hub, launched at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January, will also allow influencers to apply for a 10-year residency golden visa. The initiative has been endorsed by many of the world's most prominent names in the field of written or visual content, including Meta, TikTok, X, Spotter, Creator Now, Tube Filter, Epidemic Sound and the New Media Academy. 'Today we spearhead major efforts dedicated to building a comprehensive content economy that further establishes the UAE's leadership in a field that has become a key driver of the future,' said Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, at the time of the launch. If you are making money through social media in the UAE, you will also need a licence from the National Media Council, which costs Dh15,000 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai – but costs can vary depending on the emirate. The standard content creator licence must be renewed each year, which would not be the case for golden visa holders, who would not have to update it during the 10 years of their accreditation. This amounts to a 'huge opportunity for any content creator, in or out of the country', according to Rami Al Asmar, who posts history videos on TikTok and Instagram and spoke to The National during the summit. Coral Stevens, who reviews restaurants and other popular destinations under the handle of dxb-hun on Instagram in Dubai had another perspective, saying that having a golden visa will make it easier to settle for the long term and would ease some financial pressures. 'I'm hoping it will allow more stability as a content creator, and more financial stability. Knowing my future is more long term than having to renew my visa every two years would definitely make me feel more stable. Also, my business licence is very costly at Dh22,000 a year. Having the golden visa could definitely help reduce this cost.' The changes make content creators feel more valued, Ms Stevens said. She added that she wants to apply for the golden visa because it would secure her future in the UAE and enable her to stay long term with her family. 'I'm extremely excited I could apply for it – it's something I'd be so honoured to have,' said Ms Stevens, who has 128,000 online followers. 'I know my page has brought some tourism to the country, and it would definitely be the cherry on the cake, I would feel extremely valued and all the hard work I've put into content would have paid off.' Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, posted on social media platform X last year that the UAE welcomes creators whose work can help create a better life and future. He added the country would build a sustainable economic sector for content creation.
Khaleej Times
16-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
KT UniExpo: Universities offer scholarships, study-abroad options to attract students
With artificial intelligence and machine learning changing workplaces at breakneck speed, many universities present at KT UniExpo are offering scholarships, study-abroad options and flexible methods of learning to attract students and ensure they are well prepared for future jobs. Over 35 educational institutes were present at the first day of the expo held at The H Dubai on Wedensday. At the Dubai campus of University of Europe for Applied Sciences, students have the opportunity to move to one of four German cities to complete their education. 'We facilitate the transfer to Germany where they can finish their course,' said Paul Riad, Student Advisory Manager. 'We also help them to learn the German language, even though three out of our four campuses teach in English. Germany needs skilled workers so we help our students apply for job seeker visas. We support them in every way possible." He added that scholarships were a critical deciding factor for students and parents. 'Affordability is a big factor, so we provide scholarships to many of our students,' he said. 'Our fees are very competitive when compared to several other universities in the country.' He was speaking on the sidelines of the KT UniExpo which began in Dubai on Tuesday. The two-day event has returned for its eighth edition where thousands of students and parents can meet with representatives of over 35 educational institutes to explore future university and career options. Flexible learning methods The Dubai College of Tourism is one of the institutes that is giving flexible methods of learning to all its students. Offering certifications in hospitality, tourism, events and culinary arts, the vocational college focuses more on internships and on-the-job experience than in-class study. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'We require our students to complete mandatory internships,' said Manzar Waseem, Instructor and admissions officer. 'During the first year, they need to complete six weeks of internships and every following year they have to complete a 4-month internship.' He explained that any student which finds employment during the course of the internship can choose to go work. 'If at any point, they want to come back and complete their studies, they can do that with gap years,' he said. This year the institute has also introduced a one-week summer enrichment program for students from Grade 9 upwards to get taster sessions in their offerings. Integrated courses At the Dubai Institute of Design Innovation, combination degrees are offered in an effort to make students future-ready. 'We offer majors in product, fashion, multimedia and strategic design management,' said a spokesperson. 'Nearly 85 per cent of the current jobs will not be there in the future and in the field of design, everything is going digital. So we are trying to offer integrated courses in a way that students can specialise in multiple fields and apply in a wide range of jobs. For example, product design can be used in the medical field.'
Tourism Breaking News
05-03-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Dubai College of Tourism Collaborates with Marriott International to Launch New Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis
Post Views: 79 Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) has collaborated with Marriott International to launch a new Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis, reinforcing their joint commitment to shaping the future of the UAE hospitality industry. This initiative, accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, will provide students with a comprehensive education that blends theoretical learning with hands-on experience, setting them on a path to successful careers in the hospitality industry in Dubai and the wider UAE. The Diploma in Hospitality – Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will commence its first edition in May 2025 with 40 Emirati students who will be enrolled in DCT's One Central campus, where the world-class vocational college delivers full-time certificate and advanced diploma courses in four core subject areas: tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, and events. This initiative is also in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure, with a key D33 priority being to integrate the next generation of Emiratis into the private sector. Mariam Sultan Al Maeeni, Director, Industry Nationalisation at the Dubai College of Tourism, commented: 'This new collaboration with Marriott International on the Diploma in Hospitality – Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis stands as a testament to our commitment to developing a skilled and competent workforce for the tourism and hospitality sectors, in alignment with the aspirations of our visionary leadership to integrate new generations of Emiratis into the private sector, as part of the D33 Agenda. By blending theoretical learning with practical experience, we ensure that our students gain valuable industry insights and develop essential skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. The initiative enables Emirati students to build successful careers in Dubai's thriving hospitality scene, gain comprehensive knowledge of the various areas within the sector, and assess their practical capabilities alongside their academic knowledge. We are confident that this collaboration will contribute to the continued growth and success of Dubai's hospitality industry by bringing in more local talent, and providing guests with unrivalled experiences and service.' Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said: 'As a company, we remain steadfast in our commitment to develop the future hospitality leaders of tomorrow in the region. The introduction of the Diploma in Hospitality – Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will equip young nationals with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to thrive within the travel industry and be part of the UAE's journey towards greater success. The UAE remains a focus market for us, and building a sustainable programme like this for Emiratis will be key for our current operations and future growth in this country.' The hospitality apprenticeship is a two-year programme between Marriott International and the Dubai College of Tourism, where students aged 18 and above will complete their studies for the Level 4 Diploma approved by the UAE Ministry of Education, while receiving practical training across Marriott's hotels in the UAE. As part of the apprenticeship, students will delve into core principles of overseeing hotel and restaurant services, with a focus on front office, housekeeping and food and beverage management, as well as developing essential management abilities, positioning them to excel as hotel managers. Following the completion of the programme, Marriott plans to offer graduates full-time roles within its properties in the UAE. Over 40 of Marriott's properties in the UAE, including more than 30 in Dubai alone, are participating in the first year of the initiative. These hotels play an integral part of Marriott International's strategy in the UAE, where the company's current portfolio encompasses more than 80 properties with more than 23,000 rooms across 22 brands. The programme also falls under Marriott's sustainability and social impact platform, 'Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction', which guides how the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business. From empowerment opportunities to sustainable hotel development, the platform is designed to foster business growth while balancing the needs of associates, customers, owners, the environment and communities.
Emirates 24/7
04-03-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai College of Tourism Collaborates with Marriott International to Launch New Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis
Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has collaborated with Marriott International to launch a new Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis, reinforcing their joint commitment to shaping the future of the UAE hospitality industry. This initiative, accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, will provide students with a comprehensive education that blends theoretical learning with hands-on experience, setting them on a path to successful careers in the hospitality industry in Dubai and the wider UAE. The Diploma in Hospitality - Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will commence its first edition in May 2025 with 40 Emirati students who will be enrolled in DCT's One Central campus, where the world-class vocational college delivers full-time certificate and advanced diploma courses in four core subject areas: tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, and events. This initiative is also in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure, with a key D33 priority being to integrate the next generation of Emiratis into the private sector. Mariam Sultan Al Maeeni, Director, Industry Nationalisation at the Dubai College of Tourism, commented: 'This new collaboration with Marriott International on the Diploma in Hospitality - Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis stands as a testament to our commitment to developing a skilled and competent workforce for the tourism and hospitality sectors, in alignment with the aspirations of our visionary leadership to integrate new generations of Emiratis into the private sector, as part of the D33 Agenda. By blending theoretical learning with practical experience, we ensure that our students gain valuable industry insights and develop essential skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. The initiative enables Emirati students to build successful careers in Dubai's thriving hospitality scene, gain comprehensive knowledge of the various areas within the sector, and assess their practical capabilities alongside their academic knowledge. We are confident that this collaboration will contribute to the continued growth and success of Dubai's hospitality industry by bringing in more local talent, and providing guests with unrivalled experiences and service." Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said: 'As a company, we remain steadfast in our commitment to develop the future hospitality leaders of tomorrow in the region. The introduction of the Diploma in Hospitality - Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will equip young nationals with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to thrive within the travel industry and be part of the UAE's journey towards greater success. The UAE remains a focus market for us, and building a sustainable programme like this for Emiratis will be key for our current operations and future growth in this country.' The hospitality apprenticeship is a two-year programme between Marriott International and the Dubai College of Tourism, where students aged 18 and above will complete their studies for the Level 4 Diploma approved by the UAE Ministry of Education, while receiving practical training across Marriott's hotels in the UAE. As part of the apprenticeship, students will delve into core principles of overseeing hotel and restaurant services, with a focus on front office, housekeeping and food and beverage management, as well as developing essential management abilities, positioning them to excel as hotel managers. Following the completion of the programme, Marriott plans to offer graduates full-time roles within its properties in the UAE. Over 40 of Marriott's properties in the UAE, including more than 30 in Dubai alone, are participating in the first year of the initiative. These hotels play an integral part of Marriott International's strategy in the UAE, where the company's current portfolio encompasses more than 80 properties with more than 23,000 rooms across 22 brands. The programme also falls under Marriott's sustainability and social impact platform, 'Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction', which guides how the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business. From empowerment opportunities to sustainable hotel development, the platform is designed to foster business growth while balancing the needs of associates, customers, owners, the environment and communities. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
