The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with Marriott International to introduce a new Diploma in Hospitality-Apprenticeship Programme designed specifically for Emirati students. This programme is part of a broader strategy to help Dubai uplift the quality and professionalism in its hospitality sector. The overall objective of this collaboration is to develop world-class education opportunities alongside on-the-job training to groom the world’s next hospitality leaders for the future.
An New Avenues for Emirati Talent
Dubai College of Tourism: This is to be implemented by DCT under DET, with 40 Emirati students enrolled into its vocational campus starting May 2025. This is a two-year apprenticeship that leads to a Level 4/5 Diploma accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and involves academic study integrated with industry placements in 40 Marriott properties, more than 30 of which are located in Dubai.
Launched in tandem with Dubai’s D33 agenda-fast-tracking Emirates into private sector roles with respect to the government’s agenda to double the economy and get more Emiratis into it.
Marriott’s commitment to growth
The commitment to nurture the future leaders of hospitality was emphasized by Sandeep Walia, COO for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Marriott International.
The program will help build competencies in the form of Diploma in Hospitality – Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis and will prepare young nationals with the skills, knowledge and experience to become successful in front-of-house positions and, indeed, thrive within the travel industry.
Graduates can expect employment commitments for full-time positions in Marriott properties across UAE—guaranteeing career stability and giving quality service to guests.
Advantages for Dubai’s Hospitality Ecosystem
The benefits accrued are as follows:
- Talent pipeline building: Knowing and practicing the way for Emiratis employees in front office, F&B, and housekeeping management.
- Raising the standards of service: The move gives job entrants better professionalism in the hospitality workforce in aggregate.
- Supporting D33 growth: In line with Dubai’s vision for becoming a global hub of hospitality, this project will create jobs while enhancing their competitiveness.
Bigger Context of Public-Private Collaboration
Recently, Dubai has announced quite a number of partnerships with key strategic organizations on scaling the tourism offering:
- DET and Hyatt signed an agreement that will lead to focused marketing campaigns and exclusive
- A MoU with Premier Inn enhances offerings in the mid-market hotel category as well as training opportunities.
- With Emaar Hospitality, a separate MOU is in place focusing on marketing, experience creation, and staff upskilling.
All these partnerships-including this with Marriott-are part of DET’s D33-driven strategy to diversify tourism offerings, elevate guest experiences, and boost employment.
The Next Step
Launch: The apprenticeship course will commence in May 2025 at DCT’s One Central campus.
Scale: Further expansion also possible by increasing the number of initial entrants from 40 depending upon success and demand.
Impact: Outcomes of students, retention in hospitality of graduates, and a much-broader improvement in service in Dubai will measure.
With this joint effort, Dubai is poised to continue its upward trend in tourism. With almost 19 million international tourists in 2024 and a quickly growing hotel stock, this type of programme ensures that the emirate can continue its world-class service delivery built up by local talent.
Dubai’s DET-Marriott apprenticeship links education and real-world-hospitality experience. It empowers Emiratis and provides them driving force to thrive in careers in tourism and reinforces the commitment of the emirate toward shared growth, quality, and inclusion. Dubai sets the pace for world standards in hospitality excellence with similar partnerships increasing.