Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

DCT to train over 350 Emiratis for Expo 2020

The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing has signed an agreement with the Expo Generation Programme to train more than 350 Emiratis for diverse pivotal roles at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The training will be implemented under Medyaf, the industry nationalisation programme of DCT aimed at delivering highly-skilled local talent for Dubai’s growing workforce, particularly for the tourism industry and other sectors with tourism touchpoints, with participants set to join the Expo 2020 team immediately after completing the course.

The agreement, signed by Essa Bin Hadher, general manager, Dubai College of Tourism and Mohammed AlHashmi, chief technology officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, envisages six weeks of training for each participant with the entire programme scheduled to run from January to May 2020.

The Expo Academy, a key institution of Expo 2020, has rolled out a human resources development programme designed to recruit and train young UAE nationals for a wide range of roles and responsibilities within the global event.

The specialised course will consist of three weeks of classroom training, and an additional three weeks on-the-job training with the support of industry experts. The classroom training will consist of six modules covering knowledge of Expo 2020, exceptional service, cultural awareness, communication, leadership and resilience. On graduating from the programme, the young Emiratis will be deployed as part of the Expo 2020 team.

Essa Bin Hadher, general manager, Dubai College of Tourism, said: “As we strive to achieve the goal of Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2022-25 of making Dubai the world’s most visited city and the destination of choice for global travellers, as envisioned by His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we recognise how crucial it is to build a large workforce of skilled Emiratis and pave the way for more and more locals to take up employment across tourism touchpoints in the city. As Dubai prepares to host the historic Expo 2020, our landmark partnership with Expo Academy reflects our shared vision to not only train Emirati youth to take on various pivotal roles but also ensure they become a significant legacy of Expo 2020 and be a part of the next generation of UAE nationals with extensive experience in vocational, management and leadership skills.”

Mariam Al Maeeni, director, Industry Nationalisation, Dubai College of Tourism, said: “Our Medyaf programme is well equipped to meet the ever increasing demand for talented Emirati youth, and provides fast-track skills training across various disciplines.

“By the end of the specialised course at DCT, the Emirati participants will possess the requisite knowledge and service skills to provide authentic local experiences, as part of the hospitality that will be accorded to visitors from around the world. In performing an exemplary role by guaranteeing an enriching and memorable experience for visitors, the Emirati youth will also have the opportunity to benefit tremendously from the immersive international exposure they will receive during the six-month long Expo 2020."

Fatima Alloghani, head of Expo Academy and Emiratisation - Human Resources, Workforce & Volunteers, Expo 2020 Dubai: “This is a new and unique opportunity offered by the Expo Generation Programme to UAE national graduates to gain experience in organising global mega events and receive training in operational and leadership skills as part of the Expo 2020 Dubai team.

“The impact will last well into the legacy phase of Expo 2020, with the Expo Academy curriculum to remain part of the Dubai College of Tourism programme.” – TradeArabia News Service