Abu Dhabi academy launches Master’s...

UAE travel and tourism sectors to create 26,000 jobs in 2025, reports WTTC

Les Roches, a global institute in hospitality education, has launched a Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management at the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy in the UAE.

The academy, which opened in 2024, currently offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management.

The Master of Science in International Hospitality Management will be introduced to the institute’s Abu Dhabi campus in September 2025, before being rolled out to other campuses from March 2026, including Crans-Montana in Switzerland and Marbella in Spain.

Delivered full-time over one year or part-time over 18 months, the programme is for university graduates and career changers looking to become leaders in hospitality and luxury tourism, addressing pressing talent shortages.

In the UAE alone, there's soaring demand for hospitality professionals with its booming tourism and hotel sectors set to contribute nearly AED267.5 billion to GDP by the end of 2025, according to the WTTC’s annual Economic Impact Research, driving the creation of more than 925,000 jobs. This means the sector will create an additional 26,000 jobs in 2025 alone.

“By aligning our curriculum with industry needs, we aim to prepare graduates to seamlessly integrate themselves into leadership roles, thereby addressing the pressing talent shortages and contributing to the industry's sustainable growth,” said Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO at Les Roches.

Students will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, with an emphasis on emerging trends such as digital transformation, sustainability and AI-driven personalisation. Through coursework, case studies and real-world projects, as well as an international business field trip, students will also develop the expertise to "formulate innovative and sustainable solutions needed to face the complexities of the global hospitality landscape".

Also recognising the demand for hospitality professionals, Marriott recently partnered with Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) on a new Diploma in Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis, with 40 students enrolling in May 2025.

For more information, visit lesroches.edu/campuses/abu-dhabi

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