DCT Abu Dhabi to open Les... | Connecting Travel

The institution will welcome students in September 2024

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) will open a Les Roches-managed hospitality academy next year.

The new academy aims to build on the institution’s legacy and nurture homegrown talent from the UAE and across the wider Middle East region.

The programme and methodology also “aim to future-proof the UAE hospitality sector by cultivating local talent with high-quality education and skills needed for the industry’s future”.

DCT Abu Dhabi chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “The new academy will play a key role in ensuring the long-term sustainable growth of the hospitality industry, propelling future generations with a keen interest to reach their full potential.”

Les Roches was founded in Switzerland in 1954, and delivers hospitality education balancing theory with practice and independent learning with faculty support and mentorship.

CEO Carlos Díez de la Lastra said: “This moment marks a new chapter in the history of a country and a region that have some of the most prestigious hotels in the world, and that is futureproofing themselves by training and preparing the next generation of industry leaders that uphold the values and authenticity of Emirati hospitality.

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“We are very honoured to be part of this unique journey and contribute to raising the talents of tomorrow for the country.”

The academy will offer a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees, combining conventional hospitality education programmes with specialised Emirati-centric courses to deliver tailored training to students.

For more information, visit www.lesroches.edu