Marriott and Dubai College of Tourism launch hospitality apprenticeship

Programme aims to boost UAE industry with homegrown Emirati talent

Emirati students can become future hospitality leaders by enrolling on a new hospitality apprenticeship programme launched by Marriott International and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).

DCT, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is a vocational college delivering full-time certificate and advanced diploma courses in tourism, hospitality, culinary arts and events.

The first intake of 40 students for the Diploma in Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme for Emiratis will take place in May 2025 with the course blending theory with hands-on experience, and accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.

Mariam Sultan Al Maeeni, Director, Industry Nationalisation at DCT, said 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."

It is also in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to integrate Emiratis into the private sector.

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Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said the UAE remains a focus market for Marriott, and building a sustainable programme for Emiratis will be key for current operations and future growth.

The hospitality apprenticeship is a two-year programme where students aged 18 and above will attain the Level 4 Diploma while receiving practical training across Marriott’s hotels in the UAE.

Students will cover the principles of overseeing hotel and restaurant services, with a focus on front office, housekeeping and food and beverage management. There will also be opportunities to develop management skills to nurture the GMs of the future.

Marriott plans to offer graduates full-time roles within its properties in the UAE, with 40 hotels across the UAE, and 30 in Dubai, taking part in the programme. 

In total, Marriott has more than 80 properties and 23,000 rooms in the UAE.

For more information, please visit www.dct.ac.ae/en/emiratisation/hospitality-apprenticeship 

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