The UAE Ministry of Economy has officially launched the Summer Hospitality Camp 2025, a nationwide initiative designed to prepare the country’s youth for careers in the tourism and hospitality industry. The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council.

Held in partnership with 35 top hotels, resorts, and tourism operators across the UAE, the camp offers students real-world experience in hospitality environments, from front-of-house operations to culinary arts and event planning.

Hands-On Gateway Into Booming Tourism Sector

Targeted at UAE nationals and residents aged 15 to 22, the programme offers five specialised tracks:

• Hotels
• Culinary Arts
• Hospitality
• Food Services
• Event Management

Running from two to four weeks, the camp includes field training, site visits, mentorship sessions, and workshops. Participants will also receive accredited certificates upon completion.

Empowering Youth for the Tourism Workforce

“This initiative is an investment in young Emiratis,” said Bin Touq. “It aligns with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and our goal to build a tourism sector led by capable national talent.”

By bridging the gap between academic training and workforce demands, the programme strengthens Emiratisation in hospitality, promotes leadership and teamwork, and instills a culture of service excellence, core values that define the UAE’s global tourism reputation.

Also present was Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General Elect of the UN World Tourism Organisation (2026–2029), who praised the programme as a world-class model for developing tourism human capital in line with global sustainability and innovation trends.

Why It Matters for the Industry

• Creates a pipeline of skilled, local hospitality talent
• Fosters Emirati representation across all tourism touch points
• Strengthens the UAE’s position as a regional training hub
• Boosts collaboration between academia and hospitality providers

With nearly 100 industry stakeholders attending the launch, the Summer Hospitality Camp 2025 is set to become a key initiative supporting the UAE’s long-term tourism growth and sustainability goals.