Abu Dhabi Tourism Camp Empowers 53 Young Emirati Students

Abu Dhabi – September 2025: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) recently celebrated the graduation of 53 Emirati students who successfully completed the 2025 edition of its Tourism Youth Summer Camp. This year, the programme was held in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, marking the first time the camp was hosted alongside this prestigious hospitality institution.

The camp, which ran from 14 to 24 July 2025, offered young Emiratis aged 17 to 21 an in-depth and immersive experience into Abu Dhabi’s vibrant tourism and hospitality sector. Over the duration of the camp, students engaged in more than 1,700 hours of training and interactive learning, gaining both practical skills and a deeper understanding of the tourism industry.

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Supporting Emirati Talent in Tourism

The Tourism Youth Summer Camp is a key initiative that supports Emiratisation within Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector. Its aim is to encourage young Emirati students to consider careers in tourism and hospitality while providing them with the tools, experience, and confidence to succeed. The camp combines practical training, interactive workshops, and real-world scenarios, helping students gain a clear picture of the opportunities available within the sector.

With its state-of-the-art facilities, the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches provided a learning environment that meets the highest standards in hospitality education. These facilities allow students to experience industry practices firsthand, preparing them to become future leaders in Abu Dhabi’s knowledge-driven and sustainable hospitality ecosystem.

This year, students also had the unique opportunity to participate in a job rotation at Erth Hotel, gaining practical insights into hotel operations and understanding the day-to-day responsibilities of hospitality professionals.

Words from the Leaders

His Excellency Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed pride in the students’ achievements. He said:

"Our Tourism Youth Summer Camp continues to empower the next generation of Emirati leaders within Abu Dhabi’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Through a strategic partnership with the renowned Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches and with support from Erth Hotel, this year’s camp delivered an experiential programme that instilled confidence in these young talents to one day represent Abu Dhabi on the global tourism stage – showcasing our authentic Emirati hospitality to the world and strengthening the emirate’s future growth. I commend all participants for their passion and commitment."

Shaikha Al Kaabi, CEO of Erth Abu Dhabi, highlighted the importance of hands-on experiences in developing future hospitality leaders:

"At Erth, we believe in cultivating the next generation of hospitality leaders through immersive, real-world experiences. We were proud to welcome such passionate Emirati youth and witness their eagerness to learn, contribute, and connect with the essence of authentic Emirati hospitality. From mastering front office service and culinary arts to exploring spa operations and barista skills, their hands-on engagement and innovative spirit truly inspired us. They remind us that the future of our industry lies in deep-rooted heritage, service excellence, and the energy of empowered youth."

Learning Across Six Key Hospitality Disciplines

During the summer camp, students were introduced to six foundational disciplines within the hospitality sector:

1. Front Office: Learning guest reception, check-in and check-out processes, and effective communication with hotel guests.

2. Culinary Arts: Gaining hands-on experience in food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen hygiene.

3. Barista Skills: Understanding coffee-making, beverage preparation, and customer interaction.

4. Housekeeping: Learning room maintenance, cleanliness standards, and attention to detail.

5. Hospitality Marketing: Studying the promotion of hotels, tourism services, and customer engagement strategies.

6. Service Excellence in Fine Dining: Experiencing the art of serving guests, table etiquette, and creating exceptional dining experiences.

The curriculum was designed not only to teach technical skills but also to build teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving abilities. Students also gained an appreciation for the UAE’s cultural identity and the role it plays in the global tourism landscape.

Hands-On Experience at Erth Hotel

A significant highlight of the camp was the three-day job rotation at Erth Hotel, which allowed students to experience real hotel operations. During this rotation, students worked in departments including:

• Front Desk and Guest Services

• Housekeeping and Room Management

• Event Planning and Management

This hands-on approach gave students a practical understanding of how hotels function daily, helping them bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.

Group Project: Innovating Abu Dhabi’s Tourism

As part of the programme, students were tasked with completing a group project based on real-life challenges in the tourism sector. Each group identified gaps within the industry and proposed innovative solutions aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030.

The winning group, named The Azba Hotel, comprised seven students. They presented an outstanding case study to a panel of judges, which included representatives from:

• Marriott International

• Yas Plaza Hotels

• Miral

• Erth Hotel

• National Emirati Talent Competitiveness Programme (NAFIS)

The judges praised the students for their creativity, teamwork, and practical understanding of the industry.

Building the Future of Emirati Tourism

The Tourism Youth Summer Camp is part of a larger effort to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector, aligned with the emirate’s long-term strategic objectives under Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. By equipping young Emiratis with knowledge, skills, and experience, the initiative ensures that the next generation is prepared to lead Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector with confidence and excellence.

The camp has consistently emphasized the importance of authentic Emirati hospitality, ensuring that students carry forward the values, traditions, and service standards that make Abu Dhabi a unique destination for visitors worldwide.

The 2025 edition of the Tourism Youth Summer Camp was a resounding success, empowering 53 young Emirati students to take their first steps toward careers in tourism and hospitality. Through immersive training, hands-on experiences, and guidance from industry experts, the students gained invaluable skills and insights.

This programme not only prepares them for future professional roles but also nurtures leadership, innovation, and a deep appreciation for Emirati culture. As Abu Dhabi continues to grow as a global tourism destination, initiatives like this summer camp ensure that the emirate’s youth are ready to represent their homeland with pride, skill, and hospitality excellence.