Abdullah Bin Touq:
Tourism as a Key Driver for National Economic Growth and Sustainability
The Summer Camp: An Investment in Youth and Support for Localization in Tourism Activities
In the presence of His Excellency Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the UAE Tourism Council, the Ministry of Economy has launched the “2025 Hospitality Summer Camp.” This comprehensive training program aims to prepare students in real-world settings such as hotels and tourism venues, with the objective of enhancing national capacities and competencies in the tourism sector. This initiative aligns with the broader ambition to develop human capital within the tourism and hospitality industries in the UAE and is in accordance with the goals of the “National Tourism Strategy 2031.” The camp was introduced in partnership with several educational institutions and key players in the hotel and tourism sector.
The launch event featured Sheikha Nasir Al Nuaimi, who will serve as the Secretary-General for the United Nations World Tourism Organization from 2026 to 2029, alongside approximately 100 representatives from the hospitality sector, including student and professional leaders.
Abdullah Bin Touq emphasized that tourism is currently one of the main drivers of sustainable development and competitiveness in the national economy, thanks to the vision and support of the leadership. He highlighted that in light of the positive results being achieved by the tourism sector, it is essential to prepare leaders and enhance national competencies in various activities related to this vital field, ensuring the sustainable growth of tourism and its contribution to economic and social development. He noted that the Ministry of Economy is working collaboratively with various stakeholders from both government and the private sector to achieve this strategic objective.
He added: “The exceptional summer camp represents an investment in Emirati youth and supports localization in tourism activities by training and honing their skills in this critical area. This aligns with our vision for a prosperous tourism future led by empowered Emirati talents. We aim to prepare them to become leaders and innovators who contribute to enriching the tourism experience for visitors to the UAE while serving as strong representatives of the authentic Emirati tourism identity and ambassadors for the hospitality sector, which has an outstanding global reputation.”
Sheikha Nasir Al Nuaimi further stated that the camp is a significant step for academic training aimed at the tourism pathway, as it contributes to the empowerment of human resources and the preparation of globally competitive talents with extensive practical experience in various tourism and hospitality activities within the UAE. She noted that this approach aligns with global trends linking the tourism sector to economic and social development initiatives, promoting transformation through capacity building, talent acquisition, innovation, and sustainability.
The summer hospitality camp also plays a crucial role in boosting localization in the tourism sector by empowering Emirati youth and bridging the gap between academic qualifications and the job market. It provides participants with hands-on experience and interpersonal skills before entering the workforce, instilling leadership values, team spirit, and a culture of exceptional service. The program includes specialized training and practical qualifications, setting the foundation for successful long-term career pathways that keep pace with global tourism growth and adhere to the highest international standards, thereby enhancing the role of youth as active contributors to the economy of the future.
The hospitality summer camp will take place in collaboration with 35 hotels and tourism entities in the UAE. It targets high school and university students aged 15 to 22, who are UAE nationals or residents. The camp includes five main training paths: hotels, culinary arts, hospitality, food service, and event management. The duration of each path ranges from two to four weeks, featuring activities such as field training, career guidance sessions, site visits, and workshops. Participants will receive accredited certificates of participation. Students interested in joining the camp can register through the following link: https://forms.gle/fAz7ipjRUKRTrBiD7. Applications for the program will close at the end of June 2025.