As Dubai solidifies its position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, the critical role of vocational training in shaping a skilled workforce has never been clearer. In recent years, a remarkable shift in educational preferences has occurred, with an increasing number of students recognizing the immense value of vocational studies over traditional technical education. This transformative transition not only benefits the students themselves but also plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainable growth of the burgeoning tourism industry. In addition, a robust vocational offering aligns with a key priority of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to seamlessly integrate the next generation of Emiratis and young residents into the thriving tourism sector. Essa Bin Hadher, general manager of Dubai College of Tourism, shares his thoughts on investing in local talents.

Tourism: a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector
The tourism sector serves as a significant contributor to economies worldwide, fostering cultural exchange, spurring economic development and generating numerous job opportunities. I proudly believe that Dubai is steadfastly progressing towards becoming the most visited international destination, having warmly welcomed 6.02 million overnight visitors from abroad between January and April 2023. As these visitor numbers continue to soar, so does the demand for exceptional talent. Therefore, establishing a robust local pipeline of skilled professionals is of paramount importance for the sustained success of hotels and restaurants in the Emirates.

The importance of vocational education
Vocational education has emerged as a lynchpin in career development, skill enhancement and increasing employability. The distinctive strength of vocational training lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, offering students a comprehensive understanding of their chosen fields. Vocational training immerses students in practical experiences, preparing them for the real challenges and demands of their future careers. This practical exposure ensures that our graduates are job ready from day one, equipped with the essential skills and competencies demanded by the dynamic and ever-evolving tourism industry.
The shift toward vocational training stems from the realization that it significantly enhances career prospects and equips individuals with the practical skills that are highly sought after in the competitive job market. Institutions like Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) play a pivotal role in meeting these aspirations by offering vocational programs meticulously tailored to the specific requirements of the local industry, thereby enabling our students to flourish in a highly competitive environment.

Empowering the youth
To foster the recruitment of local talent and reduce dependence on sourcing from abroad, empowering the young generation and enhancing their skills is fundamental. One such example of this effort is the YouthX Academy Challenge, a platform that enables young minds to showcase their potential and innovative ideas, thus nurturing the next generation of culinary leaders with fresh perspectives and transformative capabilities. By investing in the youth and providing opportunities like this, the industry can unlock a wealth of talent, creativity and cross-cultural collaboration that leads to breakthrough innovations and benefits communities both locally and globally.
Vocational training and educational institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the F&B workforce of the future. Collaborations between the government, industry experts and educational institutions can help design relevant and up-to-date courses that equip aspiring professionals with the skills and knowledge required for the modern F&B sector. Moreover, internships can provide hands-on experiences and mentorship, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
Dubai’s F&B sector has the potential to build a thriving future by prioritizing the empowerment of the younger generation and nurturing their skills. Localization efforts not only reduce reliance on foreign talent but also celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Dubai.
In conclusion, it is essential to encourage industry to prioritize a “first-look-locally” approach when seeking talent. The treasure trove of talent within our region is vast, and the significance of vocational training in the development of a thriving tourism industry cannot be overstated. Embracing vocational studies equips our students with practical skills and specialized knowledge, empowering them to stand out and excel in their chosen careers. As Dubai continues to shape the future of the tourism sector and remains committed to promoting excellence in education, let us wholeheartedly recognize the immense power of vocational education in fostering a skilled and dynamic workforce.