WOMEN SHOW AVID INTEREST IN JOINING DUBAI TOURISM INDUSTRY - BIN HAREB

17 July 2002

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) Emiratization Task Force for Tourism announced that the first batch of 50 female students successfully completed the Career Development Summer Programme (CDSP) today, July 17th.

At an exhibition of the project work produced by the UAE national students, at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Jumeirah, DTCM Director Operations and Marketing, Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb said, “The feedback from the students has been very forthcoming and positive with a majority of the students expressing a keen desire to join the tourism and hospitality industry.”

“We are committed to the employment and professional development of UAE nationals in the tourism industry and the CDSP has turned out to be a positive approach that has provided students with an insight into the tourism industry,” Mr. bin Hareb remarked.

“The tourism industry offers young UAE nationals with an ideal opportunity to contribute to and participate in the growth and development of the nation and maximize their own careers,” he said.

The CDSP has ensured that a culturally sensitive, supportive and rewarding environment was created to make the students feel comfortable and adequate training was provided.

The students were unanimous in their conclusion that the CDSP had successfully changed their opinion about the tourism business in general. S. Hamed Kazim one of the students said, “The CDSP has helped me gain valuable knowledge about the tourism and hospitality industry and I plan to take up a job in a hotel to see whether I can cope with the work and understand the operations better.”

Noora Hassan Ali was excited on the successful completion of her training and noted that she had negative ideas about the tourism industry before she enrolled for the CDSP. “My awareness of the tourism business in general has increased and I have already registered for a job in a hotel and look forward to working in different departments within the hotel before deciding on one.”

Hamda Abdul Aziz already has a sister working in the tourism industry and was crystal clear about her preferences. “I have made up my mind that upon completing my studies, I will enroll for training to enhance my knowledge of Dubai and become a licensed tour guide eventually.”

The programme being organized in conjunction with the Ministry of Education & Youth, TANMIA - The National Human Resources Development and Employment Authority and The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management aims to provide almost UAE national youths and students with a comprehensive learning experience.

The CDSP includes on-line learning, English, IT and a multitude of site visits that will enable the students to fully understand the many aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry.

The objectives of the CDSP are to increase awareness among participants about the career development and employment opportunities available within the tourism sector available for UAE nationals and to enhance their skills to prepare them for jobs in this sector.