Abu Dhabi To Welcome New Hospitality Academy By Les Roches In 2024

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Les Roches Global Hospitality have announced the location for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches. This new educational institution will open in Zayed Sports City in September 2024. The academy will be housed in a historic building that blends tradition with modernity, creating an inspiring learning environment.

Zayed Sports City, known for hosting athletic events, has become a hub for lifestyle, entertainment, and community experiences. The addition of the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches will further enhance the cultural development of the area. This new campus marks Les Roches Global Hospitality's first presence in the region since its establishment in Switzerland in 1954.

The academy aims to attract both UAE Nationals and international talent to the hospitality industry. It is strategically located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, which is witnessing significant growth in its tourism sector. In 2023, nearly 24 million visitors came to Abu Dhabi, contributing approximately AED49 billion to the UAE’s GDP.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, stated, "The enhancement of Abu Dhabi’s hospitality landscape is a key pillar of our roadmap for future growth. With our Tourism Strategy 2030 having set ambitious targets for increasing visitation to the emirate, we aim to further elevate Abu Dhabi’s world-renowned hospitality offering and ensure its wide appeal to travellers from around the globe. Building the sector and talent in hospitality is crucial to these ambitions; the innovative curriculum of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches will guarantee the industry access to a steady stream of homegrown talent and a wealth of expertise, enabling a sustainable hospitality ecosystem."

Initially, the academy will offer a bachelor's degree and plans to introduce two master's degrees by 2025. These programmes will combine traditional hospitality education with specialised Emirati-centric courses. Undergraduate students will learn about Emirati hospitality through courses such as Hospitality Discovery Experience in the Emirates, Emirati Hospitality Culture, and Emirati Cuisine and Pastry.

Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches Global Hospitality, expressed his excitement: "We are thrilled of this new step forward for this ambitious project that will bring our legacy of excellence in hospitality education to the heart of the UAE. Our mission is to prepare students to thrive in a hospitality sector that is future-proof, authentic, and uniquely Emirati."

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The academy's facilities are designed to meet high standards of hospitality education. The first floor will feature a hotel lab with a mock reception area and demo room. The cafeteria will serve as both a dining space and a barista/mocktail lab. Additionally, there will be a training kitchen, an extensive pastry lab, and a 30-seat demonstration lab available for rental.

Georgette Davey, newly appointed Managing Director, commented on their mission: "Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches will be training and preparing the next generation of industry leaders that uphold the values and authenticity of Emirati hospitality. We are very honoured to be part of this unique journey and contribute to raise the talents of tomorrow for the country."

Future Prospects

The expansion aligns with strategic plans under Tourism Strategy 2030 aiming to welcome 39.9 million visitors annually by 2030. This includes increasing travel and tourism's GDP contribution to AED90 billion by 2030. Development programs have been introduced to attract top brands while establishing training facilities offering new degree programs in culinary arts, maritime sustainability, and food security.

The academy's launch signifies an important step towards enhancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier global tourism destination while fostering local talent within its growing hospitality sector.

With inputs from WAM