The United Arab Emirates has officially launched the ‘Summer Hospitality Camp 2025’, an ambitious nationwide programme aimed at equipping young students with hands-on skills and experience in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Announced by the Ministry of Economy on Monday, the initiative is being rolled out in partnership with 35 hotel and tourism establishments across the country. The camp is open to UAE nationals and UAE-based students aged 15 to 22, including high school and university students in hospitality, tourism, and related fields. Those with an interest in culinary arts, hotel operations, events management, and guest services are also encouraged to participate.
The programme, which will run for two to four weeks, offers participants a blend of internship placements, job shadowing opportunities, mentorship from industry leaders, guest lectures by seasoned hospitality executives, career coaching, and personal development workshops. Students will receive accredited participation certificates upon completion.
Speaking at the launch, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted the importance of investing in the country’s youth, describing them as the UAE’s “greatest assets.”
“This initiative is about more than training or employment,” said Al Marri. “It’s about shaping future leaders, entrepreneurs, and ambassadors of the UAE’s hospitality industry. Our goal is to create a generation ready to lead this vital sector.”
The minister also pointed to the continued growth of the tourism sector in the UAE, noting that more than 30 million hotel guests visited the country in 2024, contributing significantly to private sector revenues and reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global tourism hub.
“Behind every statistic is a person — a smiling receptionist, a creative chef, or a diligent guest services agent,” he added. “This camp empowers our youth to be those individuals and more.”
Al Marri also acknowledged the persistent gap between academic learning and practical experience, noting that many graduates lack industry exposure. “This camp addresses that challenge by placing students directly into the hospitality ecosystem before they enter the workforce,” he said.
Also speaking at the launch event were Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of the UN World Tourism Organisation (2026–2029), and Ayesha Abdulrab AlAfeefi, Director of the Tourism Development Department at the Ministry of Economy. Both officials emphasised the importance of developing national talent to support the long-term growth of the UAE’s tourism industry.
Registration for the camp is open on the Ministry of Economy’s website until the end of June 2025.
