Page 39 - MOE ENGLISH PR - APRIL 2024

Press Release

Private sector representatives affirmed that Emiratis best represent the country’s culture and
hospitality.

Furthermore, the meeting focused on the significance of incorporating different areas of tourism
specialization into the educational curriculum at all levels in the country. This is to ensure that
students, graduates, and nationals are adequately prepared, trained, and equipped with the essential
skills and expertise required to take up careers in the hospitality industry. It will also help meet the
dynamic demands of the market, considering that the tourism sector has played vital role in
generating over 750,000 job opportunities in 2022, accounting for 12 per cent of the overall labor
market in the country.

The Hospitality Advisory Committee, established by the Emirates Tourism Council, provides
consultation and recommendations regarding the development of the hospitality sector to the
Emirates Tourism Council. It also provides tourism data regarding developments in the UAE's
hospitality industry. Additionally, new initiatives and ideas from the private sector are proposed
by the Committee to contribute to the growth of the hospitality sector and solidify the country's
position as a leading tourism destination. Furthermore, it provides feedback and insights on
government tourism policies and initiatives.

The Committee comprises ten presidents and CEOs of national and international hotels, including
Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim is CEO of Millennium Hotels & Resorts MEA, Guy Hutchinson,
President and CEO of Rotana, Haitham Matar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels and Resorts
Group in the Middle East, Africa, and South West Asia, Benoy Kurien, Group CEO at Al Hamra
Group, Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer for Marriott International in the Middle East,
Hamad Al Mulla, Chairman of HYM Investment, Ahmed Kamal, General Manager at Ajman Saray
Hotel, Ian Phillips, CEO of Sharjah National Hotels, Waseem Al Shalabi, General Manager at Al
Bahar Hotel and Resort, and Shaikha Al Nowais, Vice President of Owner Relationship
Management (ORM) at Rotana.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:

Orient Planet Group (OPG)
Tel: +971 4 4562888
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

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