The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has celebrated the graduation of 92 Emirati students from the 2026 Tourism Youth Summer Camp (TYSC), a flagship initiative aimed at preparing young Emirati talent for careers in the emirate’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Held over two weeks across Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, the programme was delivered in partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches.

It combined practical training, industry placements, educational visits and mentoring to provide participants with hands-on experience of the sector.

Students completed more than 7,360 hours of practical learning, gaining exposure to six key hospitality areas: front office operations, culinary arts, barista skills, guest relations, hospitality marketing and visitor experience.

Participants also visited leading cultural and tourism destinations, including museums and heritage sites, gaining behind-the-scenes insights into destination management and Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy.

The programme concluded with a practical project in which teams developed innovative solutions to real-world tourism challenges and presented their ideas to industry experts.

Through the partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, students also benefited from internationally recognised hospitality training, modern facilities and exposure to global best practices, strengthening their professional skills and confidence while highlighting career opportunities within Abu Dhabi’s growing tourism economy.

Saleh Al Geziry, Director General, Tourism Sector DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Developing Emirati talent is central to the long-term growth of Abu Dhabi's tourism sector. Through the Tourism Youth Summer Camp, we are giving young people meaningful exposure to the industry, helping them to understand the opportunities it offers and build the skills and confidence to pursue them. By creating a strong pipeline of national talent, we are ensuring that Emiratis are equipped to lead and shape the sector as Abu Dhabi continues to evolve as a global tourism destination.”

Georgette Davey, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, said: “The future of hospitality will be defined by the calibre of talent we invest in today. Preparing the next generation requires more than technical expertise. It demands curiosity, adaptability, cultural intelligence and an unwavering commitment to service excellence. We are proud to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi to nurture Emirati talent that will go on to lead with purpose, redefine guest experiences, and contribute to the continued growth of Abu Dhabi's hospitality sector. Initiatives such as these are instrumental in developing future leaders who will augment the UAE’s position as a global hospitality destination. At Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, we are fostering an environment where innovation, excellence and lifelong learning remain at the heart of everything we do.” -TradeArabia News Service