Organisers of the inaugural EMEA CHRIE 2026 Conference have confirmed the full line-up of speakers ahead of the main conference sessions, which begins November 10, at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai.

Hosted by Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, the conference opened today with a pre-conference programme at Dubai College of Tourism.

The main sessions will run from November 10 to 12,under the theme, “Beyond the Map: Defining the Future of Tourism.”

The event will bring together educators, researchers and industry leaders from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa to explore the future of tourism and hospitality education, strengthen regional and international collaboration, and address the skills and talent needed to support the sector's continued growth.

The conference also marks the evolution of EuroCHRIE, the European federation of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), into EMEA CHRIE, reflecting the growing significance of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region in tourism and hospitality education.

The four-day programme will feature keynote presentations, practical workshops, research marathons and majlis-style discussions, bringing together prominent voices from across tourism, hospitality, technology and education.

Confirmed speakers include His Excellency Mohammed El Murr, Chairman of the Dubai Historical District Development Committee and Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation; Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations at Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM); and Marjan Faraidooni, Chief HR Officer and Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai.

The industry line-up also features Arva Ahmed, Co-Founder of Frying Pan Adventures; Joyce Abou Jaoude, Industry Head, Travel and Tourism at Google Middle East and North Africa; Jan Tissera, President of International Amadeus Hospitality; Georges Fenergi, Senior Vice President at Amadeus; Akrem Aloui, Vice President, Strategic Airlines – META Region at Amadeus; and Alfonso Sasselli, Director, Industry Alliances at Amadeus.

Other speakers include Frauke Aoun, General Manager of Affini, Marriott International; Jeremy Jauncey, Founder and CEO of Beautiful Destinations; and Radhika Arapally, Founder of Sustainability Kiosk.

The programme will examine how technology, innovation and public-private partnerships are transforming the visitor experience, while addressing emerging tourism trends and the evolving capabilities required by the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals.

Keynote discussions will explore Dubai's diversified tourism strategy, the changing traveller journey and the technology enabling more seamless travel experiences.

Other sessions will focus on building a tourism-oriented city, strengthening Dubai's global connectivity, and the role of women in shaping destinations and driving industry change.

Amadeus, a global travel technology company, will also lead a series of discussions examining the future of travel and Dubai's continued development as an international tourism hub.

The conference takes place as Dubai's tourism sector maintains strong momentum, highlighting the growing demand for skilled professionals and innovative approaches to destination development.

The event also supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to strengthen the emirate's position as a leading global destination for business, tourism and investment.

With the main conference programme commencing on 10 November, registration remains open until November 10.

Educators, researchers, students and tourism and hospitality professionals are encouraged to register ahead of the deadline to participate in the inaugural EMEA CHRIE gathering. -TradeArabia News Service