Launch of UAE Tahseen Hospitality Leadership Training Program

Dubai, UAE, 7 March, 2019 – Marriott International, the world’s leading hotel company, has announced today the UAE launch of Tahseen, a unique hospitality training program developed in response to a growing need for local talent within the industry. Developed in partnership with Cornell University, Tahseen is focused on fast tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), by providing them with first-hand hospitality experience and an opportunity for graduates to rise quickly into leadership roles within the industry.

The UAE launch follows the successful program roll-out in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and has very recently launched in Bahrain and Egypt. The program in KSA has nurtured a batch of tenacious, local graduates who are now set to advance the hospitality industry within their home countries. In line with the UAE’s vision to build a competitive knowledge economy and boost Emiratization, to increase the number of Emiratis contributing to the local economy, Marriott International is committed to enhancing the tourism industry through the identification and development of local talent to take on leadership roles as part of its program.

According the World Travel & Tourism Council, travel and tourism contributed 5.1% (USD 18.8256 million) of the UAE’s GDP in 2017 which supported 300,000 jobs*. The findings also outlined that the industry will continue to grow over the coming years. This highlights the opportunity for the future generation of local leaders to develop careers in a thriving industry through specific hospitality programs, such as Tahseen.

The unique and highly individualized program created in partnership with Cornell University focuses on practical application across all departments as well as an in depth understanding of leadership skills led by teams across Marriott International’s participating hotels over a course of 12 to 18 months. Participants also receive first-hand experience through the Cornell e-learning platforms and a university-led development program tailored specifically for UAE nationals.

Present at the launch, Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International said: “At Marriott International our core company value is ‘Putting People First’ and this rings true throughout everything we do. We believe in providing our associates with world-class training and personal development opportunities through every stage of their career, whether they have been with the company for a number of years or are just starting out their career in the industry. Our Tahseen program is targeted at finding the future leaders in the hospitality industry and we are committed to strengthening and developing these talents to take on leadership roles.”

“In line with the UAE government’s vision to build a knowledge economy, we remain committed and passionate about providing those keen for a budding career in hospitality with the tools and skills they need to succeed – not only for their own development but also to be a part of the wider UAE success story,” he concluded.

David Leman, Chief Human Resources Officer, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International added: “Through our partnership with Cornell University, we have been able to amplify awareness of the Tahseen program to ensure that we enroll the finest candidates who are able to flourish through the program. We are always delighted to see future leaders of the industry develop through our programs and turn this experience into a prosperous career - we’re excited to watch the Tahseen program unfold in the UAE for the first time.”

Tahseen is a program that falls under Marriott International’s Sustainability and Social Impact Platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, which guides how the company makes a positive and sustainable impact wherever it does business. From empowerment opportunities to sustainable hotel development, the platform is designed to foster business growth while balancing the needs of associates, customers, owners, the environment and communities. One of the priority areas, or “coordinates”, of Serve 360 is Empower Through Opportunity. Tahseen is a program that directly supports and brings this vision to life.

Marriott International currently operates over 250 hotels with more than 57,000 rooms across 29 countries and 21 brands in Middle East and Africa.

*Source: World Travel & Tourism Council

Photo Caption: Launch of UAE Tahseen with Marriott International’s Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director MEA, David Leman, Chief HR Officer, MEA and the first batch of UAE Tahseeners

About Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,900 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 130 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company now offers one travel program, Marriott Bonvoy^TM , replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG). For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.