DUBAI – November 6, 2025: As the UAE’s hospitality market continues its strong upward trajectory — projected to grow at 6.9% annually from USD 7.1 billion in 2023 to USD 10 billion by 2028 (Alpen Capital, GCC Hospitality Industry – UAE Hospitality Market Forecast) — the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy–Les Roches (ADHA–LR) has emerged as a leading voice in shaping the industry’s next generation of skilled professionals.
At the Future Hospitality Summit World (FHS) in Dubai, Prof. Scott Richardson, Academic Dean at ADHA–LR, participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “Rebuilding the Workforce: Attracting and Retaining Talent in Hospitality.” The conversation focused on one of the sector’s most pressing challenges — bridging the widening talent gap in the face of rapid growth and digital transformation.
“The Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy–Les Roches seeks to prepare a generation of graduates capable of meeting the needs of the hospitality market in the UAE and beyond,” said Prof. Richardson. “With the sector expanding, job creation is expected to reach between 11,500 and 34,500 new direct and indirect roles as new hotel rooms come online.” (Knight Frank, UAE Hospitality Market Review – Autumn 2025)
Empowering the Next-Gen Workforce
The Academy’s presence at FHS reinforced its role as a strategic bridge between education and industry, aligning academic excellence with real-world demand.
“We are a regional and global thought leader in hospitality education,” said Georgette Davey, Managing Director of ADHA–LR. “FHS connects us directly with investors, hotel groups, and operators — helping us build employment pipelines, research collaborations, and internship opportunities while ensuring that future talent is both inspired and industry-ready.”
With the UAE’s luxury and upper-upscale segments accounting for nearly 70% of existing hotel supply, service excellence is evolving alongside technology integration. Prof. Richardson noted that agility, digital literacy, and cross-functional expertise are now key traits employers seek in hospitality graduates.
Innovating Through a Tech-Driven Curriculum
ADHA–LR’s academic model reflects these changing needs. Its curriculum integrates AI, digital transformation, data analytics, sustainability, and entrepreneurial thinking to prepare students for a tech-enabled global hospitality landscape.
“Our new MSc in International Hospitality Management includes modules on digital transformation, sustainability, and AI-driven personalization — equipping students with the analytical and innovation skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector,” added Prof. Richardson.
About Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy–Les Roches
Launched in September 2024, ADHA–LR is a pioneering institution redefining hospitality education in the UAE by merging global Les Roches expertise with a foundation rooted in Emirati culture. The academy offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs including:
- BSc in Global Hospitality Management
- MSc in International Hospitality Management
- MSc in Sports Management and Events (launching in 2026)
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and an experiential learning environment, ADHA–LR supports Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, nurturing local talent and strengthening the region’s position as a global hub for hospitality innovation. The academy is part of the Les Roches global network with campuses in Switzerland and Spain, under Sommet Education, a worldwide leader in hospitality education.
