“How can the integration of AI and cutting-edge technologies transform the perception of career opportunities within the hospitality and tourism sectors, making them more appealing to aspiring hospitality management graduates?”

15 cross-institutional groups composed of final-year students from 23 hospitality and tourism schools in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region stunned our Advisory Board jury members during the 2nd edition of the MEA Future Leaders Challenge Finals in Dubai.

Congratulations to the winning team of the MEA Future Leaders Challenge 2024 for their unique ideation and solution to tackle hospitality and tourism challenges along with exceptional delivery, research and hard work!

  • Mansoor Sultan Alhosani – The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, UAE
  • Yahya Azza – International Institute of Tourism of Tangier (ISITT), Morocco
  • Fiona Perine – Seychelles Tourism Academy, Seychelles
  • Kamohelo Hoeane – School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Hany Salah – Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Alexandria University, Egypt
  • Kabelo Modikwe – Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa

The winning team's project, "Hospitality Quest," is a revolutionary mobile and web-based game designed to introduce the world of hospitality and tourism through an interactive and educational experience. Targeting a diverse audience, including children aged 14, hospitality and tourism students, recent graduates, and professionals in transition, the gamification incorporates artificial intelligence to revolutionize the perception of career opportunities within the industry.

In addition to receiving certifications and trophies, the winners have won an opportunity to receive 5 group coaching sessions with industry professionals. Amongst the awards is the JJ Award, in memory of Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, former President of Hilton in Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, better known as JJ. The award goes to the student embodying JJ's core values: hospitality and tourism, authenticity, and empowerment.

“Winning with this team is a testament to how determination helped us to overcome every challenge that was thrown our way. I do not doubt that it's a matter of time before we become pioneers in our countries,” shares Yahya Azza, one of the winning team members of the MEA FLC 2024 and the recipient of the JJ Award for OUTSTANDING HUMAN CONNECTION.

Under the guidance of industry experts and educators, students were deliberately mixed to foster a cross-cultural experience aimed at gaining insights into working in an international setting and overcoming cultural barriers. Prior to the three-day Live Finale Event, the students underwent a comprehensive 4-month online preparation, which encompassed workshops focusing on personal development, presentation skills, and leadership abilities.

Throughout the live event, contestants, university representatives, and leaders from the Human Resources industry actively participated in various activities designed to facilitate networking, mentoring sessions, speed-dating, and sightseeing excursions, including visits to iconic landmarks like the Burj Al Arab and the exhilarating Desert Safari.

What sets this initiative apart is its distinctive capacity to inspire the upcoming generation of hospitality professionals while positioning the region as a global frontrunner and catalyst. By nurturing a highly skilled workforce and empowering the leaders of tomorrow, this initiative aims to elevate the standards of the hospitality industry in the region.

In addition to generous support, students were provided with complimentary airfare and accommodation, courtesy of our partners who played an integral role in making this event possible.

GameChangers Group, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, Hilton Middle East and Africa, Radisson Hotel Group, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, NHL Stenden, Accor, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, EMAAR Hospitality Group, Dubai World Trade Center, Vision Linens, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Fine Solutions, Coca-Cola, Topia Water, Guest Supply, Pearl Coast International L.L.C, MapsTell, Julius Meinl Coffee Group, Assa Abloy, Fresh on Table, and Hotelier Middle East.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude towards the Advisory Board members. Their guidance and wisdom not only contribute to the success of the occasion but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for our emerging talents.

  • Guy Hutchinson – President, Middle East and Africa, Hilton
  • Jeroen Greven – Managing Director, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
  • Tim Cordon – Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotels
  • Stephanie van Oorschot – Industry Relations Officer, Hotel Management School NHL Stenden 
  • Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar – Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre
  • Judi Nwokedi – Executive Director – GCSO, Tourvest
  • Hala Benlahssen – Managing Director, Halo Consulting
  • Mark Kirby – Head of Hospitality, EMAAR Hospitality Group
  • Moyo Ogunseinde – Executive Director, Uraga Real Estate Anchorage Leisures and Hospitality, Radisson Blu
  • Jonathan Sheard – Senior Vice President, Operations, Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, Accor
  • Sultan AlMteiri – Director, Business Stakeholders and Government Relations, Dubai Economy and Tourism
  • Eddy Tannous – Chief Operating Officer, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation
  • Hubert Ummels – Owner and Founder, GameChangers Group

 

About the Challenge

The MEA Future Leaders Challenge provides a platform to bring together industry leaders, students, and universities with a focus on game-changing collaborations and initiatives between these stakeholders, to enhance the quality of education, talent development and human capital focus. The overarching goal is to attract and inspire talent to choose hospitality and tourism as their choice of careers. The challenge will take place annually with the aim of growing the number of institutions and participants globally.

 

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM), located in Dubai, UAE, is one of the world’s leading educational institutions specialising in international hospitality business management. As a prominent member of the Jumeirah Group, a leading provider of luxury hotels worldwide, EAHM offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in hospitality management. These programmes are thoughtfully crafted to develop the future leaders of the hospitality industry. EAHM’s programmes hold national and international accreditation and have earned recognition as one of the top 10 hospitality schools worldwide as per educations.com. The academy ranks 1st in the Middle East and Africa region and 13th worldwide according to the 2023 QS Hospitality and Leisure Subject Rankings.

For more information, visit our website https://emiratesacademy.edu/ or reach us at +971 4 315 5555. Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram | Facebook | Snapchat | LinkedIn | YouTube | TikTok

 

Press Contact

Daiane Lagger

Daiane.Lagger@eahm.ae

+971 55 5009 543