Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is placing a strong focus on empowering Emirati talent as part of its ambitious goal to attract 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.
The success of this vision, according to Mira Zakharia, Senior Director of Human Resources at RAKTDA, hinges on creating a highly skilled, capable and committed local workforce.
In an interview with Aletihad, Zakharia said tourism has long been a cornerstone of the UAE’s economy.
She cited figures by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which show that the sector expanded by 26% in 2023, contributing a record Dh220 billion to the UAE’s GDP, or 11.7% of the total economy.
The number of jobs created by tourism also grew by 41,000 to reach more than 809,000, representing one in nine jobs in the UAE.
In Ras Al Khaimah, the sector currently employs 6,000 people, a number that is projected to triple by 2030, increasing the workforce to approximately 25,000 employees, according to Zakharia.
RAKTDA views this growth as an opportunity to prioritise Emirati talent through nationalisation programmes, which not only aim to increase local employment but also leverage the unique cultural perspectives and insights of Emiratis to enhance the visitor experience.
“Emiratis are the true ambassadors of the Emirates in the tourism sector, possessing an inherent understanding of national values, traditions, and customs. Who better to convey the rich stories of the UAE than those who have lived and breathed its vibrant culture? In an industry where human interaction is key, nationalisation is more than just a policy directive - it is an essential part for success,” said Zakharia.
“By integrating Emirati professionals into various sectors of the tourism industry - whether in hospitality, marketing, event management, or culinary arts - we not only enhance the authenticity of our offerings but also foster a sense of pride among our local communities.”
An example of this is visiting the ancient forts of Ras Al Khaimah with an Emirati guide who shares first-hand knowledge of the sites’ historical significance.
Zakharia explained that this interaction allows tourists to gain a richer understanding of the UAE’s heritage, which expats or foreign guides may not be able to offer at the same depth.
RAK Nationalisation Initiatives
To realise this vision, RAKTDA is taking a multi-faceted approach to Emiratisation, investing heavily in talent development and providing targeted training programmes and internships.
Zakharia said: “Partnerships between educational institutions and industry stakeholders can foster a smoother transition from academia to the workplace. By aligning curricula with the needs of the tourism sector, we can ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry.”
RAKTDA is also keen on participating in career fairs, in collaboration with other Ras Al Khaimah partners, to raise awareness about the career opportunities in the tourism sector, she added.
These events also provide a platform for Emirati youth to network with industry leaders, explore job opportunities, and gain the necessary skills to excel in the field.
Moreover, RAKTDA’s Emiratisation Hospitality Programme (EHP), implemented in partnership with Career Lab and Les Roches University, aims to equip UAE nationals with the knowledge and skills to become successful frontliners in Ras Al Khaimah hotels.
EHP created more than 10 work placement opportunities for young Emirati, who successfully passed the programme, and were integrated in the sector, Zakharia said.
The programme ensures that participants receive cutting-edge learning and training in hospitality management, sustainable tourism practices, and advanced customer service skills, she added.
