MEA – Dubai has been selected to host the Middle East and Africa (MEA) Future Leaders Challenge (FLC) from January 21–23, 2025, bringing together emerging talent, industry experts, and educators to showcase hospitality and tourism as a promising career paths for youth.
The Future Leaders Challenge (FLC) draws participation from over 80 schools and is supported by influential industry leaders.
The event aims to position the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region as a global leader in innovative and sustainable hospitality practices.
It focuses on a collaborative approach to nurturing talent, offering students and young professionals from diverse backgrounds an opportunity for career advancement and networking.
The event emphasizes inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and highlighting the vast opportunities within the hospitality and tourism sectors. It opens doors for internships, mentorships, and job placements, welcoming the next generation into a thriving industry.
A key highlight of the FLC’s agenda is the debut of the School Directors Alliance (SDA) on January 22 at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality.
The initiative will bring together school directors, policymakers, and hospitality leaders from across the MEA region. The goal is to align educational strategies with the evolving demands of the global workforce.
The SDA aims to revolutionize hospitality education, ensuring students are prepared to excel as leaders in a dynamic, competitive environment.
The FLC is made possible with the support of prestigious platinum partners, including Hilton, Accor, Dubai World Trade Centre, Radisson Hotel Group, Rotana, Emaar Hospitality, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, NHL Stenden, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and GameChangers.
The event also benefits from the insights of an advisory board featuring experts from these partners, along with representatives from NEOM, Gauteng Tourism Authority, and SHB.
Hubert Ummels, Founder of the MEA FLC and Advisory Board Member, emphasized that the event is dedicated to promoting the hospitality and tourism sectors as attractive career paths for young people.
Through mentorship and collaboration, the FLC helps participants develop essential skills and build connections with industry professionals, thereby enhancing the industry’s image and impact.
Building on the success of the Dubai event, the FLC will expand with national editions in East Africa (April 14–15), South Africa (May 5–6), and Morocco (June 2–3, 2025).
These editions will further broaden the event’s reach, offering hands-on learning and fostering professional connections to address key industry challenges.
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