Dusit Thani College Brings Innovative Hospitality Training to Saudi Arabia, Get the Details Here

Published on December 16, 2025

Dusit Thani College, known for its expertise in hospitality education, continues its global expansion by replicating its highly successful Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP) in Saudi Arabia. This new partnership between Dusit Thani College and Alkhaleej Training & Education marks an important step forward for the college in its aim to provide quality skills education that addresses the increasing demand of Saudi Arabia’s expanding hospitality and tourism industry. With Saudi Arabia aiming to diversify and develop its tourism industry, following its Vision for 2030, Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly be an integral component of global hospitality.

Enhancing Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Workforce with Practical, High-Quality Training

The Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP) is designed to provide Saudi talent with the necessary skills to thrive in the booming hospitality sector. The program offers an accelerated, hands-on pathway that combines intensive practical training with real-world experience through a guaranteed internship. Over the course of six months, participants will complete more than 280 hours of practical training, followed by two months in the classroom. Afterward, they will embark on a four-month internship at four- and five-star hotels within the Dusit Hotels and Resorts portfolio, as well as selected local partners.

The program is specifically tailored to meet the demand for job-ready talent, particularly in culinary arts, pastry, food and beverage services, and guest services. Unlike traditional academic programs that often take years to complete, the fast-track nature of TOP ensures that graduates are prepared for entry-level roles much sooner, meeting the immediate operational needs of the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia.

Building the Future of Saudi Tourism: Addressing the Need for Skilled Labor

The launch of TOP in Saudi Arabia aligns perfectly with the Kingdom’s growing tourism sector. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, travel and tourism are expected to account for over 10% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2025, with tourism employment projected to reach 2.7 million. This significant growth in the sector has created a pressing need for a skilled workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding hospitality industry.

“The timing could not be more critical,” said Dr. Atthawet Prougestaporn, Rector of Dusit Thani College. “Through our partnership with Alkhaleej Training and Education, we will equip Saudi talent with internationally benchmarked training, practical experience, and industry confidence needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.” With an increasing number of visitors expected in the coming years, the demand for a highly skilled hospitality workforce in Saudi Arabia has never been greater.

Expanding Opportunities with “TOP UP” Courses and B2B Training

In addition to the core TOP program, Alkhaleej will offer specialized short courses, known as TOP UP, to further enhance the skills of hospitality professionals. These short courses will focus on specific areas such as barista training, concierge services, and luxury service roles. By offering specialized training, the program allows workers to gain expertise in high-demand areas, giving them an edge in an increasingly competitive job market.

Moreover, the partnership includes B2B upskilling programs for businesses in the hospitality sector, focusing on key areas such as digital marketing, food and beverage cost control, housekeeping management, and pricing strategies. This comprehensive approach ensures that not only individuals but also local businesses in Saudi Arabia are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to meet the demands of the fast-growing tourism and hospitality industries.

Access to International Education and Career Pathways

For those wishing to pursue further academic qualifications, the program offers a direct pathway to Dusit Thani College’s Bangkok campus, where students can enroll in four-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs in Hospitality Management and Professional Culinary Arts. These degree programs are internationally recognized and offer a more affordable alternative to traditional hospitality education destinations such as Switzerland, Australia, or the UK.

This pathway ensures that students in Saudi Arabia have access to world-class education without the need to travel abroad, making it easier for them to build successful careers in the hospitality industry. Dusit Thani College’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education is central to its mission to develop the next generation of hospitality leaders in the Kingdom.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 with High-Quality Tourism Education

The launch of the Talent Opportunity Programme in Saudi Arabia is part of Dusit Thani College’s broader strategy to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and develop the tourism sector. By offering high-quality, industry-specific training, Dusit Thani College is helping to ensure that the Kingdom’s hospitality workforce is prepared to meet the needs of an expanding market. The program also aligns with the country’s goals to increase employment opportunities for young Saudis and enhance the skills of the local workforce, empowering individuals to contribute to the country’s economic development.

Dr. Hatem Aldryaan, CEO of Alkhaleej Training and Education, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “TOP represents a practical, employment-focused model that directly links training with real job opportunities. It arrives at a pivotal moment for the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality growth and will play a vital role in preparing Saudi talent to compete with confidence and global-level standards under Vision 2030.”

Strengthening Local Communities and Creating Sustainable Growth

Through this partnership, Dusit Thani College and Alkhaleej Training and Education are working to foster local talent and promote sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. By empowering young Saudis with the skills they need to succeed in hospitality, the program is helping to create long-term employment opportunities, support local businesses, and contribute to the Kingdom’s broader economic objectives. The educational opportunities provided through this partnership are also helping to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia while offering travelers world-class experiences.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Saudi Tourism Education

With the hospitality and tourism sector in Saudi Arabia growing at an unprecedented rate, the need for skilled professionals is more pressing than ever. Dusit Thani College’s launch of the Talent Opportunity Programme in Saudi Arabia is an important step in meeting that demand. The program provides an accessible and effective pathway for young Saudis to enter the industry, contributing to the country’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and enhance its position as a global tourism hub.

Empowering the Next Generation of Hospitality Professionals

The initiation of the Talent Opportunity Programme in Saudi Arabia by Dusit Thani College is set to make a difference in the tourism industry within the Kingdom for years to come. Through offering top class training, global educational networks, and linkages with the industry, this initiative will offer a brighter future for the tourism industry within the Kingdom, wherein the tourism industry within Saudi Arabia will have employees who can tackle the challenges of this ever-changing industry. As the tourism industry within Saudi Arabia continues to develop in accordance with the ‘Vision 2030’ initiative, the efforts of Dusit Thani College will prove invaluable in ensuring the success of this industry.