Future Leaders Challenge partners with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism as Issam Kazim joins as Global Patron

New partnership to strengthen hospitality talent development

The Future Leaders Challenge (FLC) has announced a strategic collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). As part of the initiative, Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, will serve as Global Patron of the program.

The partnership is designed to strengthen talent development in hospitality and tourism by bringing together government bodies, educational institutions, and industry leaders.

Aligning with Dubai’s long-term economic strategy

The collaboration supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to reinforce Dubai’s global competitiveness and develop skilled human capital across major economic sectors, including tourism and hospitality.

With Dubai continuing to grow as one of the world’s most visited destinations, initiatives such as the Future Leaders Challenge are expected to help build a future-ready workforce capable of supporting the industry’s long-term expansion.

Strengthening the link between education and industry

The partnership was formalised through discussions between Kazim and Hubert Ummels, Founder and CEO of the Future Leaders Challenge. Both leaders highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between hospitality education and employment opportunities.

The program aims to support students from more than 20 countries by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, internships, and exposure to real-world hospitality environments.

Dubai to host the Future Leaders Challenge Global Finals 2026

As part of the partnership, Dubai will host the Future Leaders Challenge Global Finals in February 2026. The three-day event will bring together hospitality executives, educators, government representatives, and emerging professionals from around the world.

The finals are expected to welcome participants from more than 80 hospitality schools, creating a global platform to discuss recruitment challenges, workforce development, and leadership opportunities in the hospitality sector.

Launch of the School Directors Alliance

Ahead of the global finals, the inaugural School Directors Alliance (SDA) will be held on 22 January at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

The forum will gather hospitality educators, policymakers, and industry executives from across the Middle East and Africa region to discuss how hospitality education can evolve to meet changing industry needs. The goal is to ensure that graduates entering the sector are equipped with the skills required for modern hospitality careers.

Industry partners supporting the initiative

The Future Leaders Challenge is supported by several prominent organisations across the hospitality ecosystem. Key partners include:

• Hilton

• Accor

• Dubai World Trade Centre

• Radisson Hotel Group

• Rotana Hotels & Resorts

• Emaar Hospitality Group

• NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Through collaboration with these organisations, the initiative aims to create stronger pathways for students entering the hospitality and tourism workforce.

Building the next generation of hospitality leaders

The Future Leaders Challenge continues to position itself as a global platform dedicated to developing emerging talent for the hospitality sector. By connecting students, educators, and industry professionals, the initiative supports the creation of a more inclusive and future-focused career landscape.

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, partnerships such as this one aim to ensure that the next generation of professionals is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience required to lead the sector in the years ahead.