Dubai College of Tourism is your gateway to a thriving career in hospitality, tourism and events
DCT offers world-class, hands-on training, ensuring career-readiness
Dubai’s tourism industry continues to thrive, as reflected by the record-breaking visitor numbers released by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). With the emirate positioning itself as a global hospitality and tourism powerhouse, opportunities for aspiring professionals in the sector have never been more abundant. But where can students gain the right skills to enter this exciting industry?
Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), established by DET, is the premier institution in the UAE for vocational education in tourism, hospitality, events, and culinary arts. As a skills-based, hands-on training college, DCT ensures that every student graduates career-ready, equipped with industry knowledge, practical experience, and a competitive edge.
Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of DCT and CEO of the Economic Strategy Sector at DET, says, “Inspired by visionary leadership, Dubai College of Tourism plays a pivotal role in fostering the talent pool within the emirate. As part of our mission, we’re focused on creating accessible pathways for both young Emiratis and expatriates to explore fulfilling careers in the tourism and hospitality sectors. This aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to equip the city’s next generation workforce with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the private sector.”
What makes DCT stand out?
Dubai’s status as a global hub for hospitality, tourism, and events makes it the ideal place to study these fields. DCT stands out as the go-to institution for students looking for an affordable, industry-aligned education. Located in the heart of the city at One Central, DCT offers a dynamic blend of immersive learning and real-world training. With strong ties in the industry and a focus on practical skills, it equips students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive tourism, hospitality, and events sectors – both locally and globally.
Industry-led curriculum: Developed in partnership with the tourism and hospitality sector, ensuring students learn the latest trends and demands of the industry.
Vocational, hands-on training: Unlike traditional academic institutions, DCT focuses on practical, skills-based learning. Students gain real-world experience through site visits, guest lectures, practical group work, industry-led assignments, volunteering, and internships.
Expert faculty: All instructors are industry-experienced professionals, bringing firsthand insights into the classroom.
International recognition: DCT courses are accredited by the Ministry of Education and KHDA and recognised globally by the Institute of Hospitality and the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE).
Career-building internships: Every student completes mandatory, credit bearing internships — 6 weeks in Year 1 and 4-6 months in Years 2 and 3, providing invaluable real-world exposure.
Currently, students from diverse nationalities study at DCT full-time on the purpose-built campus nestled within the headquarters of DET. DCT’s close ties with industry leaders such as Emirates and Marriott International guarantees exclusive internships and mentorship opportunities, fostering connections with world-class professionals.
Olivia Turner, Academic Director of DCT, emphasises how the institution is committed to providing a dynamic and forward-thinking education platform that equips students with practical skills in tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, and events.
“Our mission is to cultivate a highly skilled and diverse talent pool by equipping students with the practical experience and industry exposure needed to thrive in Dubai’s tourism sector,” says Turner.
“We offer a highly rewarding education that blends classroom learning with hands-on, real-world experience — going beyond traditional teaching methods to ensure students are fully prepared for the demands of their future careers.”
Programmes at DCT
As part of its mission to equip students for success in Dubai’s dynamic tourism landscape, DCT offers four flagship programmes that have been shaping industry-ready talent since 2017. Students can study for one year and earn a certificate in either tourism, hospitality, events or culinary arts.
After successful completion of the certificate programme, students have the option to pursue further education with the Advanced Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management, the Advanced Diploma in Event Management or the Advanced Diploma in Culinary Management.
These programmes blend classroom learning with hands-on industry experience, preparing students for rewarding careers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
To inspire the next generation and support student recruitment into the full-time programmes, DCT is introducing Summer Camps for high school students (Grades 9–12), including:
• Summer Tourism Immersion Experience - An immersive one-week programme providing exposure to the diverse and fast-paced world of tourism, hospitality, and event management for high school students.
Dates: June 30-July 4, 2025 for Grades 11 and 12 | July 7-July 11, 2025 for Grades 9 and 10.
• Summer Sustainability Immersion Experience - An immersive three-day programme to design and implement sustainability solutions for high school students.
Dates: July 16-18, 2025
Beyond classrooms: Career-ready training at DCT
DCT’s learning model extends far beyond textbooks. Its students actively engage in volunteering, internships, and industry events to gain first-hand experience in Dubai’s thriving tourism industry.
Over the past few months, students have volunteered at major events in the city and across the UAE, including Dubai Ride, Dubai Run, the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Dubai Fashion Week, and Gulfood. DCT students will also volunteer again on the Dubai stand at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM) at DWTC.
The institution is also expanding its student well-being initiatives, with a dedicated well-being lead at DCT who is a trained counsellor, ensuring students receive both academic and personal support. Additionally, DCT’s Alumni Association is being launched to strengthen graduate networks and enhance career opportunities for past students.
Scholarships to support future tourism leaders
DCT is committed to making quality education accessible, and offers two key scholarships in this regard:
Resident Scholarship – Available to all students graduating from a UAE-registered school or college.
Industry Scholarship – A newly introduced initiative for students with at least one parent working in Dubai’s tourism, hospitality, events, or culinary arts sectors.
“Dubai’s vibrant and safe environment makes it an ideal destination for students to pursue their education and career aspirations in the tourism sector,” says Essa Bin Hadher. “With our comprehensive, world class curriculum, combined with affordable fees and a transparent application process, we stand out as a leading vocational education provider in the region.”
Dubai a thriving environment for students
Dubai isn’t just a place to study — it’s a lifestyle destination. Ranked 4th on Numbeo’s Safety Index by City 2025, the emirate offers:
• Unmatched career exposure, with students gaining hands-on experience at Dubai’s top tourism, hospitality, and event venues.
• A vibrant cultural scene, from Dubai Opera and global concerts to traditional Emirati festivals.
• Opportunities to intern and work part-time, ensuring students can start building their careers while studying.
At DCT, education extends beyond classrooms, ensuring students graduate with practical experience, industry connections, and a clear career path.
Kickstart your tourism career with DCT
With Dubai’s thriving tourism industry, an industry-led curriculum, world-class faculty, and unmatched career opportunities, DCT is the ideal launchpad for aspiring tourism, hospitality, events, and culinary professionals. Join us and be part of the next generation shaping Dubai’s tourism landscape!
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Ruth Karisa, Event Management student
“It’s only been a few months for me at DCT, and I feel like I can already start my own events management company. My best recommendation is to stop by the school and meet the professors, the team, and the staff — you’ll get more comfortable and know more about the school.”
Supriya Pandian, Event Management student
“I felt like a stranger walking in the first time — I was pretty nervous! But the staff were very friendly. They guided me through all the courses and catered to my needs. It’s been six months, and I’m very confident in representing the college at different events.”
Lee Angela, Tourism student
“DCT is really welcoming to people of all ages, all races, and all backgrounds. The community is close-knit, and everyone is always interacting and making friends — even across different programmes.”
Safia Mateen, Tourism student
“The instructors here are amazing because they’ve got experience in diverse fields. They don’t just teach about tourism but also the crucial industry skills needed to succeed. They take the time to understand and support each student’s goals — I really like that about DCT.”
DCT ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS
Rio D Souza, Culinary Arts graduate 2024. Now working as Commis 3 Chef at Ossiano restaurant, Atlantis The Palm
"Studying Culinary Arts at Dubai College of Tourism was an amazing experience, the practical and theory classes were so knowledgeable. We had opportunities to do internships at 5* Hotels and or Michelin Star restaurants. DCT’s student life is one of the best I could have asked for.”
Fadya Mohammed, DCT Tourism Alumni, Class of 2022. Now working in Digital Marketing, eCommerce & Distribution, at Emirates Airlines
"DCT shaped my understanding of the ever-evolving tourism industry. The faculty went beyond teaching, offering mentorship that fostered curiosity and growth. Practical experiences, including internships, equipped me with skills to confidently face industry challenges.”
Visit dct.ac.ae to apply and take the first step towards an extraordinary career
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