Written by JJ JJ
Updated on July 20, 2026 4 -minute read

Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches and Al Karamah Training Institute expand pathways to inclusive hospitality education and careers

The account strengthens QComms’ education communications portfolio and builds on the agency’s experience working with schools, universities and education groups.

The partnership combines hospitality training with specialist autism expertise to create more inclusive learning and career opportunities in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches has partnered with Al Karamah Training Institute (AKTI) to strengthen inclusive education and create accessible vocational learning opportunities for autistic students in the UAE.

Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership establishes a long-term framework, combining the Academy’s hospitality expertise with AKTI’s specialist knowledge in autism education and support. Building on the partnership established earlier this year, both organizations are now building on this foundation with plans to extend and deepen their collaboration through 2027 and beyond. Together, the two organizations will provide autistic students with practical industry experience, while equipping future hospitality professionals with the skills and understanding to foster more inclusive workplaces. The partnership also supports the development of a more diverse and inclusive hospitality workforce for Abu Dhabi’s growing tourism sector, helping create pathways to employment for underrepresented talent while contributing to the industry’s future workforce needs.

As part of the collaboration, AKTI will deliver expert training for Academy staff and students on autism awareness, inclusive teaching practices, and strategies to support neurodiverse learners in hospitality settings. The partnership will also create pathways for AKTI students to access hands-on hospitality training and future internship opportunities, reinforcing both organizations’ shared commitment to advancing hospitality education for all.

Georgette Davey, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, says: “Hospitality is inclusive by nature. At Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, we believe hospitality pathways should be accessible to everyone. Our partnership with AKTI reflects our long-term commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities as well as helping shape a future hospitality workforce that understands the value of inclusion, empathy and accessibility, all of which are essential not only to creating exceptional guest experiences, but also to building stronger hospitality teams and more resilient organizations. Together, we are demonstrating how hospitality education can open doors, create opportunities and empower individuals to reach their full potential.”

Demonstrating the partnership in action, the first initiative under the MoU was a five-week hospitality taster program for seven AKTI students, delivered earlier this year at Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches. Developed in close collaboration with AKTI’s educational and therapeutic specialists, the program was designed to provide meaningful, hands-on hospitality experience in a safe, engaging and supportive environment.

Students participated in a series of practical workshops covering Emirati cuisine, pastry, front office operations, housekeeping, boardroom set-up, fine dining and barista skills. Through these immersive sessions, they gained experience across the guest journey – from preparing traditional dishes and creating pastries to delivering guest service, setting professional dining environments, and learning the fundamentals of coffee preparation.

Designed using visual learning tools, guided demonstrations and practical exercises, the program was tailored to support neurodiverse learners, while building confidence, practical skills and workplace readiness. By focusing on real hospitality environments and operational skills, the initiative aimed to enhance employability and expand future career opportunities for participants. It concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating the students’ achievements and marking the successful completion of the inaugural program.

Michelle Farr, Principal at AKTI, says: “Providing our students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world environments is an important part of preparing them for future employment. Through this program, they were able to build confidence, develop practical hospitality skills, and experience professional settings in a supportive environment. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches and look forward to creating more opportunities that empower our students to reach their full potential.”

Following the success of the pilot program, both organizations are now developing the next phase of their partnership for 2027. Future initiatives will continue to expand vocational learning opportunities for students, strengthen autism awareness within hospitality education, and support the development of a more inclusive and accessible industry. Together, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches and AKTI aim to demonstrate how hospitality education can create pathways to greater inclusion, employability and long-term social impact while helping build a more diverse and representative hospitality industry for the future.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Justin Froes
E: Justin.f@qcomms.ae
M: +971 52 241 5397

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