As the global hospitality industry continues to evolve, one truth remains constant: women are at the heart of it. In fact, they are often the backbone – driving guest experiences, operational excellence, and service innovation.
Investing in women is not only the right thing to do – it is a strategic imperative. Women make up approximately 54% of the global tourism workforce as of 2024, with over half of all female employment concentrated in hospitality and travel sectors (UNWTO, 2024; WTTC, 2024).
Yet, leadership roles tell a different story: women hold only about 31.7% of senior leadership roles globally, with just 7% of CEO roles and 27% of board seats in hospitality held by women (World Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report, 2024; ResearchGate, 2024).
This imbalance is not simply about fairness; it’s a missed opportunity. Diverse leadership teams are proven to be more profitable, agile, and innovative – companies with gender-diverse executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform on profitability and 27% more likely to demonstrate superior value creation (World Economic Forum, 2024).
In the UAE, where I am now based, Emirati women’s workforce participation rose to 34.6% in 2024, up from 32.5% the previous year (UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, 2024). They represent 18% of Emirati entrepreneurs, many under the age of 40 (Emirates News Agency, 2024), and hold 66% of public sector roles, including 30% of senior positions (UAE Gender Balance Council, 2024). These figures reflect a society redefining leadership – with a direct impact on hospitality.
The industry itself is booming. Last year the UAE’s tourism and hospitality sector contributed AED 236 billion to GDP, equivalent to 12% of the national economy, and supported over 809,000 jobs (WTTC, UAE Economic Impact Report, 2024). Dubai alone is expected to add 11,300 hotel rooms by 2027, creating around 15,000 new jobs (Knight Frank, 2024).
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 targets 39.3 million visitors annually, 50,000 hotel rooms, and 178,000 jobs, with a projected GDP contribution of AED 90 billion (DCT Abu Dhabi, 2023). These developments present a unique opportunity to shape a workforce that is inclusive and ready for the future.
We should honour women around the world whose creativity, resilience, and leadership continue to shape this dynamic sector. However, challenges remain. Across the globe, women in hospitality face persistent barriers: limited mentorship, lack of flexible working structures, and unconscious bias.
So, what can we do?
We must start with mentorship. It’s more than guidance, it’s a catalyst. Mentors help build confidence, advocate for advancement, and open doors. Women with mentors are five times more likely to be promoted (Harvard Business Review, 2019).
Second, we must reimagine flexibility. Hospitality is a 24/7 industry – but so are families. A 43% share of women cite lack of flexibility as a primary career obstacle (PwC, Women in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure, 2023). Flexible scheduling and family-friendly policies should not be seen as perks; they are strategic investments in retention and productivity.
Third, hospitality education must lead the way. At Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, we embed leadership, equity, and entrepreneurial thinking into our programs. Institutions must challenge outdated norms, build bias awareness, and empower graduates not just with skills, but with the mindset to lead inclusive teams and businesses.
Real change requires systems, not slogans. We are proud to work alongside the UAE Government, the Gender Balance Council, and industry partners to support both Emiratisation and gender equity goals. The UAE’s recent rise to seventh globally on the UN Gender Inequality Index (UNDP, 2024) is a clear signal of the nation’s momentum – and our shared responsibility to accelerate it.
Inclusion isn’t just the right thing; it makes business sense. Companies with gender-diverse executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform on profitability, and 27% more likely to demonstrate superior value creation (World Economic Forum, 2024). With women already dominating customer-facing roles, promoting them into leadership creates more empathetic, innovative, and consumer-aligned brands.
As a global tourism hub, the UAE has a unique opportunity to set new standards in hospitality. A diverse and empowered workforce – especially one that uplifts women – is critical to shaping that future.
Empowering women is not a box to tick – it’s a blueprint for growth. At Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, we are committed to building not only the next generation of hospitality leaders but ensuring that women lead the industry into its bold and inclusive future.
Georgette Davey is Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches.
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches Celebrates First Anniversary
The Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches (ADHA–LR), a pioneering institution at the forefront of hospitality education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has marked one year since its establishment in September 2024.
Since opening its doors, the Academy has grown from 18 students to 124 across both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, whilst also achieving accreditation from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the UAE Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), quickly establishing itself as a hub for academic excellence and professional development.
Announced in September 2023 by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) along with Les Roches, the Academy has exceeded its nationalisation target with 41% of students being Emiratis, alongside students from 31 nationalities. Emiratis also represent 18% of the Academy’s staff, reinforcing its mission to empower local talent and contribute to the growth of the national hospitality sector.
Georgette Davey, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, said: “In just one year since our establishment, we have made remarkable strides in shaping the future of hospitality education in the UAE. Our rapid growth, strong Emirati representation, and esteemed accreditations reflect our commitment to academic excellence and cultural authenticity. Partnerships with key industry players demonstrate our dedication to providing real-world opportunities that empower youth and nurture global talent. As we enter our second year, we remain steadfast in our mission to elevate Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.”
“The success of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches in just one year is a source of pride for our entire global network. By combining international hospitality standards with the rich cultural heritage of the UAE, the Academy is not only shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders but also setting a benchmark for innovation and excellence in the industry,” added Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches.
Research and Innovation
Known for academic excellence and research, ADHA–LR has pioneered new approaches in hospitality education through partnerships with industry and academia. The Academy collaborated with Autogo to introduce AI robotics technology in service operations such as Servicebot, Digital Menus, and Cleaningbot. Joint research publications were also developed with Miral on authentic learning experiences, with Erth Hotel on hospitality food waste strategies, and with NAFIS on hospitality workforce strategies for female Emiratis in Al Ain.
Industry Partnerships and Internships
Over the past year, the Academy has built strong ties with leading organisations across the hospitality and tourism sector achieved several significant milestones. In October 2024, ADHA–LR partnered with Rotana to provide internships, job placements, mentorships, masterclasses, and workshops. The collaboration also includes the “Rotana Scholarship,” offering full tuition to one merit-based student annually.
In February 2025, the Academy joined forces with Aldar to co-create the Aldar CX Academy, designed to cultivate a hospitality mindset across more than 30,000 Aldar employees, spanning roles from frontline staff to senior executives. To date, over 5,000 employees have received training.
The Academy also partnered with Swiss International School Dubai enabling students to complete the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business and Hospitality within the IB Career-related Program, including practical training at the Abu Dhabi campus and immersion at Les Roches Switzerland.
In addition, students have completed internships through partnerships with Rotana, Jetex, Etihad, Erth Hotel, Miral, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Aldar Hospitality, and Rosewood Hong Kong, among others – providing real-world experience at leading properties across the UAE and beyond.
Equipped with cutting-edge facilities such as a hotel lab, mock reception area, training kitchen, pastry lab, and a 30-seat demonstration lab, the Academy ensures an immersive, hands-on learning experience. In alignment with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, the Academy is a key player in the Emirate’s plan to expand its hospitality sector, nurture local talent, and contribute to the future of the industry both locally and globally.
Academic Milestones, Digital Transformation and Sustainability
As it enters its second year, ADHA–LR has launched a Master of Science (MSc) in International Hospitality Management in September 2025, the first Les Roches campus worldwide to offer this postgraduate program. Looking ahead, the Academy will introduce the MSc in Sports Management and Events in 2026, broadening its academic portfolio to meet evolving industry needs.
ADHA–LR has set benchmarks in educational infrastructure with a strong focus on sustainability and digital innovation. Classrooms are equipped with immersive facilities that support modern teaching methods and digital collaboration. Its network and security infrastructure feature best-in-class equipment with redundant architecture to ensure availability and advanced cybersecurity aligned with global standards.
As the first Les Roches campus of Sommet Education, global leader in hospitality, luxury and culinary arts education and training, to be entirely cloud-based, ADHA–LR offers scalable, flexible, and future-proof digital operations that enable remote access, real-time collaboration, and centralised management. The Academy is committed to Green IT, reducing its carbon footprint through energy-efficient systems, cloud optimisation, and sustainable operations.
