The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has partnered with the Future Leaders Challenge to host its three-day global finale, welcoming students from over 20 countries. The collaboration, aligned with Dubai’s D33 agenda, reinforces the emirate’s commitment to human capital development and future leadership in hospitality and tourism.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced a new partnership with the Future Leaders Challenge (FLC), a global platform dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders in hospitality and tourism, reinforcing the emirate’s long-term commitment to talent development, innovation and global collaboration. As part of the partnership, Dubai will host the programme’s three-day global finale, bringing together top student talent from more than 20 countries for an immersive experience that blends real-world problem-solving with exposure to one of the world’s most dynamic tourism ecosystems.
The collaboration reflects Dubai’s strategic ambition to position itself not only as a leading global destination, but also as a hub for thought leadership, education and skills development in travel and tourism. By supporting initiatives like the Future Leaders Challenge, DET is investing in the people who will shape the future of the industry at a time when hospitality and tourism are undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology, sustainability priorities and evolving traveller expectations.
The Future Leaders Challenge is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry realities. Through competitive challenges, mentorship and hands-on projects, it gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real business scenarios while engaging directly with senior industry figures. Hosting the global finale in Dubai places the city at the centre of this exchange of ideas and talent, offering participants first-hand exposure to a market that has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in tourism, events, aviation and hospitality.
During the three-day finale, students will take part in an intensive programme built around collaboration, creativity and practical problem-solving. The experience is structured to encourage cross-cultural teamwork, reflecting the global nature of the tourism industry itself. Participants will be challenged to develop solutions to contemporary issues facing hospitality and tourism, drawing on insights from Dubai’s own journey as a destination that has grown rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on quality, resilience and future readiness.
A key milestone within the partnership is the appointment of His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), which is part of DET, as the Future Leaders Challenge’s first-ever Global Patron. The role recognises Kazim’s leadership in shaping Dubai’s tourism strategy and underscores the importance the emirate places on cultivating future industry leaders. His appointment also signals a deepening relationship between Dubai’s tourism authorities and the global education and talent development ecosystem.
Under Kazim’s leadership, Dubai’s tourism sector has continued to evolve as a global benchmark for destination marketing, visitor experience and industry collaboration. Serving as Global Patron of the Future Leaders Challenge, he will help guide the initiative’s strategic direction, lend his expertise to its programmes, and reinforce links between emerging talent and industry stakeholders. The role aligns with Dubai’s broader approach to leadership development, which places emphasis on mentorship, exposure and global perspective.
The partnership between DET and FLC also supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, known as D33, which sets out a roadmap for accelerating economic growth and strengthening the city’s position as a global hub for business and talent. Human capital development is a central pillar of D33, with a focus on attracting, retaining and nurturing skilled individuals across key sectors, including tourism, one of Dubai’s most important economic drivers.
Tourism has long played a vital role in Dubai’s diversification strategy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment and international visibility. As the sector becomes more complex and competitive worldwide, developing a pipeline of skilled, adaptable leaders is increasingly critical. Initiatives such as the Future Leaders Challenge help ensure that the industry is equipped with individuals who understand not only traditional hospitality operations, but also emerging trends such as digital transformation, sustainability, experiential travel and the integration of technology into service design.
By hosting the global finale, Dubai is offering participants a living case study of destination development. From large-scale infrastructure and iconic attractions to policy frameworks that support innovation and public-private collaboration, the city provides an environment rich with learning opportunities. For many students, the experience will be their first exposure to the Middle East’s tourism landscape, broadening their understanding of how different markets respond to global and regional travel trends.
The international nature of the Future Leaders Challenge also mirrors Dubai’s multicultural identity. With students arriving from more than 20 countries, the programme reflects the diversity that defines both the global tourism workforce and Dubai itself. This diversity is expected to foster meaningful dialogue, encourage new perspectives and build lasting networks among participants who may go on to work together across borders in the future.
DET’s involvement in the initiative further demonstrates how destination marketing organisations are expanding their remit beyond promotion to include education, skills development and long-term industry stewardship. In an era where destinations compete not only for visitors but also for investment and talent, playing a role in shaping future leaders strengthens Dubai’s position as a place where careers can be built as well as experiences enjoyed.
For the Future Leaders Challenge, partnering with DET and naming Dubai as the host city for its global finale elevates the programme’s profile and impact. The association with a globally recognised destination underscores the seriousness of the initiative’s mission and provides participants with access to senior leaders, institutions and case studies that can accelerate their professional growth. The appointment of a Global Patron from within Dubai’s tourism leadership further anchors the programme within the realities of the industry it seeks to serve.
The collaboration also reflects a shared belief that the future of hospitality and tourism depends on collaboration between educators, industry bodies and policymakers. As challenges such as workforce shortages, climate change and shifting consumer expectations intensify, the industry will require leaders who can think systemically, innovate responsibly and work across sectors. By combining DET’s destination expertise with FLC’s educational platform, the partnership aims to contribute meaningfully to this leadership pipeline.
As Dubai prepares to welcome the Future Leaders Challenge finalists, the initiative stands as a symbol of the emirate’s confidence in its tourism sector and its willingness to invest in its future stewards. For the students involved, the global finale promises not just competition, but an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired in a city that has made ambition and execution central to its identity.
In aligning with the Future Leaders Challenge, DET is reinforcing the message that tourism’s future will be shaped by people as much as by places. By opening its doors to emerging talent from around the world and embedding leadership development within its broader economic vision, Dubai continues to position itself at the forefront of a global industry that thrives on innovation, connection and human potential.
