The UAE has channelled over Dh33 billion in national funding programmes to grow tourism, support entrepreneurs, and create more jobs. Here’s what that means for students, graduates, and working professionals and how CTH courses at the Centre for Continuing Learning at Horizon University College help you get career-ready.
What’s happening in the UAE tourism market
Tourism in the UAE isn’t just “hotels and airlines” anymore. It’s an entire ecosystem, events, experiences, travel operations, customer experience, food & beverage, marketing, and even start-ups building new tourism products.
The Gulf News report highlights how government-backed funding programmes support SMEs and entrepreneurs through financing, training, advisory services, and incubation, so businesses can grow faster and hire more.
Why this is a big deal for students and graduates
When a sector expands with this level of funding, employers don’t just look for passion, they look for proof of skills. That means short, focused, industry-recognized qualifications can become a serious advantage when applying for roles or internships.
- More openings: hotels, attractions, tour operators, events, and travel services need trained staff.
- Faster promotions: people who understand operations + service quality often move up quicker.
- More start-ups: funding + incubation support increases demand for tourism-savvy founders and teams.
Where the opportunities are rising
Tourism growth creates roles across multiple tracks, not just one “hospitality” lane:
- Front Office & Guest Experience
- Travel & Tour Operations
- Events & Experiences Management
- Food & Beverage Service and Management
- Tourism Marketing and Sales
- E-Tourism and Digital Guest Journeys
How CTH courses at Horizon University College match the market
The Centre for Continuing Learning at Horizon University College offers CTH tourism and hospitality training that focuses on practical, job-ready knowledge—ideal for students exploring career paths, graduates upgrading their profile, and professionals aiming for better roles.
These courses are designed to build real-world understanding of how the tourism and hospitality industry works—from customer experience to operations, marketing, and events.
View the CTH Tourism & Hospitality Management course details
What you’ll learn (course topics students actually use on the job)
- Foundations of Tourism
- Management of Travel and Tours
- Front Office Management
- Tourism and Hospitality Marketing
- Food and Beverage Services and Management
- Strategic Tourism and Hospitality Management
- E-Tourism
- Event Management
Who should consider this pathway
- High school students: if you love travel, events, people, and building experiences.
- University students: if you want a practical credential alongside your degree.
- Graduates: if you want to stand out in interviews with industry-focused knowledge.
- Working professionals: if you’re aiming for a promotion or a switch into tourism and hospitality.
CCL tip: Build a “tourism-ready” CV in 3 steps
- Choose a skills lane: guest experience, operations, events, marketing, or travel services.
- Add a recognized qualification: a structured course shows you’re serious and prepared.
- Show proof: list course topics + a mini project (e.g., event plan, tour itinerary, service improvement idea).
Explore more professional learning at the Centre for Continuing Learning
The Centre for Continuing Learning at Horizon University College provides professional courses and certifications aligned with industry demand. If you’re planning your next step, explore the available options and choose the pathway that fits your goals.