Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches (ADHA-LR), rooted in Emirati hospitality and shaped by Swiss education excellence, has highlighted key insights emerging from the third edition of the Future Leaders Challenge, held from 9 to 12 February 2026. Over 100 students from prestigious institutions worldwide, including four students from the Academy, tackled real-world challenges impacting the hospitality and tourism landscape.
Themed, ‘Community over Competition,’ the Future Leaders Challenge 2026 provided participating students with a platform to interact with educators and industry leaders, gaining valuable real-world insights into the regional hospitality and tourism sectors. The three-day challenge highlighted key learnings, including leveraging technology that empowers teams and aligning operational excellence with long-term sustainability goals. Furthermore, the FLC Advisory Board sessions during the finals highlighted the critical need for stronger industry academia integration, and future-ready leadership development, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and long-term resilience. The finals also brought together hospitality and tourism education leaders from across the Middle East and Africa, creating a platform for strategic dialogue on curriculum relevance, workforce alignment, and industry–public sector priorities in preparing the next generation of talent.
Alhosani and three of his peers from Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches participated in the innovative challenge, collaborating in teams with students from across the world to develop actionable solutions to current issues impacting the landscape, such as industry attractiveness, growth, sustainability, innovation and more.
The 2026 Future Leaders Challenge invited students from across the Middle East & Africa to tackle a key industry question: ‘How can the hospitality, tourism, and events sector design future-ready experiences for guests and employees that combine authenticity, inclusivity, and innovation?’ Participants were asked to propose prototypes such as guest journeys, employee programs, service models, or digital-human concepts demonstrating how the sector can remain attractive, competitive, and globally impactful.
Alhosani and his group stood out among 18 competing teams, securing third place for their NSX Platform concept – a forward-thinking model that leverages neuroscience and AI to help hospitality professionals respond to emotional cues. By shifting the focus from scripted service to a deeper understanding of how guests think and feel, the model equips employees with the tools and knowledge to lead with empathy and create more personalized guest experiences.
Reflecting on this win at the Future Leaders Challenge 2026, Professor Scott Richardson, Academic Dean at Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, says: “We are incredibly proud of Mansoor’s success at the Future Leaders Challenge. It is a testament to how our students are prepared to think creatively, work collaboratively, and navigate the complexities of this industry, while staying true to the values and authenticity of Emirati hospitality. It is a privilege to guide them on this journey and see their talent recognised on a global stage.”
The Academy’s performance at this year’s event reflects its commitment to developing leaders who have a culturally grounded yet globally informed perspective for every touchpoint of the guest and employee experience. By delivering transformative education that blends Swiss academic standards with real-world industry exposure, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches prepares students to tackle the fast-paced hospitality landscape in the UAE and beyond.
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches continues to lead the way in shaping the future of hospitality careers and advancing the UAE’s Tourism 2030 strategy to be a global hub for innovation and sustainable hospitality leadership. By empowering young talent with future-ready skills and knowledge, the Academy ensures the region’s evolving challenges are met with resilience, cultural integrity, and an innovative mindset.
The judging panel this year was made up of a talented line up of industry thought leaders, part of the Advisory Board of the Future Leaders Challenge. These included Khalid AlAwar, Director – Stakeholders and Government Relations Dubai Economy and Tourism, Eddy Tannous, COO of Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, Colin Abercrombie, Strategy Director at NEOM Hotel Division, Tim Cordon, COO Middle East & Africa & APAC, Radisson Hotels, Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Center, Mark Kirby, President, One&Only Resorts, Judi Nwokedi, Chair Gauteng Tourism Authority, South Africa, Jonathan Sheard, SVP Operations Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, Accor Hotels, Marie-Louise Ek, VP HR Middle East & Africa, Hilton, Hubery Ummels, Founder and Owner, GameChangers and Future Leaders Platform, Nuno Filipe Ribeiro, Executive Director – Commercial Affairs & Investments.
For further information about Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches’ innovative offerings, please visit: www.lesroches.ae
