Ròya International’s founder, Ahmed Ramdan spearheaded a unique outreach to Emirati students who are under the care and guidance of Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF). The career seminar which was also 
supported by the Dubai Government Department responsible for Emirati youths who have lost one or both parents focused on the importance of encouraging young locals to join the industry, and how hoteliers and schools must make more effort in changing the “typical perception” that the industry is unattractive to work in.
“Here in the UAE, particularly Dubai, the importance of hospitality is clear and growing. The hotel and tourism sector plus the airline industry account for a very significant percentage of our GDP. We are located at the heart of the East and West, and presenting the benefits of hospitality are important factors for our young people as they begin their career planning.”
Choosing his career at a time shortly after the UAE had just been formed, Ramdan, bucked the trend for young Emiratis seeking professions in engineering, law or medicine and decided to embark on a career in hospitality when there were only four major hotels in Dubai. After many successful years in the upper echelons of international hotel management, he formed his own company, Ròya International which is now one of the most recognised hospitality advisory firms in the GCC. Through Ròya, Ramdan was able to develop some of the most iconic properties in the GCC and truly make an impact on the region’s tourism and hospitality industry.
