The Middle East and Africa (MEA) Future Leaders Challenge (FLC), set to take place in Dubai from January 21-23, 2025, is solidifying its position as the leading platform for shaping the future of hospitality and tourism careers in the region. Focused on fostering a collaborative community, inclusivity, and talent development, the FLC aims to make the MEA region a global hub for innovative and sustainable hospitality leadership.
“The FLC is dedicated to showcasing the hospitality and tourism industry as an attractive, future-ready career path for young minds,” said Hubert Ummels, Founder of the MEA FLC, Advisory Board Member of the FLC, and Owner of GameChangers Group, “By nurturing future leaders through mentorship and collaboration, the FLC helps participants develop essential skills and connect them with industry professionals, ultimately enhancing the industry’s image and impact. With the support of our partners, we are committed to providing participants with the resources they need for the MEA Future Leaders Challenge in Dubai, while reshaping careers in the hospitality sector as dynamic, rewarding, and filled with long-term opportunities.”
Building an Inclusive Community for Growth
The FLC prioritises inclusivity, ensuring access to diverse students and young professionals from all backgrounds. By breaking down barriers, the platform provides career development and networking opportunities that highlight the vast array of roles within hospitality and tourism. FLC also facilitates connections that lead to internships, jobs, and mentorship, making the industry more welcoming to the next generation.
Collaboration: The Key to Addressing Industry Challenges
The FLC fosters a collaborative environment where academia, industry leaders, and government entities come together to address critical challenges in the hospitality and tourism industry. Through strategic partnerships, the FLC creates impactful solutions for talent development, skill gaps, and educational reform.
“Collaboration is the cornerstone of the FLC,” emphasised Fraser Donaldson, Divisional Sales Vice President & General Manager at Vision Linens, event sponsor and world-leading textile supplier to top global brands in both retail and hospitality. “By working together, stakeholders can tackle industry-wide issues and create sustainable solutions that drive the hospitality and tourism industry forward. This collaborative approach paves the way for a brighter future for the sector in the MEA region.”
Positioning the MEA Region as a Global Talent Hub
The FLC is on a mission to position the MEA region as a global hub for developing innovative and collaborative leaders in hospitality and tourism. By fostering relationships between emerging talent, industry leaders, and key partners across education, government, and the hospitality sector, the region is uniting efforts to enhance the industry’s appeal and lead the way in sustainable human capital development.
Marvy Rieder, Director of the MEA Future Leaders Challenge, adds, “The FLC’s focus on mentorship goes beyond immediate career development. It ensures the MEA region fosters a future generation of leaders who are not only innovative but also environmentally and socially conscious. This aligns perfectly with the region’s vision for sustainable growth.”
Partners for Growth
The FLC is proud to announce its esteemed platinum partners: Hilton, Accor, Dubai World Trade Centre, Radisson Hotel Group, Rotana, Emaar Hospitality, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM), NHL Stenden, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and GameChangers. These industry leaders, along with key contributors across the sector, are united in driving meaningful change. The strength of the platform lies in the collective commitment to a shared goal: enhancing the attractiveness of the hospitality and tourism industry, and fostering the development of future leaders in the MEA region.
The FLC is also supported by a distinguished advisory board comprised of industry experts who provide guidance and mentorship to participants. The advisory board members include:
1. Hubert Ummels: Owner, GameChangers Group
2. Eddy Tannous: COO, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation
3. Jeroen Greven: Head of Future Workforce Development, NEOM
4. Tim Cordon: Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotels 5. Stephanie van Oorschot: Industry Relations Officer, Hotel Management School NHL Stenden
6. Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar: Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre 7. Judi Nwokedi: Chair, Gauteng Tourism Authority South Africa
8. Nadia Bouayad: Managing Director, SHB
9. Mark Kirby: Head of Hospitality, EMAAR Hospitality Group
10. Guy Hutchinson: President, Middle East and Africa, Hilton
11. Jonathan Sheard: SVP Operations, Middle East Africa, Accor
12. Khalid AlAwar: Director – Business Stakeholders and Government Relations, Dubai Economy and Tourism
Join the Future Leaders Challenge
The national editions of the Future Leaders Challenge will take place in East Africa on 14-15 April, South Africa on 5-6 May, and Morocco on 2-3 June 2025. Young professionals and students eager to explore dynamic careers in the hospitality industry are encouraged to join the challenge. Participants will gain hands-on experience, build valuable networks, and compete for opportunities to accelerate their leadership journey.
To learn more about how to register, participate, and unlock exciting career pathways with the FLC, visit www.meafutureleaderschallenge.com.
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