Marriott International Leadership Development Programme created in response to rising need for Qatari leaders and managers within the hospitality industry  

Katara Hospitality, the leading hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar, and Marriott International today announced the launch of Tahseen hospitality training programme, a unique initiative focused on fast tracking the next generation of Qatari leaders, providing a springboard to launch successful careers in the country’s evolving hospitality sector.

The official announcement of this initiative was attended by Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality and Arne Sorenson, Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International as well as Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality and Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa of Marriott International.

Developed in conjunction with Cornell University, INJAZ AL-Arab and Education for Employment, Tahseen provides a 12 to 18-month programme focused on providing full exposure to the business of running a hotel resulting in a managerial opportunity. The programme offers graduates six months of cross-exposure to all departments and six to twelve months of departmental specialisation. It also provides graduates with access to Marriott International’s world renowned core management development programmes.

Commenting on this occasion, Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality said: “The launch of Tahseen marks a significant milestone in our commitment to invest in the development of young Qataris. Since 1970, we have supported the evolution of the hospitality industry in Qatar and we welcome any opportunity to engage with reputable education institutions to attract and develop young talents who will lead the future of this exciting industry.”

Open to Qatari graduates; Marriott International will initially appoint 50 Qatari nationals, with both the experience and passion to work and develop a career in the hospitality industry.  Over the duration of the programme, graduates will be fully immersed into all aspects of the industry and enroll in eCornell certificate programmes combined with Cornell University’s executive leadership workshop, which will be tailored to the local culture and unique business environment of Qatar and the wider Middle East. Education for Employment will also train the selected class of professionals on what it takes to be successful in the workplace.

Tahseen hospitality training programme aims to drive participation and interest of Arab youth through Marriott International’s world-class training, resulting in an increase of local employment. The programme is customised for local nationals and will provide them with well-rounded hospitality training while opening doors to a variety of career path options.

Arne Sorenson, Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International said: “Marriott International has long been focused on developing talent in the markets in which we operate and empowering diversity has always been critical to our business model.  We constantly seek out initiatives across our region that are both inspiration and results-orientated. Through our close collaboration with Katara Hospitality, we aim to help nurture the dreams and aspirations of young Qatari Nationals and support the rapid growth the hospitality sector is forecast to sustain over the years.”

Recruitment for Tahseen will commence in February 2017 and will initially welcome 50 graduates with the objective to increase numbers annually.

About Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is the world’s largest hotel company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with nearly 6,000 properties in 120 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts. The company’s 30 leading brands include: Bulgari®, The Ritz-Carlton® and The Ritz-Carlton Reserve®, St. Regis®, W®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, The Luxury Collection®, Marriott Hotels®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Delta Hotels by MarriottSM, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Tribute Portfolio™, Design Hotels™, Gaylord Hotels®, Courtyard®, Four Points® by Sheraton, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, Residence Inn®, TownePlace Suites®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Aloft®, Element®, Moxy® Hotels, and Protea Hotels by Marriott®. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com and @MarriottIntl.