Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches has underscored the expanding influence of women in shaping the future of the UAE’s hospitality and tourism sectors, as it hosted the second edition of its Hospitality Her Way initiative in Abu Dhabi.
Under the theme “Shaping What Comes Next: Women Driving
Hospitality Forward,” the event brought together industry leaders to examine
how female executives are steering the sector through transformation, workforce
shifts and the rise of the wider experience economy.
Key findings shared during the discussion highlighted
continued progress in female representation, alongside persistent gaps at
senior levels.
While women account for around 52% of the global hospitality
workforce, they hold only about 30% of leadership roles.
In the UAE, female participation has risen to over 34%
across the sector, supported by broader national efforts to strengthen gender
balance.
Women also represent 66% of public sector roles, including
30% in senior leadership, compared with 16.6% in the private sector.
Speakers noted that hospitality careers are also evolving
beyond traditional hotel operations into tourism, culture, events,
entertainment and destination experiences, creating more diverse leadership
pathways.
Panellists including Emma Campbell of the Department of
Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Katrin Herz of The Abu Dhabi Edition,
Marriott Hotel, said mentorship, sponsorship and structured development
programmes remain critical to closing leadership gaps and building confidence
among emerging female talent.
The session also highlighted a shift toward more
collaborative leadership cultures, with executives pointing to stronger
cross-property female networks and increasing emphasis on early-career
development.
Leaders stressed that visibility, access to mentors and
practical industry exposure are key to enabling progression into senior roles.
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy Managing Director Georgette
Davey said academic institutions play a central role in preparing future
leaders through structured education and industry immersion, noting that
students graduate with one year of real-world experience through dual
internships.
Speakers also pointed to changing consumer behaviour, with
rising demand for cultural authenticity and immersive travel experiences
reshaping how destinations are developed and managed.
The initiative forms part of the Academy’s broader effort to connect education with industry leadership, with women currently representing 63% of staff and 55% of leadership positions at the institution. -TradeArabia News Service