Marriott International, in cooperation with DUR Hospitality, has launched Tahseen, a hospitality training program focused on fast tracking next generation Saudi leaders with a view to provide a springboard to launch successful careers in the country’s robust hospitality sector.
Badr Al-Badr, CEO and president, DUR Hospitality; Thomas Kline, executive director of executive education, Cornell University; Nickolas Neibauer, chief development officer, INJAZ Al-Arab; and Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, MEA, Marriott International, took part in a press conference which explained the features of Tahseen.
Tahseen gives Marriott International the opportunity to create a shift in the perception of hospitality among Saudi nationals. It responds to strong demand in the market for Saudi talent by showcasing careers in hospitality to the next generation of hoteliers.
Developed in conjunction with key owner and partner DUR Hospitality as well as Cornell University, INJAZ Al-Arab and Education for Employment, Tahseen provides a 12- to 18-month program focused on providing full exposure to the business of running a hotel resulting in a managerial opportunity.
The program offers graduates six months of cross-exposure to all departments and six to 12 months of departmental specialization. It also provides graduates access to Marriott International’s core management development programs.
Open to Saudi university graduates, the hotel operator will initially appoint 50 Saudi nationals.
Over the duration of the program, graduates will be fully immersed into all aspects of the business and will be enrolled in E-Cornell certificate programs, combined with Cornell University’s executive leadership workshop.
Tahseen hospitality training program aims to the drive participation and interest of Arab youth through Marriott International’s world-class training, resulting in an increase of local Arab employment on the property.
Recruitment for Tahseen will commence in February and will initially welcome 50 graduates with the objective to increase numbers annually.

Source: Arab News