Katara & Marriott debut Tahseen training programme

Qatar-based Katara Hospitality and Marriott International launched the Tahseen hospitality training programme, an initiative focused on fast tracking the next generation of Qatari hospitality professionals.

The official announcement of this initiative was attended by Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, chairman of Katara Hospitality and Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott International as well as Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, CEO 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 12 months of departmental specialisation. It also provides graduates with access to Marriott International’s core management development programmes.

Sheikh Al-Thani said in a statement: "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.”

Over the duration of the programme, the Qatari graduated be fully immersed in all aspects of the industry and enroll in eCornell certificate programmes combined with Cornell University’s executive leadership workshop. This workshop will be tailored to the local culture and business environment of Qatar and the wider Middle East. Education for Employment will also train the selected class on what it takes to be successful in the workplace.

Sorenson commented: "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.