Sommet Education and Tanmeya Capital Forge New Pathway for Talent Development in Saudi Arabia's Hospitality Industry

Launching a New Era in Hospitality Education

In a groundbreaking announcement made during the "TOURISM 2025" Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a pivotal partnership between Sommet Education and Tanmeya Capital has been formed. Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Aqil Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, this Saudi-Swiss collaboration aims to reshape the landscape of education and talent development specifically within the realms of tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts in alignment with the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.

The partnership consolidates strengths from both organizations. Tanmeya Capital oversees the Tanmeya Hospitality Tourism Fund (THTF), an extensive SAR600 million (approximately €140 million) investment dedicated to fostering local talent and infrastructure in Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector. On the other hand, Sommet Education encompasses esteemed institutions such as Les Roches, École Ducasse, and Glion Institute of Higher Education. This union is framed as a 25-year exclusive agreement that will pave the way for a robust educational ecosystem across the Kingdom.

Addressing the Growing Needs of the Market

The initiative is designed to equip both local and international talents with world-class competencies crucial to satisfying the burgeoning demands of Saudi Arabia's tourism and service industries. By emphasizing the development of high-quality, sustainable job opportunities, the partnership also aims to reinforce the Kingdom's emerging position as a regional epicenter for hospitality education.

A significant aspect of this collaboration was the signing of a memorandum of understanding during the Summit between Tanmeya Capital and Wadi Jeddah Company, associated with King Abdulaziz University. The agreement sets the groundwork for establishing a new campus in Jeddah, promising to amplify academic and vocational training opportunities in the region.

Mr. Mohamed Musaiqer, Chairman of Tanmeya Capital, articulated the critical nature of this partnership, emphasizing that the enhancement of human capital in the tourism and hospitality sectors is a cornerstone of the Vision 2030 framework and the Human Capability Development Programme. He stated, "This partnership showcases how purposeful collaborations can have enduring social and economic impacts."

Marie-Claude Mathieu, serving as a Board Member and Group General Counsel of Sommet Education, echoed this sentiment. She remarked, "The establishment of our flagship campuses in Saudi Arabia is not only a reflection of our collective vision with our partners but also demonstrates our commitment to nurturing talent and shaping the future of hospitality excellence."

Fostering Knowledge and Skills for Future Leaders

This collaboration signifies a remarkable milestone, positioning Saudi Arabia on the path to transitioning towards a knowledge-based economy that emphasizes skills. It integrates the strengths of both the public and private sectors alongside global expertise, focused on developing future-ready leaders essential for the Kingdom's flourishing tourism and hospitality sectors.

As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these are instrumental in meeting the future demands of a diverse industry. By focusing on education, innovation, and collaborative efforts, the Saudi-Swiss partnership embodies a profound commitment to the growth and sustainability of Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector. With an eye on the future, the partnership is set to lead the way in training professionals who will meet the high standards of service expected in today's dynamic global market.

To learn more about Sommet Education and Tanmeya Capital, visit Sommet Education and Tanmeya Capital.