Dusit Thani College Partners with Alkhaleej to Enhance Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Sector, Here’s All You Need to Know

Dusit Thani College (DTC), Thailand’s prestigious hospitality education institute under Dusit International, has announced a strategic partnership with Alkhaleej Training and Education to launch its Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP) in Saudi Arabia. This marks the college’s first global licensing agreement, which is expected to catalyze Dusit Thani College’s international expansion and play a key role in developing the hospitality workforce in Saudi Arabia.

A Groundbreaking Partnership for Hospitality Training

The partnership with Alkhaleej Training and Education, a leading vocational training provider with more than 30 years of experience, represents a significant step in the global expansion of Dusit Thani College’s renowned hospitality training programs. Alkhaleej operates over 60 training centers across Saudi Arabia, and their collaboration with Dusit Thani College will see the introduction of DTC’s highly respected Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP) in Riyadh.

TOP is a six-month intensive training pathway designed to prepare graduates for entry-level roles in the hospitality industry. The program combines over 280 hours of practical learning with two months of classroom-based instruction followed by a four-month internship. Interns will have the unique opportunity to work at top-tier hotels, including those in Dusit International’s global portfolio, as well as with local hospitality partners in Saudi Arabia.

Meeting Saudi Arabia’s Growing Demand for Skilled Hospitality Workers

The introduction of Dusit Thani College’s TOP program is perfectly timed, as Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious plans to grow its tourism and hospitality sector. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism sector is expected to contribute over 10% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2025, with an estimated 2.7 million jobs projected to be created. As the country accelerates its tourism transformation, the need for skilled workers in the hospitality industry is greater than ever.

The Talent Opportunity Programme will help bridge this gap by equipping the next generation of hospitality professionals with the skills and practical experience needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving tourism sector. Graduates of the program will be prepared for entry-level positions in various hospitality sectors, including culinary arts, pastry making, food and beverage services, and guest services, setting them up for successful careers in the growing industry.

A Comprehensive Educational Experience for Future Hospitality Leaders

The program offered by Dusit Thani College and Alkhaleej will be delivered at Alkhaleej’s Riyadh training center. Alkhaleej Training and Education’s experience in vocational education combined with DTC’s reputation for delivering internationally recognized, high-quality training ensures that students will receive a world-class education. This collaboration makes DTC the first non-Swiss hospitality school to introduce a formal, internationally benchmarked skills-based program in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to the core TOP curriculum, specialized short courses will be available for those interested in pursuing roles in barista services, concierge, and luxury hospitality. Furthermore, B2B upskilling modules in areas such as digital marketing, cost control, housekeeping, pricing, banqueting, and human resources will allow businesses in Saudi Arabia to enhance the skills of their existing workforce, ensuring the continued growth of the hospitality sector.

For those seeking further academic qualifications, Dusit Thani College will offer graduates direct pathways to its campus in Bangkok, Thailand, where they can pursue four-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees in Hospitality Management or Professional Culinary Arts. This provides a seamless transition from vocational training to higher education, enabling graduates to pursue a wider range of career opportunities within the global hospitality industry.

Enhancing Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Strategy and Workforce Development

The partnership between Dusit Thani College and Alkhaleej Training and Education aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategies, which focus on developing human capital as a key pillar for the success of the country’s growing tourism sector. By offering practical, employment-focused training, TOP will contribute to strengthening local workforces and creating meaningful pathways for upskilling, reskilling, and career transitions within the hospitality industry.

John Lohr, Executive Director of External Affairs at Dusit Thani College, emphasized the importance of supporting national tourism strategies. “By licensing TOP to esteemed international partners such as Alkhaleej, we aim to support national tourism strategies, strengthen local workforces, and create meaningful pathways for upskilling, reskilling, and career transitions,” Lohr said.

Hatem Aldryaan, CEO of Alkhaleej Training and Education, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the relevance of the program to the Kingdom’s hospitality growth. “TOP represents a practical, employment-focused model that directly links training with real job opportunities. It arrives at a pivotal moment for the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality growth,” Aldryaan remarked.

Dusit International’s Growing Presence in Saudi Arabia

Dusit International, the parent company of Dusit Thani College, is also expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia. The company will debut its hotel management operations in the Kingdom with the opening of Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah in Riyadh in the first quarter of 2026. This expansion not only reflects Dusit International’s commitment to the Saudi Arabian market but also aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 plans to diversify the economy and develop the tourism sector.

The opening of Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah will offer high-quality hospitality services and create more job opportunities for skilled workers trained through the TOP program. This connection between education, job training, and job creation is a key aspect of the broader effort to build a sustainable tourism ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

A Bright Future for Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality and Tourism Sectors

This partnership between Dusit Thani College and Alkhaleej Training and Education is an important stepping stone in the development of the highly skilled workforce that the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia requires. This is considering the fact that the implementation of the internationally recognized TOP hospitality training program ensures the meeting of the growing demand for hospitality professionals required by the tourism industry in the next years.

The post Dusit Thani College Partners with Alkhaleej to Enhance Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Sector, Here’s All You Need to Know appeared first on Travel and Tour World