RAK FTZ Academy Zone welcomes new Vatel Hotel and Tourism School

His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah recently inaugurated the new Vatel Emirates School in the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) Academy Zone.

Vatel is a renowned International Business School for Hotel and Tourism Management. Created more than 25 years ago by Alain Sebban, Vatel’s goal is to ensure that future operational and senior managers of the hospitality and tourism industry are well equipped with the proper knowledge and skills. Twenty-two schools in countries such as France, Canada, Mexico, Morocco, Tunisia and Russia stand as a testament to Vatel’s unerring commitment to quality – a commitment and dedication that RAK FTZ shares.

Oussama El Omari, CEO of RAK FTZ, views this new addition to the free zone as a vital investment in the future of the country.

“The Emirates is sorely lacking a high quality hotel school to help build up the tourism industry of the region from the ground up,” he says. “With Vatel Emirates, we will ensure that we can properly train nationals in the different industries that we are attracting, such as tourism.”

Oussama says the free zone aims to encourage those from the next generation who want to follow a career path within the hospitality and tourism industry, giving them the necessary tools to achieve success while at the same time building and developing the tourism sector in Ras Al Khaimah.

Students at Vatel Emirates will also get the opportunity to study at the Vatel Los Angeles as part of an Academic Content MBA Hospitality Tourism Management course. The course balances academic teaching with full work experience in the most beautiful Vatel-selected hotel and tourist establishment in California. The school is also reviewing the possibility of launching a Marco Polo Program, where students will spend one semester in another country to assimilate another culture and study another language.

“With Vatel Emirates, we will continue working in the true Vatel way to contribute to the development of Ras Al Khaimah under the hotel and tourism sector,” says Abderraouf Tebourbi, General Director for Vatel Tunis and UAE.

“We wish to contribute to the work which has already been started by his Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi who has done so much in this sector with the establishment of prestigious hotel chains such as Al Hamra Fort, The Cove Rotana and Banyan Tree hotels. This would not have been possible without his support, as well as François Blamont, Vice President and International Recruitment Director of Vatel International Business School.”

Vatel Emirates, which opened its doors in January this year, is currently training 71 students under the programmes Bachelor Degree, Master Degree and hotel staff training.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) is a world-class business hub and a vehicle for industrial growth and development. The free zone, with its cutting-edge technology and keen customer focus, offers on-demand and custom-built support services to investors in a cost-effective and flexible environment. The Free Zone also offers a range of unique services, which include the legal, human resources and marketing assistance.

The Free Trade Zone has created a system of four Parks – Business Park, Industrial Park, Technology Park and Al Ghayl Industrial Park– which offer identical advantages and benefits to investors. Backed by legislations allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership, tax-free environment, transparent laws and 100 per capital and profit repatriation, the free trade zone is well positioned for global commerce.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone is one of the fastest growing free trade zones, with more than 5,000 companies from 106 countries around the globe. For more information visit www.rakftz.com.