Emirati theme park staff to benefit from Orlando training

Dubai Parks and Resorts has revealed plans to send Emirati graduates to global theme park hub Orlando to learn about the industry.

The theme park developer, which is building the three major attractions in Dubai - motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and LEGOLAND Dubai (set to open in 2016) – says it will recruit more than 1,000 UAE nationals for this mega development over the next 12 months as part of its Emiratisation efforts (a government-led initiative to integrate the Emirati population into the workforce).

Its Helmi Programme announced last week will offer 10 Emirati graduates aged 25 and under a scholarship to undertake a six-month course in ‘Theme Park Management’ at the University of Orlando, Florida, the US state renowned globally for its theme park prowess, home to the likes of Disneyland and Sea World.

An agreement has been signed with the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida to offer an exclusive certified programme for UAE nationals.

As part of their studies the students will be assigned work placements at several theme parks, including LEGOLAND Florida, to ensure they get practical experience.

A further 40 Emiratis will undertake the same course with a visiting faculty in Dubai, according to Dubai Parks and Resorts.

“Dubai Parks and Resorts’ partnership with the Rosen College of Hospitality is an exciting platform within our extensive Emiratisation programme, which will not only provide graduates with on the ground training but also practical knowledge to help develop a new generation of Emirati theme park leaders,” said Dubai Parks and Resorts CEO Raed Al Nuaimi.

UAE theme park revenues are expected to increase 78 percent from $470 million in 2015 to $837 million in 2019, a recent report by Euromonitor International has revealed.

Dubai is driving this growth with five theme parks set to rival Orlando’s offering breaking ground over the next four years.