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Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) today enrolled its largest ever intake for its Abu Dhabi Ambassador programme – a UAE nationals-only initiative to enhance customer-facing interaction between Emiratis and visitors.
A total of 130 would-be ‘Ambassadors’ from Abu Dhabi’s public and private sectors were enrolled into the 12 weeks programme following face-to-face selection from an applications tally of 622 – the highest demand ever received in the initiative’s six-year history. The enrolment took place at the five-star, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers which is sponsoring the programme.
“The Abu Dhabi Ambassador programme has picked up incredible momentum fuelled by wider appreciation among Emiratis of the benefits tourism can bring to their home country and also because of significant word-of-mouth of its effectiveness which has permeated the community,” said Nasser Al Reyami, Tourism Standards Director, TCA Abu Dhabi.
The 130 successful applicants – representing an equal female/male ratio – will now embark on a programme in which all modules – with the exception of one, which is public speaking – will be delivered by Emirati mentors.
New to the 2013 curriculum is a session on media training and a field visit exercise to experience the new Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey product launched by Embrace Arabia.
“We are continually evolving the programme to reflect the growth and development of the destination and the increasing role Emiratis play in its development,” explained Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Senior Emiratisation Executive, TCA Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi Ambassador programme was launched in 2008 since when 277 Emiratis have graduated from the initiative. By becoming a host guide – an ‘ambassador’ – qualified UAE nationals promote the emirate’s rich culture and heritage to visitors and tourists and leave them with positive memories and impressions of Abu Dhabi and its people. The programme also increases awareness of Abu Dhabi’s expanding tourism offering among the ambassador ranks through visits to various heritage, cultural and tourist attractions.
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