DCT Abu Dhabi celebrates hotel frontliners in second Al Midhyaf training programme completion
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has celebrated the successful completion of its second Al Midhyaf training programme, recognising frontline staff from 15 leading hotels for their dedication to enhancing guest experiences and embedding authentic Emirati hospitality across the emirate.
The Al Midhyaf programme, meaning “the host” in Arabic, is a government-endorsed initiative aimed at unifying and elevating service standards in Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector. The training equips participants with key skills in professionalism, proactive engagement, cultural sensitivity, clear communication, and effective problem-solving, ensuring consistent and authentic guest experiences that reflect Emirati values.
A central focus of the programme is creating a Genuine, Enriching, and Memorable (GEM) experience for every visitor. Frontline staff learn to share knowledge of Abu Dhabi’s culture and attractions, promote openness and respect for all backgrounds, and demonstrate integrity in all interactions, from check-in to departure.
During the ceremony, general managers from the following 15 hotels were recognised for their teams’ successful completion of the Al Midhyaf Code of Conduct for Service Excellence training: Al Raha Beach Hotel; Bab Al Qasr Hotel Abu Dhabi; Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi; Conrad Abu Dhabi at Etihad Towers; Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi; Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Emirates Pearl; Grand Millennium Al Wahda Abu Dhabi; InterContinental Abu Dhabi; Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan Abu Dhabi by Rotana; Le Méridien Abu Dhabi; Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi; Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island; Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi; Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi; and The WB by Hilton, Curio Collection.
Additional commendation was given to six top-performing hotels and one outstanding frontline employee from each.
Looking ahead, the Al Midhyaf programme will be delivered through DCT Abu Dhabi’s Visitor Experience (VX) Academy, which uses AI-driven e-learning modules to provide accessible and comprehensive training.
This event marks the second in a series of recognition ceremonies, following the graduation of taxi drivers from the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in July 2025.
The ongoing success of the Al Midhyaf initiative highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to cultivating a culture of service excellence, ensuring every visitor enjoys an authentic and memorable experience rooted in the core values of Emirati hospitality.
