€140m Saudi-Swiss hospitality education partnership unveiled
Under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed bin Aqil Al-Khateeb, Riyadh has announced a major Saudi-Swiss partnership during the “TOURISE 2025” Summit, signalling a new phase in the Kingdom’s efforts to cultivate talent and strengthen human capital in tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts.
The initiative, closely aligned with the goals of Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program, will deepen the Kingdom’s pool of skilled professionals and enhance its competitiveness as it continues to expand its tourism economy.
At the core of the partnership is Tanmeya Capital, the Riyadh-based manager of the SAR 600 million (approximately €140 million) Tanmeya Hospitality & Tourism Fund (THTF). The fund is dedicated to building both talent and infrastructure to meet the sector’s rapid growth.
We are focused on building institutional strength, developing capabilities, and raising excellence standards for Saudi professionals to enable them to compete regionally and globally
Mohamed Musaiqer, chairman of Tanmeya Capital
Tanmeya Capital has entered into an exclusive 25-year agreement with Sommet Education, the global group behind Les Roches, École Ducasse, and Glion Institute of Higher Education, each recognised among the world’s top hospitality and culinary schools.
Together, they will develop a full educational and training ecosystem inside the Kingdom, designed to serve both Saudi and international learners to the highest global standards.
Moreover, the long-term plan includes establishing a national network of specialised academies and colleges in hospitality and culinary arts, with the aim of supporting workforce localisation, creating quality career pathways for Saudi youth, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional centre of excellence.
“Human-capital development in hospitality and tourism is a key pillar of Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program. At Tanmeya Capital, we are focused on building institutional strength, developing capabilities, and raising excellence standards for Saudi professionals to enable them to compete regionally and globally.
“This initiative demonstrates how purposeful national and international partnerships can deliver sustainable social and economic impact,” said Mohamed Musaiqer, chairman of Tanmeya Capital.
“Establishing our flagship campuses in Saudi Arabia is not only an expansion of our educational footprint but also a testament to the trust and shared vision we hold with our partners. Together, we are contributing to the Kingdom’s journey of transformation by nurturing talent and shaping the future of hospitality and service excellence,” added Marie-Claude Mathieu, member of the Sommet Education board and group general counsel.
In addition, a significant development accompanying the announcement was the signing of an MoU between Tanmeya Capital and Wadi Jeddah Company, the investment arm of King Abdulaziz University.
The agreement includes exploring a new Jeddah campus that would host Les Roches and École Ducasse programmes, pending feasibility studies and regulatory approval.
The broader plan envisions a nationwide rollout, beginning in Riyadh and Jeddah and eventually expanding into the western, southern, and eastern regions of Saudi Arabia to ensure wide access to specialised training.
“We are honoured to contribute to the Kingdom’s transformative vision by empowering future leaders in hospitality and culinary arts. With Glion, Les Roches and École Ducasse, we bring globally respected expertise to nurture talent that will drive Saudi Arabia’s booming tourism and service industries,” commented Adrian Artimov, chief commercial officer, Sommet Education.
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