Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy Reports 10% Enrolment Growth, Launches New Master's in Sports Management

The Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy — Les Roches, which opened in September 2024, has reported a nearly 10% year-on-year increase in student enrolment, now serving over 200 students. Significantly, almost half of its student body comprises UAE nationals, with nearly 100 Emirati students enrolled.

This growth underscores the Academy's expanding role in developing local talent to support the UAE's burgeoning hospitality and tourism sectors. The increased student numbers have also prompted a campus expansion, adding new facilities including advanced technology-equipped classrooms, a premium podcast studio, and a Learning and Resource Centre with dedicated collaboration rooms to foster research and academic interaction.

New Academic Offerings

In September 2026, the Academy further expanded its academic portfolio with the launch of a new Master of Science (MSc) in Sports Management & Events. This programme is specifically designed to prepare professionals for the evolving synergy between sport, tourism, and hospitality in the UAE.

Georgette Davey, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy — Les Roches, highlighted the programme's timely launch, noting the increasing momentum of the sports sector in the UAE and its contribution to the wider tourism and hospitality industries. The curriculum covers key areas such as sports economics, marketing, brand management, event management, digital communication, sustainability, and stakeholder relations.

Programme Details and Industry Impact

The MSc in Sports Management & Events targets both recent graduates and experienced industry professionals. Students will benefit from specialist faculty instruction, practical experience through applied projects, and a six-month internship to gain exposure to operational and commercial aspects of the sector. The programme also prioritises gender diversity, with women making up 50% of its teaching staff, aiming to provide role models for women entering sports management.

Professor Edmund Goh, Assistant Dean, Research and Innovation, will address critical industry topics at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, including the impact of automation and AI on service delivery and the enduring importance of human judgment and creativity in hospitality. The Academy's participation at ATM 2026 will also highlight the career opportunities arising from the expansion of the sports and events sector and the need for a skilled workforce combining commercial, technological, and relationship-building expertise.

This initiative by Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy — Les Roches is part of the broader Les Roches and Sommet Education global network, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing homegrown talent essential for the UAE's growth in tourism, hospitality, sports, and events.