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Over 55 Emiratis Embark On ADTA’s Second ’Ambassador’ Class Of 2010 |
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Ten Week Scheme To Hone The ’Welcoming Face of Abu Dhabi’More than 55 UAE nationals have taken their first steps to becoming the ‘welcoming face’ of Abu Dhabi as Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) began its second, 10-week ‘Abu Dhabi Ambassador’ programme – a scheme designed to give UAE nationals the skills, knowledge and confidence to interface with visitors to the emirate. Developed by ADTA, the programme, which runs until December 7th, has a new-look curriculum, which for the first time includes briefings on the emirate’s sports and entertainment offering as well as facilitated tours of attractions in Abu Dhabi, the Oasis City of Al Ain and Al Gharbia. Representatives from more than 20 organisations from the private and public sector are taking part in the programme – 10 more than was represented in this year’s earlier course. “Across all avenues, the programme has seen increased interaction, from applications through to companies and organisations taking the time to be a part of this important initiative. The Abu Dhabi Ambassador scheme allows Emiratis to connect with their home and heritage, whilst also fully equipping them to pass on that knowledge and experience to the many visitors coming to the emirate,” said Nasser Al Reyami, Tourism Standards Director, ADTA. “With so many new events, attractions and offerings coming on-stream throughout Abu Dhabi, increasing the frequency and uptake of this initiative is essential to maintaining our ability to provide a superior guest experience at every visitor touch point.” Applicants attending the programme - which began with a series of seminars on Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy, MICE and events, and marketing initiatives – came from a range of government organisations, colleges, motorsport activities and event organisers and private aviation operators. Habiba Al Hatmy, Revenue Management Section Head from Royal Jet believes the programme will be an interesting journey into all that the emirate has to offer. “Being a UAE national I am excited to have the opportunity to understand more about the development of Abu Dhabi and the amazing new attractions we now have on offer. To be able to share this with visitors to Abu Dhabi will be a rewarding experience,” said Al Hatmy. And Jamal Al Shehhi from Etihad Airways added that he was looking forward to being able to interact with guests to ensure their Abu Dhabi experience will be remembered long after they return home “Abu Dhabi really is building a global name for itself. There are many new developments going on and it is good to be able to understand and explain this to visitors to help make their time here more enjoyable and informative,” said Al Shehhi. Would-be ambassadors in the second class of 2010 represent: Abu Dhabi Police Department; Al Ain Municipality; Immigration Department; Abu Dhabi Airports Company; Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Committee; the Critical National Infrastructure Authority; Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Royal Jet; Etihad Airways; Abu Dhabi Authority For Culture & Heritage; the Department of Economic Development; Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management; Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company; the Department of Transport; Customs Administration; Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority; Abu Dhabi Municipality; Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority; Zayed University and the Higher Colleges of Technology. Three participants will graduate with honours from the programme being judged on their attendance record, a group presentation and a written examination. |
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