Exclusive Interview: The Strategic Collaboration Between Sommet Education and Umm Al-Qura University
Speaking at a recently held event in Riyadh, Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO, Sommet Education highlighted the importance of industry-academic collaborations in shaping the future workforce of Saudi Arabia. He emphasised that strategic partnerships such as the one between Sommet Education and Umm Al-Qura University are crucial in providing competency-driven training to meet the evolving needs of the job market. The collaboration aims to equip students with practical skills that make them job-ready and ensure their seamless integration into the workforce.
As part of this initiative, Sommet Education and Umm Al-Qura University are developing specialised training programmes designed to deliver industry-relevant education. The primary goal is to provide learning experiences that can be immediately applied in professional settings, enhancing the employability of graduates. While technical details of the programme are outlined in the press release, the overarching focus remains on imparting practical skills that align with industry demands.
A key component of the initiative is the opportunity for students to engage with global industry leaders, fostering valuable connections and exposure to best practices from around the world. The programme is structured to enhance employability, ensuring that participants gain relevant, market-driven skills. This approach not only supports job placements but also encourages continuous upskilling, enabling graduates to remain competitive in an evolving job market.
From an industry perspective, particularly within hospitality education, this programme is unique. Specialised training of this kind is not widely available in Saudi Arabia, making the partnership with Umm Al-Qura University particularly significant. As a prestigious institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence, Umm Al-Qura University brings invaluable expertise to the collaboration. The synergy between the university’s academic leadership and Sommet Education’s industry-driven approach creates a powerful framework for delivering high-quality education. Strategic partnerships such as this are the future of education in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the nation’s vision for knowledge-driven development and workforce enhancement.
The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and education must keep pace. With Giga projects, new airlines, and a growing tourism sector, the Kingdom’s economy is transforming, necessitating a modernised approach to learning. This programme recognises the dual need for both foundational education for young entrants and continuous learning for professionals already working in the sector. Upskilling and reskilling are essential components, ensuring that employees remain adaptable and capable of meeting changing consumer demands. Competency-based training, delivered in short and flexible formats, allows professionals such as chefs to refine their skills in areas like dietary requirements, food safety, and sustainable practices. This dynamic approach ensures that Saudi Arabia’s hospitality workforce remains at the forefront of industry standards.
Sommet Education, through its brands—Glion, Les Roches, and École Ducasse—has been actively contributing to education landscape for many years. Its mission aligns with Vision 2030, focusing on enhancing the competencies of young professionals and working individuals in the hospitality, tourism, and service industries. The collaboration with Umm Al-Qura University is part of an ambitious initiative aimed at training 60,000 individuals across the Kingdom. To date, approximately 15,000 training sessions have been delivered—about a quarter of the overall target. This initiative will continue into 2025, ensuring that the necessary expertise is imparted to a new generation of professionals, preparing them for careers in hospitality and related industries.
The demand for skilled professionals in the hospitality sector is immense. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to create one million jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry by 2030. This equates to more than 150,000 new professionals entering the workforce each year, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive, high-quality training programmes. By providing competency-driven education, this initiative plays a critical role in ensuring that individuals are job-ready, possess the necessary technical and soft skills, and can contribute meaningfully to the industry’s growth. Elevating service standards is a key priority, and by equipping students with practical, applicable skills, this collaboration is helping shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector and, more broadly, its economy.
With such a strong focus on workforce development, industry collaboration, and academic excellence, the partnership between Sommet Education and Umm Al-Qura University stands as a model for how education and industry can work together to drive economic progress. Through targeted training, real-world learning experiences, and a commitment to innovation, this initiative is not just preparing individuals for jobs—it is shaping the next generation of industry leaders in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector.
