- Dusit Thani College partners with Alkhaleej Training to launch its Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP) in Saudi Arabia, marking its first global licence partnership and international expansion.
- TOP introduces an internationally benchmarked, skills-based hospitality programme in the Kingdom, combining classroom learning, hands-on training, and internships with Dusit hotels and local partners.
- The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism workforce demand, aligning with Vision 2030 as hospitality employment and large-scale training needs accelerate.
Dusit Thani College, under the umbrella of Dusit International, becomes the first Thai hospitality education institution to partner up with Alkhaleej Training and Education to introduce its Talent Opportunity Programme in Saudi Arabia.
Alkhaleej becomes DTC's first ever global licence partner and forms the first of its planned international expansion. TOP is a six-month pathway combining over 280 hours of practical learning with a two-month classroom phase and a four-month internship at leading hotels in the Dusit portfolio and with local partners. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in culinary, pastry, food and beverage and guest service.
The three-year programme, dubbed TOP, will be conducted at Alkhaleej's Riyadh training centre. It will be delivered by Alkhaleej, which has more than 30 years of experience in vocational training through a network of 60 centres across the Kingdom. This makes DTC the first non‑Swiss hospitality school to introduce a formal, internationally benchmarked skills‑based programme in the Kingdom.
Specialised TOP UP short courses for baristas, concierge professionals and luxury service roles will be launched in January 2026, along with B2B upskilling modules in areas like digital marketing, cost control, housekeeping, OTA optimisation, pricing, banqueting and HR. Students pursuing degree‑level qualifications will have a direct pathway to DTC’s Bangkok campus, including four‑year BBA programs in Hospitality Management and Professional Culinary Arts.
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According to the WTTC, travel and tourism is expected to contribute more than 10 per cent of Saudi Arabia's GDP in 2025, with employment projected to reach 2.7 million jobs. Demand for large‑scale training pathways is on the rise as Saudi Arabia accelerates its tourism transformation.
"By licensing TOP to respected international partners such as Alkhaleej, we hope to reinforce national tourism strategies and local workforces while offering significant avenues for upskilling, reskilling and career transitioning", said John Lohr, executive director of external affairs at Dusit Thani College.
Hatem Aldryaan, CEO of Alkhaleej Training and Education added: "TOP represents a practical, employment-focused model that directly links training with real job opportunities. It arrives at a pivotal moment for the Kingdom's tourism and hospitality growth". It will also mark Dusit International's introduction to Saudi Arabia with the opening of Dusit Princess Al Majma'ah, Riyadh, in 1Q2026.
