n a notable boost for educational development in the Middle East, the UN Tourism Online Academy—an initiative funded by the Saudi Arabian government—has emerged as a major platform for tourism education across the region. With more than 8,800 students of diverse nationalities enrolled, Qatar ranks second in participation, a senior official confirmed.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, emphasized that education is a top regional priority, especially in sectors like tourism that demand skilled human capital. The academy now offers over 10 specialized courses in Arabic, aimed at preparing the regional workforce for a sustainable and value-driven economy.
“Qatar holds the second spot in terms of participation, following Saudi Arabia,” Bayona stated. “This sector is a key focus for us—economic growth without a trained workforce isn’t sustainable, which is why we are promoting the online academy so strongly.”
She highlighted that the initiative is working with leading European institutions such as Les Roches, Glion, and École du Casse, delivering high-quality educational content to students across the Middle East, including Qatar.
Source: The Peninsula
