SPARK Launches Maharat Tourism E-Learning Hub in UAE, Backed by Google.org
SPARK, a non-profit organization, has launched the Maharat for Tourism e-learning hub in the UAE, supported by funding from Google.org, to boost digital skills and employment in the tourism sector, particularly for youth and women.
Program Details and Goals
The Maharat for Tourism platform is designed as a comprehensive e-learning hub focusing on enhancing digital skills specifically for the tourism sector in the UAE. The initiative aims to empower individuals, especially young people and women, with the necessary skills to secure job opportunities and contribute to the growing digital landscape of the industry.
The program includes curated online courses covering essential digital competencies relevant to modern tourism, from online marketing and customer service to utilizing digital tools for operations. The goal is to address the skills gap in the sector and foster economic inclusion through digital education.
Support from Google.org
The launch and operation of the Maharat for Tourism hub in the UAE are made possible with the support of Google.org, Google's philanthropic arm. This backing highlights a focus on leveraging technology and digital education to drive economic opportunity and skill development in key regions like the MENA area. Google.org's funding enables SPARK to deliver the training program and reach its target beneficiaries effectively.
Target Audience and Expected Impact
The primary audience for the Maharat for Tourism e-learning hub is young individuals and women in the UAE interested in or already working within the tourism and hospitality sector. By providing accessible online training, the program seeks to:
Increase digital literacy among tourism professionals.
Improve employability and career progression opportunities.
Support the digital transformation of businesses within the sector.
Contribute to economic growth and resilience in the UAE's tourism industry.
The initiative is expected to upskill a significant number of participants, preparing them for the evolving demands of the digital economy within tourism.
About SPARK
SPARK is a non-profit international development organization dedicated to developing entrepreneurial potential, stimulating job creation, and fostering economic development, particularly in fragile states. Through various programs focused on education and entrepreneurship, SPARK works with youth and marginalized communities to build resilient livelihoods and promote stability. Their focus on vocational training and business support aligns with the objectives of the Maharat for Tourism platform.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Maharat for Tourism hub in the UAE represents a significant step in digitally empowering the local tourism workforce. With the support of Google.org, SPARK aims to make this platform a key resource for skill development, potentially paving the way for similar initiatives in other sectors or regions within the MENA landscape.
Source: Zawya