Vatel Bahrain Enters KSA

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Vatel Bahrain has staged its first-ever Open Day in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, marking a new milestone in the Kingdom’s drive to expand its regional reach in hospitality education.

Held at the Aloft Dhahran Hotel, the event introduced Saudi, Gulf, and international students to the College’s programmes in International Hotel Management, including the Bachelor’s course and the newly launched Master’s programme. Both offerings combine academic theory with hands-on training in leading hotels worldwide, giving graduates a competitive edge for leadership roles across the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Shaikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director of Vatel Bahrain, said the event underscored the College’s ambition to attract more international students, particularly from Saudi Arabia. He noted that Vatel Bahrain is already listed as one of the recommended higher education institutions for Saudi students to enroll in, a recognition that reflects the growing synergy between Bahrain and its Gulf neighbour.

“The Open Day in Dhahran represents a significant step in our expansion efforts and aligns with the rapid growth of the hospitality sector both in Saudi Arabia and the wider region,” Shaikh Khaled said.

Career pathways

Students attending the event were briefed on the strong employment prospects available to Vatel graduates, backed by guaranteed internships in fourstar and five-star hotels. These placements are designed to provide valuable international exposure and practical experience, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the industry.

Mr. Mohammed AlMubarak, representing Aloft Dhahran, described the initiative as a reflection of the shared vision of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to nurture young talent capable of advancing the region’s hospitality industry to international standards. “We are proud to host this landmark event and highlight the opportunities available within this vibrant sector,” he said.

Cross-border vision

By holding its first Open Day outside Bahrain, Vatel signals a stronger cross-border collaboration in building hospitality education pipelines that match the region’s economic ambitions. For students, the Dhahran event offered a direct channel to world-class programmes and career pathways that can shape the future of tourism in the Gulf.