Marriott Graduates 40 Saudi Hospitality Leaders in 2024

More than 40 young professionals are stepping into leadership roles across Saudi Arabia's booming hospitality industry, thanks to a partnership between Marriott International and Cornell University that's transforming careers one graduate at a time.

The latest cohort of Tahseen program graduates just completed their 12-month journey through hotel operations, leadership training, and hands-on experience across multiple departments. At the same time, over 50 new participants joined the program, continuing a tradition that began in 2017.

The results speak for themselves. Nearly 70% of Tahseen graduates have moved into leadership positions at Marriott properties across the Kingdom, with over 300 promotions recorded since the program launched. That's not just career advancement but real transformation in an industry critical to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.

Yazan Bakheet, now an F&B Supervisor at The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah, described his experience as invaluable. "Tahseen gave me the opportunity to strengthen my leadership mindset and enhance my professional capabilities," he said.

The program's latest graduating class made history in another way. Women represented 55% of graduates, pushing overall female participation across all eight cohorts to 44%. That's meaningful progress in a region actively working to expand opportunities for women in professional roles.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond individual careers. With Saudi Arabia investing heavily in tourism infrastructure and hospitality, programs like Tahseen create a foundation of skilled local leaders who understand both international standards and regional culture. Every graduate who moves into management strengthens the entire sector.

The program falls under Marriott's Serve 360 platform, which focuses on creating positive impact through opportunity. With nearly 320 participants trained across eight cohorts, Tahseen demonstrates how corporate investment in education can drive both business success and community development.

The newest cohort of 50 participants is already beginning their journey, preparing to join a growing network of hospitality professionals shaping Saudi Arabia's tourism future.