Dubai is set to welcome leading tourism, hospitality and education professionals from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa as EMEA CHRIE 2026 prepares to make its debut in the city. Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), will host the inaugural EMEA Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (CHRIE) Conference in partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Foundation. Scheduled to take place at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library from 9 to 12 November 2026, the conference will bring together academics, researchers and industry leaders to exchange knowledge and explore the future of tourism and hospitality.
EMEA CHRIE 2026: A New Chapter for Tourism and Hospitality Education
The inaugural EMEA CHRIE conference represents an important development for hospitality and tourism education across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Organised by the regional federation of the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (CHRIE), the event builds on the evolution of EuroCHRIE into a broader regional body.
CHRIE is a global association dedicated to advancing hospitality and tourism education and research. Through EMEA CHRIE 2026, the organisation aims to bring together professionals and educators who can contribute to stronger relationships between academic institutions and the tourism and hospitality industries.
The conference will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, discussing industry developments and strengthening collaboration across sectors. By connecting global educators with industry leaders, EMEA CHRIE seeks to encourage the exchange of ideas and advance best practices that can support the sector’s future.
A central priority will be the development of talent capable of responding to the changing needs of tourism and hospitality. Collaboration between education providers and industry stakeholders will be important in shaping the talent pipeline and preparing future professionals for the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
“Beyond the Map: Defining the Future of Tourism”
Exploring innovation and collaboration through EMEA CHRIE
Themed “Beyond the Map: Defining the Future of Tourism,” EMEA CHRIE 2026 will explore how innovation, talent development and cross-sector collaboration can contribute to more connected and meaningful travel experiences.
The theme reflects the conference’s focus on bringing different perspectives together to discuss how tourism and hospitality can continue to evolve. By convening academics, educators and industry representatives, the event will encourage dialogue on emerging industry needs and the role of education in supporting long-term sector development.
The programme will offer opportunities for participants to share expertise, exchange ideas and consider practical approaches to strengthening connections across the tourism and hospitality ecosystem. The emphasis on collaboration is intended to improve alignment between academic knowledge and industry requirements, helping stakeholders work towards common objectives.
EMEA CHRIE 2026 will also provide a setting for discussions around best practices in tourism and hospitality education. Bringing together participants from different countries and professional backgrounds will create opportunities to learn from varied experiences and perspectives.
Through this exchange, the conference aims to support a broader understanding of the factors shaping the industry’s future, with talent development and knowledge-sharing at the centre of the conversation.
Engaging the Next Generation of Tourism Professionals
Student participation and the wider education ecosystem
Alongside its focus on academics and industry leaders, EMEA CHRIE 2026 will welcome local schools, colleges and universities. This element of the conference is designed to extend engagement beyond established industry professionals and create opportunities for students to connect with the wider tourism and hospitality community.
A key initiative will be a Student Media Competition, designed to inspire the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals. The competition will form part of the event’s curated engagement opportunities and is intended to foster stronger connections across the education ecosystem.
By including students and educational institutions, the conference will highlight the importance of nurturing future talent and encouraging interest in tourism and hospitality careers. Engagement between students, educators and industry representatives can also provide a platform for sharing perspectives on the sector and its evolving needs.
This focus on education reflects the wider objectives of EMEA CHRIE: strengthening collaboration, advancing knowledge and supporting the development of professionals who will contribute to the industry’s future.
The participation of schools, colleges and universities also reinforces the conference’s role as a meeting point for different parts of the education and tourism landscape. Rather than limiting discussions to established professionals, EMEA CHRIE 2026 aims to encourage connections that extend across generations and institutions.
Why Dubai Is Hosting EMEA CHRIE 2026
Dubai’s role as host reflects the city’s position as a destination for education, innovation and international collaboration. Its world-class infrastructure, open business environment and commitment to excellence provide the setting for a conference bringing together participants from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The event also aligns with Dubai’s broader economic ambitions. The partnership between Dubai College of Tourism and EMEA CHRIE directly supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to further consolidate the city’s standing as a leading global destination for business and leisure.
Within this context, education, knowledge exchange and collaboration across sectors are important drivers of long-term economic growth. Hosting EMEA CHRIE 2026 creates an opportunity to bring international academic and industry communities together in Dubai to discuss the future of tourism and hospitality.
The conference will also demonstrate the value of connecting educational institutions with industry stakeholders. By facilitating dialogue and encouraging the exchange of best practices, the event is intended to contribute to the long-term development and competitiveness of the sector.
For Dubai College of Tourism, hosting the inaugural conference reinforces its contribution to tourism and hospitality education and its role in connecting local and international stakeholders.
Dubai College of Tourism and EMEA CHRIE Share a Vision
Essa Bin Hadher highlights knowledge-sharing and talent development
Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism, said the institution was honoured to host the inaugural EMEA CHRIE Conference in Dubai, bringing together a global community of academics and industry leaders at an important moment for the city and sector.
He highlighted the shared commitment to advancing knowledge, nurturing talent and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. He also emphasised Dubai’s ability to promote global dialogue and deliver impactful events with confidence and continuity.
Describing Dubai as a city defined by visionary leadership, resilience and openness, Bin Hadher said the destination offers an appropriate environment for discussions about the future of tourism and hospitality. He added that DCT looked forward to welcoming the international academic and industry community in November.
His remarks underline the conference’s dual focus: strengthening tourism and hospitality education while bringing together stakeholders who can contribute to the sector’s continued development.
Yasemin Oruc on building bridges across the global community
Yasemin Oruc, President of EMEA CHRIE, described the 2026 conference in Dubai as more than a conference, characterising it as a gathering of minds, cultures and futures.
She emphasised the ability of hospitality and tourism to connect people, inspire ideas and support meaningfulFdu progress in a continually evolving world. Working with Dubai College of Tourism, EMEA CHRIE aims to create a platform where ideas can lead to action through dialogue, knowledge-sharing and stronger connections across the global community.
Oruc also highlighted the importance of approaching the industry’s next chapter with purpose, care and a global perspective. Her comments reflect the conference’s ambition to bring together different experiences and viewpoints while encouraging collaboration across regional and international networks.
Together, the statements from DCT and EMEA CHRIE highlight the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and industry organisations in shaping the future of tourism and hospitality.
EMEA CHRIE 2026 to Support the Sector’s Long-Term Development
The inaugural conference is expected to attract tourism and hospitality educators, researchers and industry leaders from across the region and beyond. Its programme will bring together discussions on innovation, talent development, knowledge exchange and cross-sector collaboration, while creating opportunities for students and educational institutions to participate.
For EMEA CHRIE, the Dubai gathering marks the next stage in the development of its regional federation and its work to advance hospitality and tourism education and research. For Dubai College of Tourism, the event supports its contribution to the development of the sector and strengthens opportunities to connect academia with industry.
Taking place from 9 to 12 November 2026 at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, EMEA CHRIE 2026 will bring the international tourism and hospitality education community together under the theme “Beyond the Map: Defining the Future of Tourism.”
With its focus on collaboration, talent and shared knowledge, the conference aims to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue about the industry’s future and contribute to sustainable growth, global competitiveness and the long-term development of tourism and hospitality.
Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.
