Riyadh Marriott Hotel supports Saudization initiative

Muin Serhan, general manager of Riyadh Marriott Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments.

A major initiative to support Saudization of the workforce within the framework of the Saudi Vision 2030 was launched by the Riyadh Marriott Hotel recently.
“The move is to help young Saudis to get a foothold in the country’s hotel sector,” said Muin Serhan, general manager of Riyadh Marriott Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments.
Serhan said the Marriott’s initiative will cut reliance on foreign workers in hotel industry in general, and in the local Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments in particular. Through “Voyager Program,” Marriott hopes to offer employability skills training to young people that will enable them to take up jobs in Riyadh Marriott Hotel as well as in hospitality industry across the Kingdom, he added.
Serhan said: “The 90-day Voyager training program takes a trainee to all departments of the hotel imparting all essential skills. It is an in-house program for Saudis.”
There is also another training program called “Lead Training Program” launched by the Riyadh Marriott Hotel.
“The six-month long Lead Program equips participants with technical and practical knowledge, as well as the employability, confidence-building and skills required in the work environment of the hotel industry. The range of training is designed to develop participants to become self-motivated, productive and confident in their decision-making,” said Serhan.
He pointed out that the total number of Saudis working in Marriott hotel exceeds 145 including 45 women. “We are targeting to hire more Saudis within next two years,” said the hotelier, adding that the hotel is committed to supporting Saudization, as it has ambitious growth plans in Saudi Arabia over the next few years.
The Riyadh Marriott Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the capital city’s business hub. Its 418 rooms and suites feature contemporary design and amenities including high-speed Internet access, marble bathrooms and deluxe featherbed mattresses. Dining options at the hotel include a Mediterranean restaurant, a steakhouse and an all-day café.
The hotel offers huge space for meetings or events. Its Makarim Convention Center showcases 40,000-square feet of versatile venue space, which can accommodate thousands of guests.