Our  Saudi Hospitality forum experience

We sat down with Lubaba ALSawwaf, culinary ambassador at Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, and Majed Aldrean, hospitality ambassador at Swiss Hotel Management School, to hear about their experience at the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism's first-ever job fair.

1. What was the best part of the SHF ? 

 

Lubaba: 

It was a great experience attending the Forum. Seeing all the plans and projects that Saudi Arabia is investing in and working on to support the vision of 2030. Smarter cities, health awareness, expansion in tourism locations and Giga projects under development. All this made me feel eager to finish my studies so I may sooner support my country with the knowledge and experience I am gaining in Switzerland. 

Majed: 

The SHF was an amazing experience that I never imagined being a part of. Until the SHF, I had only presented to an audience of about 10 people, and there I was, on stage, talking to a room full of people! It gave me a huge confidence boost. Additionally, I met a lot of wonderful people and made new connections in the industry, from people of the Saudi ministry of tourism to professionals from all sectors of the hospitality business. 

 

2. How do you see yourselves being part of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision ? 

Lubaba: 

The whole idea of studying for a bachelor's degree at my age is to become an official instructor. Every country has its own produce, products and lifestyle and I want to share correct and current food & health information that caters to our Saudi society. With my education I will be well suited to this mission which will support the kingdom’s 2030 vision, especially since the vision is focused on health awareness not only good food.  As a culinary nutrition expert, I see health and wellness as a priority for our future Saudi Society.    

Majed: 

Part of the 2030 Vision is to make Saudi Arabia a word class travel destination, that is why so many young Saudis like me are choosing to be educated in Saudi Arabia and around the world, hoping one day that we will contribute to make this vision a reality.  Prince Mohammad Bin Salman once said “I live among great and mighty people, they set goals and achieve them easily”. I always try to embody this quote.  

 

3. What are your future plans after  graduation ? 

Lubaba: 

I plan to support the culinary educational sector in my home, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  My country made me feel that the sky is the limit, and with the support of the ministry of culture I was enabled to fulfil a dream of being certified as a professional chef. This support gave me the wings to fly and add more goals to my list. I plan to have my own educational cooking show to help spread the knowledge to people at home. I plan to produce my own cookbooks as well. I told you the sky is the limit! 

Majed: 

My goal is to get my education and experience while working on my degree. After graduation I plan to apply my knowledge to get the experience I will need to achieve my goal which is to one day be a teaher. I would like to be a mentor, to the next generation of Saudis, to push us through to the next level in our future as a nation.  

 

4. What advice would you give young Saudis interested in joining the hospitality industry ? 

Lubaba: 

As a mature woman who is currently mixing with young students in the hospitality sector, I look at things from a different perspective.  I tell the young Saudis, “You are lucky to have a country willing to support your education in whatever passion you want to persue.” I highlight the word passion, especially in the hospitality industry. This Industry requires physical, mental and social demands that could be exhausting in high seasons. But if you have the passion, I tell you, Hospitality will be the leading major of choice in the future. No doubt.  

Majed: 

My advice to young Saudis that want to be a part of this amazing industry, or any other for that matter, is to always be kind, and never give up. That may sound cliché but it is true. Being a part of hospitality means always treating people with respect and kindness, which is an integral part of our culture and upbringing. In the past, there was a stigma about people working in hospitality and in service specifically, but the generation before me worked hard on changing that, and we will do our part to continue what they started to make working in the hospitality industry a great honor.