Scores attends Future Leaders Challenge

The Future Leaders Challenge (FLC) – the finals 2026 concluded in Dubai, bringing together hospitality and tourism students, educators, industry leaders and public-sector stakeholders for an international gathering focused on the future of talent and human capital development in the sector.

The event held aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2, the finals took place with Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), serving as the Global Patron of the Future Leaders Challenge. The event reflected Dubai’s continued commitment to strengthening collaboration between education, industry and public institutions to advance future-ready talent.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), and Global Patron of the Future Leaders Challenge said: “Developing skilled, future-ready talent is central to Dubai’s long-term vision and a core pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which is further consolidating Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. By strengthening the link between education and industry, we are creating meaningful pathways for young talent to contribute to Dubai’s hospitality and tourism sectors. This collaboration empowers young people to turn ideas into action, shaping the future of global hospitality and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a world-leading hub for creativity and innovation.”

Over the course of the finals, teams presented their work, engaged with senior industry and public-sector leaders, and exchanged perspectives on leadership, employability and future workforce needs.

The overall winner of the Student Challenge was team Co:Creators, comprising Sofia Perotti from Glion University, El Hassane Ibnou El Kadi from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ghita Bahbouhi from ISIIT Morocco, and Phindile Mthiyane fromUniversity of Pretoria, who were recognised for the relevance, feasibility and potential impact of their proposed solution.

Special awards were presented during the Celebration Dinner.

The Teacher of the Year Awardwas awarded to Bianca Frost, from University of Pretoria, recognising outstanding dedication to education and leadership in student development.

The JJ SleifferAward –The Most Hospitable, honouring individuals who exemplify the human values at the heart of hospitality, was presented to Juliet Finn Alexander, from Stenden South Africa.

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter