AccorHotels, one of the world’s leading hotel operators, held its first ever “Women Empowerment and Integration Forum” at the Sofitel Jeddah. The event is also the first to be organized by a private sector entity, focused on inspiring a new generation of young Saudi women to reach the highest levels of professional development.
The forum, which was open to the public, attracted over 300 participants including local businesses, NGOs as well as students from the University of Business & Technology (UBT) Jeddah and Dar Al Hekma University. Government officials from the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and the Human Resources Development Fund were also on hand in addition to the participation of Princess Noura bint Khalid Al-Saud, representing the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage (SCTNH).
Princess Noura Al-Saud said: “As outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030, the empowerment of women is an area that is vital for the further development of the Kingdom. The SCTNH is delighted to support AccorHotels in this noble endeavor aimed at helping to inspire young women in establishing their careers”.
The Women Empowerment and Integration Forum is linked to AccorHotels’ commitment toward diversity and providing equal opportunity across the organization. Through the Women at AccorHotels Generation program, the group is dedicated toward increasing the percentage of women across the organization.
Salah Oumoudden, vice president of Operations at AccorHotels KSA & Egypt, said: “Initiatives such as the Women Empowerment and Integration Forum reflect AccorHotels’ core philosophy and our commitment to develop the local human resources of communities which we operate in thereby encouraging women to join the workplace and the hospitality industry.”
Amar Belgat, director of Human Resources & Training at AccorHotels KSA & Egypt, said: “As the leading hotel operator in Saudi Arabia with 20 hotels and 40 in development, we are committed to empowering young female talent; enhancing their skills and helping them reach their full potential within the workplace. We are dedicated to hiring more than 5,000 Saudi nationals over the next five years out of which 30 percent will be made up of female employees.”

Source: Arab News