Amman Ahliyya University Signs Memorandum of Understanding with The Ritz-Carlton, Amman

Amman Ahliyya University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Ritz-Carlton, Amman to strengthen collaboration in practical training and professional development for students of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The partnership aims to align academic outcomes with the evolving needs of the hospitality industry while enhancing graduates' competencies in accordance with international best practices. The agreement was signed on behalf of the University by Professor Ahmad Hamdan, Acting President of Amman Ahliyya University and Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, and on behalf of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman by Dimitrios Kotsifakos, General Manager of the hotel. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, including Ola Khalifeh, Human Resources Manager, and Mais Al-Noubani, Training and Development Manager. Representing Amman Ahliyya University was Chef Jehan Sahawneh, Executive Director of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, students from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management will have access to practical training opportunities within the hotel's facilities. The program is designed to provide hands-on experience, develop students' technical and managerial competencies, strengthen their ability to work in a professional hospitality environment, foster innovation and problem-solving skills, and evaluate their performance in ways that support their academic development and career readiness. Professor Ahmad Hamdan emphasized that the partnership reflects the University's commitment to delivering applied education that effectively integrates academic learning with professional practice. He noted that collaborating with one of the world's leading luxury hotel brands operating in Jordan provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain exceptional industry experience, strengthen their professional competencies, and enhance their competitiveness in the labor market. For his part, Dimitrios Kotsifakos, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, stated that the partnership demonstrates the hotel's commitment to supporting higher education institutions and investing in the development of young talent. He explained that participating students will benefit from high-quality training opportunities that provide direct exposure to a world-class hospitality environment while enabling them to acquire practical experience aligned with the highest international standards. He also expressed his aspiration to build a long-term partnership with Amman Ahliyya University that contributes to preparing highly qualified professionals capable of meeting the evolving needs of the hospitality and tourism industry.