Tourism school in session

DELMA ISLAND // The first crop of students at the new tourism school on Delma Island are now two months into their studies. The school, which aims to teach English and computer skills to young islanders so they are ready to fill some of the 6,500 jobs expected to be created by the development of Sir Bani Yas, Delma and the surrounding islands, opened its doors in August. About 500 students signed up for the free courses, according to the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC).

"We anticipate that in 2009, there will be people prepared to enter the marketplace for work," said Lee Tabler, the TDIC's chief executive. The tourism industry is dominated by expatriates, which is why programmes such as the Desert Islands Education Centre, which opened in August, are so valuable to the residents of Delma and the wider industry. The school sits above the only mall on the island.

Three female students, in their early 20s, saw the school as an opportunity to gain an English certificate and enhance their career prospects. Each took English in her rural school, but none can speak more than a few words. Through a translator, they spoke of their hopes for the future. Mariam al Hammadi, 22, who processes drivers' licences at the local Tamm centre, hopes the tourism school will help her fulfil her ambition of becoming a travel guide.

"I would like taking people out to show them sights," she said. The women said they felt the tourism centre would give them the necessary skills to land good jobs, either on the island or in Abu Dhabi. "We want to be open, with no difficulties talking with other people," said Sahmsa Basheer al Abri, 21, who is taking Level 2 English at the school. "This will bring more benefits for us. Before, you had to go to Abu Dhabi to learn English."

Moving to the capital is not possible for many young women from traditional families. While parents are supportive of their daughters' career ambitions, few would be happy to see them leave the island and live as a single woman. Each of the students saw tourism as the key to developing their community and, while they valued their culture, they wanted to see the benefits tourism brings - more restaurants and clubs, and better salons and malls.

"We don't want to lose our traditions, but we do want to be open," Miss Abri said. [e-mail]