The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, part of Dubai based Jumeirah Hospitality & Leisure, recently hosted a group of ten trainee chefs, including two Nationals, employed by Jebel Ali International Hotels, the successful owner and operator of various unique properties in Dubai.
The trainee chefs attended kitchen training by Michael Kitts, Executive Chef and Lecturer at the Academy, which took place this month and ran over five days. The 5-day programme included personal hygiene, temperature checks, cooking methods, knife skills and produce knowledge. The course culminated in a practical test on the last day and each trainee chef was presented with a certificate.
“The Academy is pleased to have offered this cookery course for the trainee chefs at Jebel Ali International Hotels. This is the first time that we have offered such a course and we are pleased with the successful outcome. We look forward to working with other groups of trainee chefs to teach basic culinary skills and wish the trainees all the best with their future careers,” said Michael Kitts.
Executive Chef Michael Kitts began his career at Claridge's Hotel in London, UK and worked as Executive Chef for the prestigious Les Ambassadeurs Club before joining the Butler's Wharf Chef School as Culinary Director/Executive Chef. During his career he has been very successful in international competitions and has won over 60 gold medals. He was a member of the
gold medal winning Great Britain Culinary Olympics team in 1987 and was the first recipient of the UK Craft Guild of Chefs Competition Chef Award in 1994.
As a leading force within the Emiratisation drive as well as being an official hotel and caterer for many of Dubai’s most prestigious events, Jebel Ali International Hotels is obviously delighted with the benefits and outcome of the course.
“The opportunity to receive training from a culinary master such as Michael Kitts is a huge honour, and as such we are tremendously looking forward to the value this course will add to both Jebel Ali International Hotels and the personal development of the company’s ever-growing number of UAE National employees,” said Ghanim Al Marri, Manager Emiratisation and National Employment for Jebel Ali International Hotels.
Note to Editors:
Jumeirah properties are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The Dubai based luxury hospitality group encompasses the world renowned Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel, the multi-award winning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Club Resort and Spa, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
The group’s activities are however, not restricted to hotel and resort management. The Jumeirah portfolio also includes Wild Wadi, regarded as
one of the premier water parks outside of North America and The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, the region’s only third level academic institution specializing in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Jumeirah has also expanded internationally and manages the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London’s Belgravia.
Building on this success, Jumeirah has become a member of Dubai Holding, a collection of leading Dubai based businesses and projects, in a step that aims to initiate a new phase of growth and development for the group.
Jebel Ali International Hotels is the successful owner and/or operator of the 128-acre Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, a member of the prestigious ‘The Leading Hotels of The World’, comprising the Jebel Ali Hotel and all-suite Palm Tree Court & Spa; the Hatta Fort Hotel, a member of ‘Relais & Chateaux’, nestled within the majestic Hajar mountains; the Oasis Beach Hotel on the famous Jumeirah Beach strip; Bateaux Dubai, a unique concept combining international cuisine and luxury cruises on Dubai Creek and the Jebel Ali International Shooting Club and Centre of Excellence. Each of these special properties offers superior and distinctive products and services while never losing sight of their Arabian heritage and hospitality.
