Authenticity, Culture and Career Growth: Inside Rotana Hotels

In this live episode from Career Day at the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches, host Juliette Nicholls sits down with Rory Coote, Corporate Director of Learning and Development at Rotana Hotels, one of the region’s most respected homegrown hospitality brands. Founded in Abu Dhabi and built on warm Emirati hospitality, Rotana has grown from a family-rooted concept into a major player across the Middle East. Today, Rory shares what makes the brand unique, how it protects its cultural DNA while expanding internationally, and what students, graduates and future talent need to succeed.In this episode...• The origins of Rotana as a homegrown Emirati brand and how its cultural DNA shapes the guest experience• Why authenticity and genuine personality matter more than technical skills• How to show your spark at a career fair or internship interview• The importance of building a true sense of belonging from day one• How Rotana develops talent through powerful learning pathways, cross training and long-term progression opportunities• Why so many colleagues stay 10, 15, even 20 years and rise into leadership roles• A real success story from a La Roche student whose attitude, proactivity and maturity stood out immediately• The future of hospitality in a world of AI, and why human connection will always remain at the heart of great service• Rotana’s growth philosophy for the next five to ten years: quality over quantity• Why patience is the foundational skill every hospitality student should masterRecorded live during Career Day, this conversation brings together industry experience and academic preparation to help young hospitality professionals understand what truly matters when starting a career. Whether you are stepping into your first internship or planning a long-term path in hotels, this episode offers honest insights into culture, growth and the future of hospitality in the UAE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.