📊 Prepared by the Strategic Media Division – BETH Press
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 13 November 2025

Under the patronage of His Excellency Ahmed bin Aqil Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, the “TOURISE 2025” Summit in Riyadh witnessed the launch of a landmark Saudi–Swiss partnership designed to reshape human-capability development in tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts — fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to build world-class national talent and reinforce the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s fast-growing economy.

The announcement was made in the presence of Her Excellency Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen, Ambassador of Switzerland to Saudi Arabia, senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, representatives of national universities, and distinguished business leaders.

A SAR 600 Million Talent-Building Initiative

Tanmeya Capital, headquartered in Riyadh, is leading the initiative as Manager of the Tanmeya Hospitality & Tourism Fund (THTF) — a SAR 600 million (≈ EUR 140 million) investment vehicle dedicated to accelerating the Kingdom’s capabilities in tourism and hospitality.

The Fund’s strategic partner is Sommet Education, parent organization of world-leading institutions such as:

Les Roches

École Ducasse

Glion Institute of Higher Education

Through an exclusive 25-year agreement, the partnership will establish and operate a comprehensive educational ecosystem inside the Kingdom, designed to prepare Saudi and international talent to the highest global standards.

This includes plans to open a nationwide network of academies and specialized colleges in hospitality and culinary arts — creating sustainable jobs, elevating national expertise, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional and global hub for hospitality education and excellence.

Statements from Key Partners

Mohamed Musaiqer, Chairman of Tanmeya Capital, emphasized that developing Saudi talent in hospitality and tourism is “a core pillar of Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program,” noting that the initiative demonstrates how national and international partnerships can create lasting economic and social impact.

Marie-Claude Mathieu, Board Member and Group General Counsel at Sommet Education, stated that the partnership “reflects a shared long-term vision built on trust, responsibility, and value creation,” and affirmed the group’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey through talent development.

Yassir Al-Sharif, Project Sponsor of THTF, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism and stressed that “investing in people is the most sustainable form of investment,” and that localizing world-class hospitality education is a strategic national priority.

Ahmad Al-Sakran, Acting CEO of Tanmeya Capital, highlighted that the Fund “combines global excellence with Saudi ambition to prepare a new generation of leaders for the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitality sectors.”

Adrian Artimov, Chief Commercial Officer at Sommet Education, added that the partnership will “empower future leaders in hospitality and culinary arts” through the expertise of Glion, Les Roches, and École Ducasse.

Strategic Expansion Across the Kingdom

During the summit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Tanmeya Capital and Wadi Jeddah Company (the investment arm of King Abdulaziz University) to explore establishing a new Jeddah campus hosting Les Roches and École Ducasse programs.

This development marks the beginning of a broader nationwide network spanning Riyadh, Jeddah, the western region, the south, and the eastern provinces — ensuring comprehensive national coverage of specialized tourism and hospitality education.

A National Transformation Aligned with Vision 2030

This initiative represents a pivotal milestone in Saudi Arabia’s shift toward a knowledge- and skills-based economy, embodying seamless cooperation between the public sector, private sector, and international academic partners.

Through the partnership between Tanmeya Capital, Sommet Education, and local institutions, Saudi Arabia is steadily advancing toward becoming a regional and global center for world-class tourism, hospitality, and culinary education — strengthening its position as a leader shaping the future of these industries.

About Tanmeya Capital

Tanmeya Capital is a Saudi closed joint-stock investment company licensed by the Capital Market Authority to conduct a full range of asset management and investment banking activities. Headquartered in Riyadh, Tanmeya Capital focuses on developing and managing innovative investment funds across private equity, private credit, and real estate.

The firm is committed to advancing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling institutional and high-net-worth investors to participate in high-impact, well-governed investment opportunities.

Guided by a strong governance framework and a highly experienced leadership team, Tanmeya Capital combines regional insight with global best practices to deliver sustainable growth and long-term value for its investors and partners.

For more information: www.tanmeya.com.sa