The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi) has celebrated the graduation of 200 taxi drivers who completed the Al Midhyaf training programme, part of DCT – Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to enhance visitor interaction across all tourism touchpoints in Abu Dhabi.
The event honoured two outstanding drivers, Ajith Indika Piyathissa Watareka Gamage and Iddrisu Abukari for their excellence in service.
Al Midhyaf, meaning ‘the host’ in Arabic, is a government-endorsed initiative designed to unify and elevate the standards of guest services across Abu Dhabi. The programme equips participants with essential principles, including professionalism and proactive engagement, cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, clear communication skills, and effective problem-solving techniques to ensure guest satisfaction. It also focuses on empowering frontliners with the knowledge, tools, and cultural awareness needed to deliver exceptional, consistent, and authentic guest experiences that reflect the values of Emirati hospitality.
Certified participants are now recognised as dedicated excellence ambassadors, playing a pivotal role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s global image as a leading tourist destination. They are empowered to ensure every visitor encounter, from arrival to departure, is welcoming, respectful, and memorable.
His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at DCT – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Al Midhyaf programme is a cornerstone of our commitment to delivering unparalleled visitor experiences. By investing in our frontline workers, we are not only amplifying service standards but also fostering a deeper appreciation for Emirati culture. This celebration of our taxi drivers is just the beginning; we will continue to empower our tourism and hospitality workers across various industries with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional visitor experiences.”
This ceremony, specifically focusing on taxi drivers working for operating companies regulated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), is the first of three planned recognition events this year. The Al Midhyaf was the first training completed via DCT – Abu Dhabi’s recently launched Visitor Experience (VX) Academy, powered by AI-driven e-learning modules.
The success of the Al Midhyaf training programme reaffirms Abu Dhabi as a world-class destination, ensuring that every visitor enjoys a truly memorable and authentic experience.
