Miral has concluded its 2024 Summer Squad programme with a graduation ceremony for 64 students at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Designed to offer practical work experience within the tourism and entertainment sector to young individuals aged 16-18, this year's programme ran for six weeks between July and August and saw the participation of students from more than 30 Abu Dhabi schools. This year’s Summer Squad saw six students return from the previous year, demonstrating the programme's popularity.

Mariam Al Musharrekh, Executive Director of Human Resources, Miral Group, said: "The 2024 Summer Squad graduating class marks the second batch of students to participate in the Summer Squad programme, and we are incredibly proud of their development throughout their work experience. Summer Squad offers real-world experience of work life at theme parks in a fun, enriching and memorable setting. It reflects our dedication to empowering the next generation of industry leaders, contributing to the UAE’s thriving and vibrant tourism sector."

The work experience programme, which debuted in 2023, has provided 154 students from over 20 nationalities, including UAE nationals, with opportunities to gain work experience across various departments within Yas Island’s theme parks. These departments include guest services, operations, retail, entertainment, and zoological. Experienced department leaders provided mentorship, guidance and support to the students throughout the programme, enabling them to learn more about theme park operations. Participating students also receive daily compensation along with a duty meal during the seven-hour work shift.

Summer Squad’s success is supported by the engagement of participating Abu Dhabi schools. A winter edition of the programme, Winter Squad, is set to take place in December, with registration set to open in early October.

Miral, recognised as an employer of choice within the leisure, entertainment and tourism industry, offers skill development opportunities through various initiatives, including its Maharaty talent development programme to train and recruit UAE Nationals. In recognition of its efforts to empower employees, Miral ranked among the UAE’s top workplaces in the 2024 LinkedIn Top Companies List and received the Great Place to Work certification.