Main content start
Change.每天多學一點 改變.可大可小

Hospitality & Lifestyle Hospitality & Tourism Management

All you need to know about Middle Eastern culture!
中東文化指南

Course Code
HTMG9078
Application Code
2335-1679NW
Study mode
Part-time
Start Date
05 Jul 2025 (Sat)
Duration
6 hours
Language
English
Course Fee
HK$800
Deadline on 30 Apr 2025 (Wed)
Enquiries
28678479
28610278
Apply Now

Highlights

This programme aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of Middle Eastern cultures, traditions, and social norms to foster respectful and effective interactions. It also enhances students’ communication skills by learning key phases and etiquette in Arabic, as well as non-verbal communication cues. In addition, it will also teach students regarding Muslim faith practices impacting travel experiences, particularly on halal food service, prayer facilities, water friendly washrooms and Ramadan friendly facilities/services.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes:

By completion of this programme, graduates will be able to: 
1.    Identify key cultural practices, values, and norms across different Middle Eastern countries.  
2.    Understand the significance of faith in daily life and the faith-based needs of Muslim visitors.  
3.    Describe the diversity of Middle Eastern cuisines and halal food practices.  
4.    Recognize important social customs and communication styles in daily life, including greetings, body language, gender interactions, and dress codes.   
5.    Outline practical guidelines of service delivery for Middle Eastern visitors, such as the provision of prayer facilities, water friendly washrooms and Ramadan friendly facilities/services.

Programme Details

Programme Structure

It consists of 6 hours of interactive lectures that will explore 5 aspects

Chapter Content
1

 

Introduction to the Middle East

 

mini globe middle east - middle east  個照片及圖片檔

 

2

 

Cultural practices and core values

 

中東或阿拉伯菜肴及各式美澤, 具體鄉村背景 - middle east food 個照片及圖片檔

 

3

 

 

Religious practices in daily life

 

blue mosque and hagia sophia - mosque 個照片及圖片檔

 

4

 

 

Social customs and communication styles

 

young riyadh business team collaborating in meeting room - middle east  個照片及圖片檔

 

5

 

Practical guidelines of service delivery for Middle Eastern and Muslim visitors

 

saudi businessman shaking hands with client in hotel lobby - middle east tour 個照片及圖片檔

 

Application Code 2335-1679NW Apply Online Now
Start Date 05 Jul 2025 (Sat)
Apply Online Now

Class Details

Application Details

Application Code Date & Time Venue Application
2335-1679NW

5 July (Sat)

10:00 - 17:00

Kowloon West Campus 30 April

Career Path

.

 

Discover Middle Eastern Culture:

A Comprehensive Guide for Service Excellence

In recent years, Hong Kong has made significant strides in becoming a Muslim-friendly destination. Over 140 restaurants and 50 hotels in the city have received Halal-certification or international Muslim tourism accreditation, enhancing the experience for Muslim visitors. 

News: HK ready to show hospitality to Muslim travelers with Halal-certified restaurants and hotels amid Ramadan | The Standard

Opportunity Under Tourism Blueprint 2.0 

The Middle East and ASEAN countries are emerging as significant growth drivers for Hong Kong's tourism industry. The six Gulf Cooperation Council member states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, are among the world's wealthiest countries by GDP per capita. Their burgeoning outbound tourism industry holds immense potential to become a major source of high-spending visitors. By exploring these markets, we can also foster economic and trade cooperation, further stimulating Hong Kong's economy.

Join us on this enriching journey to better serve and understand our Middle Eastern guests. By completing this course, you will be well-prepared to tap into the growing market of Middle Eastern visitors and contribute to Hong Kong's thriving tourism industry. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and make a positive impact on your career and the community.

 

.

.

.

Pictures: Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0

For details of Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, please visit the website of Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau: Publications - Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau

Teacher Information

Dr. Reza ABBASI

Dr. Reza ABBASI

Background

Dr. Abbasi is an expert in the field of tourism and hospitality management, with a rich cultural background and extensive experience in the industry. Born and raised in Iran, one of the pivotal countries in the Middle East, Dr. Abbasi has a profound understanding of the region's diverse cultures, traditions, and tourism dynamics. 

Dr. Abbasi pursued his academic journey in tourism, earning a PhD in Hotel and Tourism Management from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His unique perspective as both an insider and an academic allows him to effectively deliver the proposed course and learning objectives. 

Having worked in the tourism industry in various capacities, Dr. Abbasi brings valuable firsthand experience to his teaching. As a passionate educator, he is dedicated to sharing his knowledge to empower tourist guides, tour escorts and others with the cultural knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in interacting with Middle Eastern visitors. 

Fee

Course Fee
  • Course Fee : HK$800

Apply

Online Application Apply Now

Application Form Download Application Form

Enrolment Method
Payment Method
1. Cash, EPS, WeChat Pay Or Alipay

Course fees can be paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay or Alipay at any HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.

2. Cheque Or Bank draft

Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application and applicant’s name. You may either:

  • bring the completed form(s), together with the appropriate course or application fees in the form of a cheque, and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres;
  • or mail the above documents to any of the HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres, specifying “Course Application” on the envelope. HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of personal information and payment sent by mail.
3. VISA/Mastercard

Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or Mastercard, including the “HKU SPACE Mastercard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of the HKU SPACE Mastercard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment period for courses with a tuition fee worth a minimum of HK$2,000; however, the course applicant must also be the cardholder himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any enrolment centres.

4. Online Payment

Online application / enrolment is offered for most open admission courses (enrolled on first come, first served basis) and selected award-bearing programmes. Application fees and course fees of these programmes/courses can be settled by using "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard. In addition to the aforesaid online payment channels, new and continuing students of award-bearing programmes with available online service, they may also pay their course fees by Online WeChat Pay, Online Alipay or Faster Payment System (FPS). Please refer to Enrolment Methods - Online Enrolment  for details.

Notes

  • If the programme/course is starting within five working days, application by post is not recommended to avoid any delays. Applicants are advised to enrol in person at HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres and avoid making cheque payment under this circumstance.

  • Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment), subject to the School’s discretion. In exceptional cases where a refund is approved, fees paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, Alipay, cheque, FPS or PPS by Internet will be reimbursed by a cheque, and fees paid by credit card will be reimbursed to the credit card account used for payment. 

  • In addition to the published fees, there may be additional costs associated with individual programmes. Please refer to the relevant course brochures or direct any enquiries to the relevant programme team for details.
  • Fees and places on courses cannot be transferrable from one applicant to another. Once accepted onto a course, the student may not change to another course without approval from HKU SPACE. A processing fee of HK$120 will be levied on each approved transfer.
  • HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of payment, receipt, or personal information sent by mail.
  • For payment certification, please submit a completed form, a sufficiently stamped and self-addressed envelope, and a crossed cheque for HK$30 per copy made payable to “HKU SPACE” to any of our enrolment centres.