The agreement establishes an academic exchange programme between The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and Beijing Hospitality Institute - a specialist university certified by the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).

The agreement provides study abroad programmes for students, faculty exchanges, academic cooperation and programmes for the development of young talent in the hospitality industry.

Commenting on the new partnership between the two universities, Ron Hilvert, Managing Director of the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, said: "We are delighted to celebrate this joint collaboration as it will give students the invaluable experience of both academic as well as professional life in two thriving destinations. And we look forward to receiving the first set of student from Beijing in the next academic year"

Gao Songtao, President of the Beijing Hospitality Institute added, "This agreement brings academic alignment between two organisations focused on delivering consistently high standards in the hospitality sector. It is a big win for our students, our teaching staff and ultimately hotel companies around the world."

In March 2011 Jumeirah Group opened its first property in China, the five-star luxury Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in the Pudong area of Shanghai.

The company has a further five properties under development in Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Sanya, Macau and Qiandaohu.