Beautiful Destinations Academy Powered By Dubai

Applications for the BD Academy are now open

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Redefining Destination Marketing Through Creator Education

Launched in April 2025 by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in partnership with Beautiful Destinations, the BD Academy is a groundbreaking platform shaping the future of travel storytelling. As the first initiative of its kind, it merges tourism, education, and digital content creation into one bold vision: to invest in the next generation of elite creators and amplify Dubai's global narrative.

Through hands-on training, mentorship, and access to real-world campaigns, the Academy equips emerging talent with the skills, tools, and opportunities to thrive - while inspiring the world with culturally rich, visually powerful stories that spotlight Dubai's distinctive identity.

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A New Chapter in Destination Storytelling

The inaugural cohort has officially wrapped. This marks a powerful proof point for our vision to invest in the next generation of global creators. Over 12 weeks, Arthur Edelmans, Hugo Sudraud, Ethan Chang, and Olessia Pliousnina immersed themselves in Dubai's diverse cultural landscape, creating high- impact, visually stunning content that reflects the city's modern identity.

From the desert dunes to the urban skyline, the work they've produced sets a new creative benchmark and signals what's possible when talent, training, and tourism align. This first class didn't just graduate, they elevated what it means to tell a destination's story. Check out their work below.

Here' s what you can expect as we open applications for Cohort 3

Participants of the Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai will receive comprehensive training that covers all essential aspects of travel content creation. The academy offers an immersive, interactive learning experience, focusing on both technical expertise and real-world application. Participants of the Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai will receive hands-on training in key areas of travel content creation, including:

Photography & Cinematography: Understanding composition, shot planning, camera techniques, and filming for impactful content.

Editing & Colour Grading: Mastering editing software, sequencing, color grading, and creating a cohesive narrative.
Sound Design & Music: Integrating sound effects and music to enhance storytelling.
Innovation (VFX & AI): Exploring visual effects and AI tools to elevate content creation.
Real-World Applications: Understanding creative briefs, audience targeting, production workflows, budgeting, and industry regulations.
Professional Development: Guidance on continuing growth and building a career in travel content creation.

The program equips learners with the technical skills and industry insights to create professional- level travel content and succeed in the creative industry.

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I came to Dubai to grow as a filmmaker, but I didn’t expect it to be this personal. Every shoot, every edit, every conversation with the mentors made me reflect on why I create in the first place. The Dubai experience gave me a thousand stories to tell, and the tools to tell them better. I’m leaving not just inspired, but sharper and a better filmmaker ready to create at the next level.
Arthur Edelmans
28 years old | Latvia
The Academy felt like a launchpad—pushing me technically and creatively. Every week brought new challenges, new locations, new ways to experiment. What we made wasn’t just for social—it felt cinematic. I’m proud of the work, grateful for the connections, and excited for what’s next.
Hugo Sudraud
27 years old | France
This experience elevated how I see myself as a filmmaker. I came in confident in my voice, but I’ve never had this level of mentorship or the freedom to push my creative boundaries across such a range of styles and locations. Dubai sharpened my skills and deepened my vision. I arrived with a camera, I’m leaving with a refined purpose.
Olessia Pliousnina
27 years old | Canada
Before the Academy, I knew how to make content. Now I know how to tell stories that truly resonate. Shooting in locations that I’ve always dreamed of and learning side by side with top creators pushed me to create my best work. What really changed me was the community – the bonds, honest feedback and support from one to another. That’s what shaped the creator I am today.
Ethan Chang
21 years old | United States