In any time of the year in UAE, a group of tourists might be always seen almost anywhere sightseeing and taking pictures with their phones. From the sun-burning sand dunes to towering skyscrapers, the stream of tourists does not stop, whether it is the holy month of Ramadan or scorching summers. With this comes increased employment opportunities for tour guides that are expected to expand in 2024 creating 23,500 opportunities.
Several emirates present distinct programs for people who desire to obtain a license and become professional tourist guides. Here is a detailed guide on becoming a tour guide in the UAE, including the degrees needed and the cost of the courses.
Dubai Dubai Government, for instance, has a one-year licensing program for would-be tour guides, which is offered entirely online to accommodate prospective applicants. This is available for anyone who is a legal adult, i.e. above the age of 18. The program will be taught in English and Mandarin languages.
Documents required:
- No objection letter from the sponsor
- Police clearance certificate from Dubai Police
- An attested academic certificate is required. The minimum level is a high school degree.
- English proficiency certificate, with a level 5, upper intermediate, or above qualification
- First Aid certificate from a certified safety training center in the UAE
- Emirates ID
- Passport-sized photo with a white background
Cost:
- For those interested in the English course, it costs Dh7,500.
- The Mandarin course costs Dh9,810.
- For Emirati nationals wishing to join the course, it is free of cost.
- The entire process takes up to one business day.
Process:
- First of all, the applicant should register on the official website www.tourguidetraining.ae
- When all the documents have been submitted, one is able to wait for 48 hours to know whether the documents have been approved or not. When approved, the applicant can go on with the course as planned.
- It costs Dh750 to continue with the program.
- Students will be required to go through the ‘Dubai Way’ process and perform the final test at the end.
- Candidates are required to pay Dh1,520 for the knowledge assessment (MCQ type questions and interview) after passing the assessment.
- There is also a requirement for students to pay Dh5,250 for skills development after the completion of the interview.
- After the payment, students are required to undergo the skills development assessment and followed by the practical assessment.
- Applicants are also required to complete a feedback form after they have written both assessments. After submitting it, the student is supposed to get their license within two working days.
Sharjah For those trying to pursue this career option in Sharjah, the city’s Commerce and Tourism Development Authority provides a number of programs for aspiring tour guides, who must be above the age of 18. These are:
- Tour guiding for beginners
- Al Jawhara Women Empowerment tour guiding for beginners
- Advanced tour guiding
- Explore history with Rehlati with Sharjah Museums Authority
- Explore the desert with Rehlati with Mleiha Archaeological Centre
- Explore nature with Rehlati with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority
- Explore Heritage with Rehlati with Sharjah Institute for Heritage
Requirements:
- Copy of valid passport
- For non-Emiratis applying, they need to show a copy of their residency visa
- Emirati applicants are required to show the copy of their family book, copy of birth certificate, and copy of mother’s passport
- Copy of national ID (front and back)
- Personal photograph with a white background
- Updated CV
- Educational qualifications
- Good conduct certificate valid for 3 months
Abu Dhabi To obtain a tour guide license in Abu Dhabi, residents can do it through the TAMM platform. The assessments fall under the emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism. The process is free of charge for UAE nationals and children of Emirati mothers. For expats, a fee of Dh2,700 will be charged.
Documents required:
- Emirates ID
- Good conduct certificate
- First Aid certificate
- Passport copy
- Passport size photo
- Copy of residency visa
- For Emirati nationals, they must provide a copy of their mother’s passport
Process:
- Go to TAMM platform and watch the awareness session
- After watching, applicants can log into the platform
- Review the training calendar and join a cohort
- Pay the fees
- Do the assessment after completing the training
- Applicants can then receive the tourist guide license
Ajman Ajman’s government has also introduced a licensing system for tour guides. Those willing to apply must be at least 18 years of age. For new tour guides, it costs Dh3,255, and for tour guides licensed from other emirates, it costs Dh2,205.
For individuals, the following documents are required:
- High school certificate or what is equivalent to it
- Valid residency visa and Emirates ID
- Proof of passing an English language test
- For guides who may have licenses in other emirates, they must provide a copy of the existing tourist guide license
For businesses, the following documents are required:
- High school certificate or what is equivalent to it
- Valid residency visa and Emirates ID
- Proof of passing an English language test
- For guides who may have licenses in other emirates, they must provide a copy of the existing tourist guide license
Process:
- Those eager to attain the tour guide license can apply through the Government of Ajman’s website by submitting the request through the e-system.
- After filling up the requirements, they can then proceed to pay the fees.
- Participants have to then undergo training and take a knowledge assessment.
- After passing the assessment, the permit will be issued in one day’s time.
