Emirati Tourist Guide Training and Licensing Programme

The Emirati Tourist Guide Training & Licensing programme, an immersive and in-depth training course that invites UAE Nationals to become licensed tour guides and offers them the practical and theoretical tools to operate to an international standard. In line with the Department’s mission to support the development of the Emirate into a destination of distinction, the programme calls on the Emirati community to use their passion for, and knowledge of, the history and heritage of the UAE to provide visitors with unique and authentic experiences.

With the new curriculum and advanced courses, the Department of Culture and Tourism initiated further plans in order to attract the Emirati community to participate in the tourism sector, a vital and ever-burgeoning industry in Abu Dhabi. The programme aims to improve the quality of local tourist guide knowledge and enhance their engagement skills, ultimately improving the tourist experience.

The programme has been carefully designed to offer an extensive curriculum to shortlisted applicants, covering all aspects of attractions in Abu Dhabi, the culture and heritage of the UAE, first-aid, guiding principles and skills, group management and emergencies. Along with recurring periods of self-study and practical training, the trainees will also undertake a written assessment and give a mock presentation and city tour in order to obtain their license.

The theoretical aspects of the programme include units of training on:

History and Culture of Abu Dhabi – covering Emirati heritage; the legacy and history of the Late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; Islam and the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid; the national dress; what typical family life in the UAE is like; traditional food; traditional sports and work.
Abu Dhabi Sites and Attractions – covering the geography of Abu Dhabi and how to navigate maps; an in-depth study of the districts and islands, cultural sites and main attractions in Abu Dhabi, also including sports, leisure and retail sites; iconic hotels; attractions in the Al Ain Region, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site; attractions in Al Gharbia; festival, events, and activities available to tourists in the capital.
Principles of Guiding – covering the roles and responsibilities of a tourist guide; the principles of guiding and the recommended procedures, techniques, and skills; the importance of customer service and feedback; and the role of tour operators and how to work with them.
Communication, Presentation and Customer Service – wherein trainees can develop and improve their communication and presentation skills giving them increased confidence to speak clearly to a group of visitors.
Group Management – this unit will allow trainees to understand the importance of managing a group safely, identifying potential health and safety risks and how to handle and emergencies.

Trainees will also have the opportunity to undertake practical training, including:

A Big Bus Tour – allowing them to experience an organised visitor bus tour of all main sites and attractions within Abu Dhabi City while planning a route of their own.
Coach Guiding Excellence - this unit will allow trainees to experience a tour guide with an experienced Abu Dhabi Tourist Guide, where they can see first-hand the quality of tours that the programme endeavours to teach them.
Coach Guiding and Walking Tour Practical – wherein trainees can implement the skills learned and plan and lead a coach and walking tour.

The successful completion of the training programme grants the graduates an Abu Dhabi tourist guide license valid for two years. Graduates will also be able to freelance with destination management companies and will be eligible to charge for guiding services.

The programme is open to all English-speaking nationals aged 18 and above. Applicants can be students, employees, job-seekers and the unemployed.

For more information on how to enroll for the programme, contact EmiratiTG@dctabudhabi.ae or visit industrydevelopment.tcaabudhabi.ae/Registration.aspx?Id=app

Last Modified - 04/03/2018