HOW TO OBTAIN A TOUR GUIDE LICENCE IN UAE
You can be a tour guide in the UAE.
A tour guide, also known as a tourist guide, is someone who shares cultural, historical, and modern information about a location and its important religious and historical sites, whether traveling alone or in groups.
The UAE has a special training and licensing program for tourism guides to ensure they provide accurate information about tourist attractions and Emirati culture. This training includes lessons on Emirati culture, practical skills for reaching tourist spots, group management, guiding techniques, and details about historical and recreational sites. After completing both the theory and practical parts of the training, participants receive a license to work as official tourist guides. Both UAE residents and expatriates with a resident visa can join this training, and expatriates can also work part-time as guides.
You might be interested in the training courses provided by different emirates for those looking to obtain a tour guide license and become professional tour guides.
Dubai:
In Dubai, you can obtain a tour guide license online if you are over 18 years old. The course is offered in English and Mandarin.
Required Documents:
- A No Objection Letter from your sponsor
- A clearance certificate from Dubai Police
- Education up to a degree, with all certificates needing to be attested
- An English proficiency certificate at Level 5 or higher
- A first aid certificate from an accredited safety training center in the UAE
- Your Emirates ID and a photo with a white background
Cost:
- The fee for the English course is AED 7,500.
- The fee for the Mandarin course is AED 9,810.
- The course is free for Dubai nationals.
Steps to Get Your Tour Guide License in Dubai:
1.Create an Account: Go to the website http://www.tourguidetraining.ae/
To set up your account.
2.Submit Documents: Upload all the required documents. You will find out within 48 hours if you are eligible for the course.
3.Processing Fee: If you are eligible, you need to pay a processing fee of AED 750 to continue.
4.Complete the Dubai Way Program: After that, you can complete the Dubai Way program, which includes a final assessment.
5.Knowledge Assessment: Once you finish the program, there will be a knowledge assessment and an interview, which costs AED 1,520.
6.Skill Development: Next, you need to pay AED 5,250 to complete skill development training.
7.Practical Assessment: After completing the course, you'll have a practical assessment for skill development.
8.Receive Your License: If you pass all assessments, you will receive your tour guide license within two days.
For more details, visit: [Dubai Department of Economic Development](https://www.dubaidet.gov.ae/en/our-services/for-consumers-and-students/apply-for-tour-guide-training).
Sharjah:
In Sharjah, anyone over 18 can become a tour guide. The Department of Tourism Development offers a variety of courses, including:
- Tour Guiding for Beginners
- Al Jawahara Women Empowerment Program
- Advanced Tour Guiding
- A program in collaboration with the Sharjah Museum Authority
- A program by the Mleiha Archaeological Center
For more details, visit: [Sharjah Tourism](https://www.sharjahtourism.ae/tour-guide-training/).
Required Documents:
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of your residence documents (for expatriates)
- A copy of your Emirates ID
- A photo with a white background
- Documents proving your educational qualifications, including certificates and a character certificate valid for 3 months
Abudhabi:
To become a tour guide in Abu Dhabi, you need to apply through the TAMM platform at [www.tamm.abudhabi](https://www.tamm.abudhabi/). The license is issued by the Department of Entertainment, Arts, and Culture in Abu Dhabi. UAE nationals can get tour guide training for free, while expatriates need to pay a fee of AED 2,700.
Required Documents:
- Emirates ID
- Character Certificate
- First Aid Certificate
- Copy of your passport
- Passport-sized photo
- Residence documents
How to Apply:
1. Watch the awareness session on the TAMM platform.
2. Log in to your TAMM account.
3. Check the training calendar and choose a course.
4. Pay the course fee.
5. Complete the training and pass the assessment.
If you succeed, you will receive your tour guide license.
For more details, visit: [Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism](https://adtt.dct.gov.ae/).
💠 Ajman:
-Fees: To become a tour guide in Ajman, the fee is AED 3,255. If you already have a tour guide license from another emirate, the training fee is AED 2,205.
-Required Documents:
- Proof of educational qualifications
- Emirates ID and domicile document
- English language proficiency certificates
- If licensed in another emirate, additional documents may be needed
-Steps to Apply:
1. Submit your application online through the Ajman government website.
2. Pay the fee after completing the application.
3. Attend and complete the required training session.
4. Once the training is successfully finished, you'll receive your tour guide license.
-For UAE Nationals: UAE citizens can also apply for a Unified Tour Guide license, valid for two years.
For more details, visit [Ajman Tour Guide License]
(https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/tour-guide-license).
Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team