Capital gets 18 Emirati tour guides
abu dhabi — The Capital will now have fresh young Emirati tour guides showcasing the true essence and rich cultural heritage of the UAE to the visitors.
A new batch of Emirati graduates collected their tour guide certificates during a ceremony held by the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi.
The newly launched ‘Emirati Tourist Guide Training and Licensing Programme’ offers UAE nationals practical and theoretical training and provides tools to allow guides to operate to international standards.
A total of 18 Emiratis can now share the UAE’s spectacular heritage, opulent history and awe-inspiring modernity, to the tourists visiting the Capital each year.
Saif Ghobash, director-general of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times that the main mission is to support the development of the emirate into a destination of distinction, which is why the programme calls on the Emirati community to use their knowledge of their homeland and provide visitors an authentic experience.
“It is very important to have those who represent Abu Dhabi or speak about Abu Dhabi, to have a nice, deep understanding of the emirate — because that will only enrich the visitor’s experience.”
Gobash highlighted that the tour guides will act as ambassadors for Abu Dhabi.
He said there are a total of 103 Emirati tour guides. However, Ghobash stressed that it is not just the tourist and destination angle that is vital, but also the angle of Emiratisation.
“It’s very important for us, that this sector continues to drive the
It is very important to have those who represent Abu Dhabi or speak about Abu Dhabi, to have a nice, deep understanding of the emirate.” Saif Ghobash, director-general of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi
diversification of the GDP, and one of the success factors is creating new job opportunities for locals.”
The programme is also available for non-Emiratis who are residents in Abu Dhabi.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the department, said the programme will enhance the tourism and travel experience of Abu Dhabi.
“Hospitality lies at the heart of Emirati society; it is the backbone of our culture and is a value that is instilled in us from a young age.”
Fatima Al Melhi, tourism policy and planning section manager, said the new programme took 11 weeks to complete.
The successful completion of the training programme grants the graduates an Abu Dhabi tourist guide licence valid for two years.
Graduates will also be able to freelance with destination management companies and will be eligible to charge for guiding services.
Naser Al Mansoori, one of the Emiratis who graduated on Sunday, said he is looking forward to representing his country as a tour guide in the Capital.
“As an Emirati, it’s great to be able to provide a learning experience for our visitors. We are giving them the knowledge about our own country, which helps deepen and enrich their entire experience here,” said the 25-year-old.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com