Source : WAM
The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is celebrating five years since the launch of its official online Dubai Tour Guide Programme – a ground-breaking initiative that has trained over 2,400 licensed guides from more than 50 nationalities to deliver exceptional visitor experiences across the city.
To mark this milestone, DCT is inviting UAE residents and Emiratis to become certified tour guides. The fully virtual programme equips participants with the skills needed to obtain Dubai’s only official tour guide certification, enabling them to work with licensed tourism companies and guide visitors from around the world, contributing to the city’s vibrant tourism sector.
Following years of record growth in Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sectors, the emirate welcomed 17.55 million international overnight visitors from January to November 2025, a 5% increase year-on-year. The Dubai Tour Guide Programme supports this growth by developing a pipeline of skilled talent to enhance visitor experiences and maintain the highest service standards.
Open to UAE residents aged 18 and above, the programme is delivered entirely online, allowing participants to complete it from anywhere at their own pace. It is currently offered in English and Mandarin.
Aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the programme supports Dubai’s goal of consolidating its position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. By nurturing homegrown and diverse talent, it creates meaningful career opportunities while helping visitors engage with the residents who bring the city to life. The programme is ideal for those seeking flexible, part-time, or freelance opportunities in tourism.
Mariam Sultan Al Maeeni, Vice President, Nationalisation and Tourism Guidance at the Dubai College of Tourism, said, “As we mark five years of the Dubai Tour Guide Programme, we’re proud to see the impact being made by the thousands of guides who showcase our city to visitors from around the world. With tourism being an integral part of Dubai’s economy, its continued success relies not only on attracting millions of visitors but also on ensuring each guest enjoys an exceptional and memorable experience. By requiring that tour guides are officially certified through a DET-endorsed programme, we extend that standard of excellence to every interaction between guides and visitors, further reinforcing the city’s reputation for world-class hospitality.”
