Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is marking five years since the launch of its official online Dubai Tour Guide Programme. Since its introduction, the initiative has trained more than 2,400 licensed tour guides representing over 50 nationalities, supporting the delivery of structured and informed visitor experiences across the city.
As part of this milestone, DCT is inviting UAE residents and Emiratis to enrol in the programme and become certified tour guides. The online course provides participants with the training required to obtain the only official tour guide certification recognised in Dubai. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to work as tour guides under tourism companies registered in the emirate, accompanying visitors and contributing to the sector through their local knowledge.
Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sectors have continued to record growth, with the city welcoming 17.55 million international overnight visitors between January and November 2025, reflecting a 5% year-on-year increase. The Dubai Tour Guide Programme supports this growth by expanding the pool of qualified professionals and helping maintain consistent service standards across visitor-facing roles.
The programme is open to UAE residents aged 18 and above and is delivered entirely online, allowing participants to complete the course at a time and place of their convenience. It is currently available in English and Mandarin.
Aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, the initiative supports the development of local talent and contributes to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global destination for business and leisure. By encouraging participation from residents and Emiratis, the programme creates opportunities within the tourism sector while enabling visitors to engage with individuals who have direct knowledge of the city’s culture, heritage, and communities. It is suited to those seeking flexible part-time or freelance opportunities within the industry.
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.
“Tour guides play an important role in bringing Dubai’s character to life. Beyond introducing visitors to the city’s attractions, experiences, and cultural and heritage sites, they help tell Dubai’s stories in an engaging and authentic way, strengthening its reputation as a world-class destination. Their direct interaction with visitors also helps shape perceptions of Emirati culture and heritage, inspiring travellers to return and discover more of what Dubai has to offer.
The Dubai Tour Guide Programme is central to our efforts to develop a diverse, highly skilled tourism workforce that reflects the city’s unique identity. While the programme welcomes all UAE residents, we are especially focused on encouraging Emirati participation, as part of our talent development and Emiratisation strategy, to create opportunities for UAE nationals to work in the city’s private sector. By enabling Emiratis to share their own stories and cultural insights, we not only create exciting career pathways but also provide visitors with authentic perspectives from those who know Dubai best – enriching the overall experience of our destination.”
