The Dubai College of Tourism, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, is marking five years since the launch of its online Dubai Tour Guide Programme, an initiative that has licensed more than 2,400 tour guides from over 50 nationalities to work across the city.
Dubai’s Official Tour Guide Program Reaches Five-Year Mark
Launched as a fully digital training model, the programme provides the only official certification for tour guides in Dubai. Graduates are authorised to work under tourism companies registered in the emirate, accompanying visitors and delivering guided experiences across cultural, heritage and leisure sites. The college is now inviting UAE residents and Emiratis aged 18 and above to enrol, as demand for qualified guides continues to grow.
The programme’s expansion comes amid sustained growth in Dubai’s tourism sector. From January to November 2025, the city welcomed 17.55 million international overnight visitors, a year-on-year increase of 5 percent. Officials say the tour guide programme plays a key role in supporting service quality by creating a steady pipeline of trained professionals as visitor numbers rise.
Delivered entirely online, the self-paced course includes approximately 21 hours of video content and is currently offered in English and Mandarin. Participants have up to 90 days to complete the programme after document verification. Assessment includes five evaluations, such as a virtual interview and a practical exam, all conducted remotely. Successful candidates receive an official tour guide licence, enabling full-time, part-time or freelance work under a licensed tour operator.
The initiative is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global destination for business and leisure. The programme also supports Emiratisation by encouraging greater participation from UAE nationals, offering flexible employment opportunities within the private tourism sector.
In addition to core training, participants may take part in optional familiarisation trips to major attractions and access ongoing professional development opportunities. The Dubai College of Tourism also delivers broader industry training through platforms such as Dubai Way, which offers courses on sustainable tourism, inclusive service and accessibility awareness.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.
Oksana Bozhko
