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In-depth training programme offers UAE Nationals practical and theoretical training and provides tools to allow Guides to operate to international standards.
Abu Dhabi: The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi has announced the official launch of the Emirati Tourist Guide Training & Licensing programme, an immersive and in-depth training course that invites UAE Nationals to become licensed tour guides and offers them the practical and theoretical tools to operate to an international standard. In line with the Department’s mission to support the development of the Emirate into a destination of distinction, the programme calls on the Emirati community to use their passion for, and knowledge of, the history and heritage of the UAE to provide visitors with unique and authentic experiences.
The Industry & Tourist Guide Training Unit at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has introduced the programme to all residents of Abu Dhabi wishing to obtain a tour guide license. With the new curriculum and advanced courses, the Department of Culture and Tourism initiated further plans in order to attract the Emirati community to participate in the tourism sector, a vital and ever-burgeoning industry in Abu Dhabi. The programme aims to improve the quality of local tourist guide knowledge and enhance their engagement skills, ultimately improving the tourist experience.
Following several weeks of in-depth training, the first group of licensed tourist guides graduated at a ceremony held today at The St. Regis Corniche.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, said, “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. Each year, millions of tourists come to Abu Dhabi to learn about our history, traditions and heritage; there is no better way for visitors to experience this, as well as the uniqueness of Abu Dhabi, than by spending time with an Emirati and seeing the city through their eyes. These firsthand experiences delivered by tour guides trained to an international standard, will result in positive impressions and an overall enhanced tourism and travel experience of Abu Dhabi.
The programme has been carefully designed to offer an extensive curriculum to shortlisted applicants, covering all aspects of attractions in Abu Dhabi, the culture and heritage of the UAE, first-aid, guiding principles and skills, group management and emergencies. Along with recurring periods of self-study and practical training, the trainees will also undertake a written assessment and give a mock presentation and city tour in order to obtain their license.
HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, said: “By taking part in the Emirati Tourist Guide Training and Licensing programme, our tour guides have become part of a global community of tour guides and tourism professionals. The 18 guides who have graduated here today are now charged with an important task. They will act as ambassadors for Abu Dhabi and will showcase our rich history and heritage to an international audience.”
The theoretical aspects of the programme include units of training on:
· History and Culture of Abu Dhabi – covering Emirati heritage; the legacy and history of the Late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; Islam and the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid; the national dress; what typical family life in the UAE is like; traditional food; traditional sports and work.
· Abu Dhabi Sites and Attractions – covering the geography of Abu Dhabi and how to navigate maps; an in-depth study of the districts and islands, cultural sites and main attractions in Abu Dhabi, also including sports, leisure and retail sites; iconic hotels; attractions in the Al Ain Region, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site; attractions in Al Gharbia; festival, events, and activities available to tourists in the capital.
· Principles of Guiding – covering the roles and responsibilities of a tourist guide; the principles of guiding and the recommended procedures, techniques, and skills; the importance of customer service and feedback; and the role of tour operators and how to work with them.
· Communication, Presentation and Customer Service – wherein trainees can develop and improve their communication and presentation skills giving them increased confidence to speak clearly to a group of visitors.
· Group Management – this unit will allow trainees to understand the importance of managing a group safely, identifying potential health and safety risks and how to handle and emergencies.
Trainees will also have the opportunity to undertake practical training, including:
· A Big Bus Tour – allowing them to experience an organised visitor bus tour of all main sites and attractions within Abu Dhabi City while planning a route of their own.
· Coach Guiding Excellence - this unit will allow trainees to experience a tour guide with an experienced Abu Dhabi Tourist Guide, where they can see first-hand the quality of tours that the programme endeavours to teach them.
· Coach Guiding and Walking Tour Practical – wherein trainees can implement the skills learned and plan and lead a coach and walking tour.
The successful completion of the training programme grants the graduates an Abu Dhabi tourist guide license valid for two years. Graduates will also be able to freelance with destination management companies and will be eligible to charge for guiding services.
The programme is open to all English-speaking nationals aged 18 and above. Applicants can be students, employees, job-seekers and the unemployed.
For more information on how to enroll for the programme, contact idd@tcaabudhabi.ae or visit www.industrydevelopment.tcaabudhabi.ae/Registration.aspx?Id=app
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Licensed to lead tours, the 20 Emirati graduating tourist guides can be found below:
1. Bushra Al Hosani
2. Fatima Noor
3. Heba Bin Redha
4. Maha Helal
5. Maitha Al Hamadi
6. Maitha Essa
7. Marwa Helal
8. Mohamed Tarmoom
9. Moza Al Hamadi
10. Naser Al Mansoori
11. Naser Al Breiki
12. Reem Salem Aljneibi
13. Sara Al Abdouli
14. Sara Al Balooshi
15. Shatha Al Hashmi
16. Shawq Al Jneibi
17. Wafa Al Marzooqi
18. Ward Sultan
About the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The Department manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.
Media Contact:
Aamna Iqbal
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