(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Abu Dhabi is set to have fresh young Emirati tour guides showcase the true essence and rich cultural heritage of the UAE.
A brand new batch of Emirati graduates collected their certificates on Sunday morning in the UAE Capital, 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.
Mohammed Al Mubarak and Emirati Graduate Naser Al Mansoori
A total of 18 Emiratis, can now reveal the UAE's spectacular heritage, opulent history and awe-inspiring modernity, to some of the millions of 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."
Saif Ghobash at the Emirati Tourist Guide Training and Licensing Programme Launch
Gobash highlighted that the tour guides will act as ambassadors for Abu Dhabi.
"We graduated the first batch of Emiratis and have given them the responsibility of representing their Emirate in front of tourists."
He said there are a total of 103 Emirati tour guides, 18 of which have the newly launched curriculum under their belt.
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 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, the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, 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."
"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."
Fatima Al Melhi, Tourism Policy and Planning Section Manager, said the new programme took 11 weeks to complete.
"It's crucial for us to have a pool of well-trained Emirati tourist guides, because they will give an insider look into our cultural and tourism attractions, and museums."
She said the participants have gone through an intensive course, which not only includes enhancing their skills, but even handling emergencies.
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.
Naser Al Mansoori, one of the 18 Emiratis who graduated on Sunday, said he is certainly looking forward to representing his country as a tour guide in the UAE 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.
"I believe that the best way for foreigners to learn about the UAE and its history - is learning about it first-hand from an Emirati," added Al Mansoori.
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