Dubai is a city where every neighbourhood has a story. From the traditional houses of Al Fahidi to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, there is plenty for visitors to explore. A good tour guide helps them understand these places and the stories behind them.
That creates opportunities for people who enjoy history, culture, travel, and meeting people from different backgrounds. The city welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, marking its third consecutive record-breaking year.
However, anyone who wants to work as a professional tour guide in Dubai must complete the official training programme and obtain the required tour guide licence in Dubai. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) manages this process through the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).
The good news is that the training programme is now fully online. Eligible applicants can complete the course and its assessments remotely, making it easier to fit the process around their existing commitments.
In this blog, we will explain the tour guide licence Dubai requirements, application process, training fees, and renewal rules. It also covers the key points UK citizens should understand before planning a career as a tour guide in Dubai.
What Is a Tour Guide Licence?
A tour guide licence in Dubai is an official professional credential that allows a person to work as a licenced tour guide in Dubai. Tour guides help visitors explore the city. It confirms that the person has completed the required training and assessments to guide visitors around the emirate.
Dubai requires tour guides to complete an approved training programme before they can work professionally. The programme prepares applicants to communicate with visitors and provide accurate information about the emirate.
The official Dubai Tour Guide Programme is managed by the Dubai College of Tourism, which is part of DET. Once applicants complete the programme successfully, they receive the official Dubai tour guide licence.
Why Become a Licenced Tour Guide in Dubai?
Dubai welcomes visitors from different countries and backgrounds. This creates opportunities for people who can communicate well and help tourists understand the city.
Here are some reasons to consider becoming a licenced tour guide.
- Work in a growing tourism industry: Dubai recorded 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025. This creates a large market for tourism services and visitor experiences.
- Meet people from around the world: Tour guides interact with visitors from different cultures and learn about their interests and expectations.
- Build a flexible career: Licenced guides can work with registered tourism companies on full-time, part-time or freelance arrangements under a company licence.
- Share Dubai story: Guides help visitors understand the city’s heritage, traditions and modern development.
- Develop professional skills: The training programme covers knowledge and skills needed to interact with tourists and deliver a good visitor experience.
The role suits people who enjoy communication, learning about different cultures, and helping others discover new places. Good storytelling also helps a guide turn a regular sightseeing trip into a memorable experience.
Who Issues the Tour Guide Licence in Dubai?
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is the authority responsible for Dubai’s tour guide licensing programme. The Dubai College of Tourism manages the official training programme.
Some older articles refer to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). This is an outdated authority name for the current licensing process. Applicants should use DET’s official service pages and the Dubai Tour Guide Programme portal for current requirements.
You can find the official information at:
The official service page lists the required documents, course fees and application stages.
Dubai Tour Guide Licence Requirements
Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions set by DET before enrolling in the programme. Preparing the required documents in advance can help prevent delays.
The main Dubai tour guide licence requirements are outlined below.
|
Requirement |
What you need |
|
Age |
You must be at least 18 years old. |
|
UAE residency |
You must be a UAE resident to apply. |
|
Emirates ID |
A valid Emirates ID is required. |
|
Education |
An attested academic certificate showing at least high school completion. |
|
Language proficiency |
An English proficiency certificate at Level 5, upper-intermediate, or above for the English programme. |
|
First aid |
A valid First Aid certificate from a certified safety training centre in the UAE. |
|
Police clearance |
A Police Clearance Certificate from Dubai Police. |
|
Sponsor approval |
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor. |
|
Photograph |
A passport-sized photograph with a white background. |
These requirements are listed on DET’s official application page. Applicants should confirm the latest document specifications before submitting their applications.
Documents Required for a Dubai Tour Guide Licence
Before starting your application, prepare digital copies of the documents listed below.
- Attested academic certificate showing high school completion or an equivalent qualification.
- English proficiency certificate for the English-language programme.
- First Aid certificate issued by a certified safety training centre in the UAE.
- Police Clearance Certificate from Dubai Police.
- No Objection Certificate from your sponsor.
- Valid Emirates ID.
- Passport-sized photograph with a white background.
You should also keep your passport and UAE residency documents available so you can provide any additional details requested during registration.
Make sure the documents are valid and the details match your official records. If an academic certificate was issued outside the UAE, check the applicable attestation process before applying.
How to Get a Tour Guide Licence in Dubai?
The application process is handled online through the official Dubai Tour Guide Programme. The course includes approximately 21 hours of video content and five assessments. Applicants have a maximum of 90 days from document verification to complete the programme.
Here is the process step by step.
Step 1: Register on the Official Portal
Visit tourguidetraining.ae and create an account.
Enter your personal details and follow the instructions to access the Dubai Tour Guide Programme. Check the eligibility criteria before proceeding.
Step 2: Upload Your Documents
Submit the required documents through the portal. These include your Emirates ID, academic certificate, First Aid certificate, police clearance, sponsor NOC, language proficiency certificate and photograph.
DET will review your documents to confirm that you meet the entry requirements. Wait for verification before proceeding to the next stage.
Step 3: Pay the Programme Fee
Once your documents have been verified, you can proceed with the applicable payment.
The programme fee is divided into three stages. The amount you pay at each stage depends on the language programme you select.
Step 4: Complete the Online Training
The Dubai Tour Guide Programme includes approximately 21 hours of video content. You can study at your own pace and access the programme online.
The training covers Dubai’s history, culture, heritage, tourism landscape and visitor attractions. It also helps applicants develop the skills needed to communicate with visitors and provide inclusive service.
Step 5: Pass All Five Assessments
Applicants must complete five assessments to qualify for the licence.
These include knowledge assessments, a virtual interview, and a practical exam. The assessments check your understanding of the programme and your ability to guide visitors effectively. All five assessments can be completed remotely.
Step 6: Receive Your Dubai Tour Guide Licence
After successfully completing the required training and assessments, you can receive your official tour guide permit Dubai.
The licence allows you to work with tourism companies registered in Dubai. You can then explore suitable employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
Dubai Tour Guide Licence Cost
The Dubai tour guide licence programme starts at AED 7,520 for the English-language course. The Mandarin course costs AED 10,000 according to the fees currently displayed on the official Dubai Tour Guide Programme portal.
The fee covers the relevant training programme. Before enrolling, confirm the current fee, payment schedule and any additional charges directly on the official portal.
The course fee is only one part of the process. Applicants must also meet the eligibility conditions and obtain the required supporting documents. For example, arranging an accepted First Aid certificate and preparing an attested academic certificate may involve additional time or costs.
Dubai Tour Guide Licence Validity and Renewal
A Dubai tour guide licence is valid for two years under the current programme. It must be renewed to continue working as a licenced tour guide.
DET’s published renewal requirements include:
- A copy of your Emirates ID, front and back.
- A Police Clearance Certificate from Dubai Police issued no more than three months earlier.
- A copy of your existing tour guide licence.
- A passport-sized photograph with a white background.
The renewal fees are AED 1,020 for the English programme and AED 3,020 for the Mandarin programme. DET states that the renewal process includes document verification, payment, updated course content and assessments.
You have a maximum of 90 days from confirmation of document verification to complete the renewal process. Start checking the renewal requirements before your licence expires.
This gives you time to prepare updated documents and complete the required steps without interrupting your eligibility to work.
Tour Guide Licence vs Tourism Business Licence in Dubai
These two licences serve different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right route for your career.
|
Feature |
Tour guide licence |
Tourism business licence |
|
Main purpose |
Qualifies an individual to work as a tour guide |
Authorises a business to conduct approved tourism activities |
|
Issuing authority |
DET’s tour guide programme |
Relevant business licensing authority |
|
Who needs it? |
Individuals who want to work as licenced guides |
Entrepreneurs who want to establish a tourism business |
|
Training |
Completion of the official tour guide programme |
Requirements depend on the approved business activity |
|
Business ownership |
Does not automatically establish a company |
Allows the company to operate within its approved activities |
|
Cost |
Published programme fee applies |
Depends on the business setup and required approvals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dubai tour guide licence cost?
The published DET programme fee is AED 7,520 for the English programme and AED 10,040 for the Mandarin programme. The programme is free for Emirati nationals. Confirm the latest fees on the official DET website before applying.
Can UK citizens apply for a tour guide licence in Dubai?
Yes, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants must be UAE residents aged 18 or above and must submit the required documents. A British passport alone is not sufficient.
Can I complete the Dubai tour guide training from the UK?
The programme and its five assessments can be completed online from overseas. However, you must meet the UAE residency requirement before enrolling. Someone living in the UK who does not hold UAE residency cannot apply on the basis of remote access alone.
Is the Dubai tour guide programme available in English?
Yes. The programme is currently available in English and Mandarin. The English programme costs AED 7,520 according to DET’s published fee schedule.
How long does it take to get a tour guide licence in Dubai?
Applicants have a maximum of 90 days from document verification to complete the programme. The training contains approximately 21 hours of video content, along with five assessments.
How long is a Dubai tour guide licence valid?
The licence is valid for two years under the current programme. Guides must complete the applicable renewal process to continue working with a valid licence.
Can I work as a freelance tour guide in Dubai?
The official programme allows licenced guides to work full-time, part-time or freelance under a tourism company licence. The individual guide licence does not automatically authorise you to run an independent tour business.
Is a First Aid certificate compulsory for a Dubai tour guide licence?
Yes. DET lists a First Aid certificate from a certified safety training centre in the UAE among the required documents. Applicants should confirm the accepted certificate specifications before applying.
Where can I apply for a tour guide licence in Dubai?
You can find the official application information on the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism website or visit the Dubai Tour Guide Programme portal.
