The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority launched its seventh professional training program for tourist guides, second in 2012, in association with the University of Sharjah, which was held from September 9 to 20.

The professional training course that began September 10 includes theory lectures, practical workshops and field visits to a number of tourist attractions, museums and archaeological sites in Sharjah under the supervision of a diverse range of experts and faculty.

The professional class includes 8 tourist guides hailing from eight nationalities, including Iran, Germany, Rumania, Russia, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, and China. They represent the country’s leading travel and tourism agencies and tour operators, including Dirham Tours, Gulf Ventures and Darina Holidays, alongside with a number of freelancers tourist guides.

Underscoring the importance of the new professional tourist guide course, SCTDA Chairman HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman said, “ Tourist guides is a modern profession and developing tremendously with the growth of tourism sector and the direct role it plays in the country’s economy.” He added: “The Authority is conducting the professional training and licensing of tourist guides course for the third consecutive year as part of the SCTDA strategy to achieve and maintain highest standards in tourism sector in the emirate”

He said that the training course, being held in coordination with the Sharjah University and conducted by experts, is aimed at enhancing the skills of tourist guides—both beginners and advanced—and developing their personal skills that help them in dealing with tourists under the supervision of experts in the emirate’s cultural, heritage, architectural and economic fields. They are also updated on the latest trends and developments in the tourism sector.

The training and licensing of tourist guides is part of the SCTDA strategy to achieve and maintain highest standards in tourism sector in the emirate. the course is part of the Authority’s strategy to promote the tourism sector and provide growth opportunities for all partners. With the introduction of the course, it is now mandatory for all tourist guides in the emirate to undertake the course in order to obtain the license.

Al Noman said: “The SCTDA is working recklessly to develop the training program keeping pace with the continuous growth of the emirate’s tourism sector, providing it with skilled expertise”.

This is the third training course this year, after the first course was conducted in June, one more session will be organized in October. Detailed information about the course including dates of registration and application forms in both Arabic and English are available at: http://www.sharjahtourism.ae/ar/about-sharjah/about-us/tourist-guide-course