Sharjah Executive Council mandates training of tourist guides
In an amendment to a previous decision by the Sharjah Executive Council on the regulation of the tour guides profession, the authority has mandated the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) to oversee and manage tour guides in the emirate, and offer training and refresher courses.
SCTDA is also entitled to suspend or revoke a permit in case of violations. It will hold accountable any individual practising the profession without the required permits. The amended decision prohibits any entity or organisation from employing tour guides who do not possess a valid permit issued by SCTDA.
A set of conditions must be met by an individual in order to obtain a tour guide permit. Candidates must be over 18 years of age, speak at least Arabic and English, and pass the training programmes set by the Authority.
The tour guide license is valid for one year and is renewable after passing the refresher course, which SCTDA will be offering yearly.
