The United Arab Emirates is a highly popular and sought-after travel destination, with millions of visitors annually. 

As per the Tourism Performance Report January-July 2024, “Dubai welcomed 10.62M overnight visitors in Jan-Jul 2024, with an increase of +8% compared to Jan-Jul 2023.” 

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said that “The UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector has not only recovered; it soared to new heights, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic landscape.”

After all, the growing tourism industry offers businesses a great chance to enter this lucrative market by obtaining a travel and tourism license in Dubai.

Well, in this article, let’s explore how you can get a tourism license in Dubai, UAE.

Economic Contribution of Tourism and Travel to the United Arab Emirates

What Can You Do in Dubai with a Tourism License?

You can provide a variety of services if you have a company license for tourism-related operations in Dubai. There are many options available to you, whether you want to manage a travel agency, run tours, create a small tourism business, or plan leisure events.

Types of Tourism Licenses

Dubai provides a variety of tourism licenses, each specifically designed to accommodate various services in the sector. The license that best suits your needs will depend on your business model.

• Inbound Tour Operator

You may arrange guided city tours, desert safaris, cultural outings, and trips throughout the United Arab Emirates.

It is perfect for companies aiming to reach the domestic tourism industry because it also enables you to host conferences and exhibits and provide transportation services for visitors.

• Outbound Tour Operator

You can assist locals and tourists in organizing international travel with this license. These operators usually design overseas vacation packages and plan flights, lodging, and international tours.

If your company offers travel experiences outside the United Arab Emirates, you must have this license.

• Travel Agent

Among the many services you might offer are hotel reservations, ticket and tour sales, and travel insurance. You can also assist clients with the documentation needed to enter the United Arab Emirates by offering tourism visa services.

If your company deals with many aspects of booking and organizing travel, both inside and outside the United Arab Emirates, this license is ideal.

How to Apply for a Tour Guide License in Dubai

Working as a tour guide in Dubai is a thrilling job that lets you introduce tourists from all over the world to the city’s fascinating history and attractions. 

Follow the below steps to get started for a tour guide license: 

• Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirement

It’s important to confirm that you fulfill the prerequisites for a tour guide license in Dubai before starting the application process. Typically, these prerequisites consist of:

• 18 years old is the minimum age
• Proficiency in Arabic and English 
• Having a legitimate Emirates ID
• High school graduation or completion of a comparable program

• Step 2: Register and Complete the Required Documentation

You can apply online for the tour guide license program once you’ve met the requirements. The following documents are required of you:

• A photocopy of your passport
• A passport-sized photo
• An image of your Emirates ID
• A copy of your high school diploma or its equivalent
• A copy of your police clearance document, if necessary

• Step 3: Register in the Tour Guide Training Course

Following registration, you will need to sign up for the Dubai College of Tourism’s Dubai Tour Guide Program. You will be required to take an evaluation test after completing the training course. The exam covers the tourism industry in Dubai as well as your ability to lead guests.

• Step 4: Obtain Your Tour Guide License

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will grant you an official tour guide license after you pass the assessment exam and send in all necessary paperwork. You can lawfully work as a tour guide in Dubai with this license.

The Cost of Securing a Tourism License 

Depending on the type of license, the kind of business, and the registering organization, the cost of acquiring a travel and tourism license in Dubai can vary.

Cost breakdowns for various license types

• The starting price for an inbound tour operator is typically AED 14,999.
• An outbound tour operator’s license typically starts at around AED 20,000.
• AED 35,000 is normally the starting price for registering a travel agency license, though this might change depending on the size of your business and the range of services you intend to provide.

Additional fees

• Initial approval: usually around AED 120.
• Trade name reservation: roughly AED 620.
• Dubai Tourism Authority approval: commonly AED 10,000.

For the most recent details on fees, it is usually advisable to contact the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). JSB Incorporation is one of the well-known business setup consultants in Dubai that you can contact.

Dubai Licensing Simplified with JSB Incorporation

Dubai’s tourism sector is constantly evolving. This constant change provides tour guides with opportunities to learn new things and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

However, given UAE company laws and restrictions, getting a license in Dubai could appear like a difficult undertaking. Experts in Dubai business setup, such as JSB Incorporation, can help with this.

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to get started.