As the UAE launches its Unified Tourism Identity Strategy, the Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras Al Khaimah debuted the Historical Tourism Guide Program in collaboration with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA).

The Program seeks to train a team of Emirati tour guides, placing them at various historic and archeological sites in Ras Al Khaimah – locations that reflect the authenticity of the Emirate and the long history of human presence in it. The program particularly focuses on the four sites recently added to UNESCO’s tentative lists.

“Ras Al Khaimah Department of Antiquities and Museums has taken it upon itself to train Emirati citizens as tour guides as demand for visiting historical sites in the Emirate undergoes significant growth,” said His Excellency Ahmed Obaid Al Tunaiji, Director-General of the RAK Department of Antiquities and Museums. “Cultural and historical tourism has been given a boost by delegations of researchers, as well as tourists and various media outlets, and the government strategy to enhance internal tourism. This allows us to shed a positive light on Emirati identity all the while promoting culture in the local community. The Program opens doors for local talent to join the historical tourism sector and help develop this vital industry.”

“Our constant cooperation with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority to promote historical and archeological sites and equip them to welcome tourists helps achieve the strategic objectives of RAK Vision 2030 in the ‘Heritage and Culture’ track,” H.E. added.

Meanwhile, Ms. Annissa Gultom, Director of Museums at the RAK Department of Antiquities and Museums and Coordinator of the Historical Tourism Guide Program said: “Participants in the Program will be trained by a team of archeology experts from the Department, allowing them to provide as much information as possible to tourists and to answer any queries they may have. Upon completion of the training, they will receive the necessary licenses from RAK TDA authorizing them to practice their profession across the Emirate’s many historical sites.”