Making Dubai memorable
Many holidaymakers and other guests want to experience a sense of adventure and discovery on their trip to Dubai. They are well catered for with a multitude of desert safaris and camps, tour companies and other tourism businesses on hand to create memories that will last a lifetime.
To ensure guests enjoy safe and high-quality experiences, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) licenses and regulates tourism businesses in the emirate.
DET's online portals make it easy to register staff and vehicles, apply for permits and licences, register guests and more.
Safaris
An exhilarating drive through the dunes of the Dubai desert is one of the highlights of many holidays in the emirate.
To ensure safety and high standards, desert safaris are regulated by DET. Drivers must be trained and certified, and vehicles must be licensed by DET as well as by Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA).
Through a dedicated portal, safari companies can register drivers and the vehicles to be used, or update, renew and cancel those registrations. Safari drivers must also hold driving licences, which can be issued by any emirate, and a safari driver permit issued by the RTA. To secure the safari driver permit, drivers are required to complete a DET tourism training course, which is issued separately from the permits and can be accessed here.
Companies can apply for and amend electronic safari certificates, which record the guests taking desert safaris.
Register now: e-Permits portalCamps
After the excitement of a safari through the dunes, visitors to Dubai often choose to enjoy the serenity and culture of a desert camp.
Camps are licensed by DET, and operators can use our online portals to apply for, amend and cancel permits for their camps.
Before applying for a desert camp permit, the operator must have:
- A safari permit
- At least 10 vehicles owned and registered in the company's name (or five vehicles plus a bus with a minimum of 45 seats)
- Five guides
- Approval from Civil Defence
- Approval from Dubai Municipality
The drivers and guides must be employed by the company.
Register now: e-Permits portalTours and tour companies
Tour companies can apply through DET's portals to open counters, desks and kiosks to promote and sell their tours.
UAE residents can also apply to become a licensed tour guide in Dubai. To apply for the tour programme, applicants must:
- Have a valid Emirates ID
- Be able to speak English or Mandarin
- Hold an attested education certificate (minimum high school)
- Have a no-objection certificate (NOC) from their sponsor
- Hold a first aid certificate from a certified UAE safety training centre
- Have a valid clearance certificate from Dubai Police
Tour guides must work under the umbrella of a tour company, and cannot deal directly with tourists or customers. The tour guide licence is valid is for two years – guides must apply for and complete the updated course to renew their licence.
Register now: tourguidetraining.ae
