Sharjah Executive Council issued Decision No. (13) of 2022 amending its previous Decision on regulating the tour guide profession in the emirate. The amended law mandates Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) with overseeing and managing tour guides in the emirate, offering training programmes and refresher courses with a clear breakdown of fees. The Authority is also entitled to suspend or revoke a permit in case of violations, and has been tasked with examining the regulations in place in neighbouring emirates to hold accountable any individual practising the profession without the needed permits. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said: “As the government body entrusted with developing and leading the tourism sector in the Emirate of Sharjah, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority welcomes these new amendments by Sharjah Executive Council to regulate the tour guide profession in the emirate; they come at the perfect time as the domestic tourism sector is enjoying a notable boom and the post-pandemic recovery continues to gain traction, promising even greater numbers of visitors in the stages ahead.” “We are committed to our mandate to ensure quality and excellence in Sharjah’s tourism offerings and services,” H.E. Al Midfa continued. “With that in mind, we will maintain and upgrade our procedures to implement the Executive Council Decision and the newly issued amendments, upholding our end of the responsibilities, as always. This creates a supporting and empowering environment for tour guides in Sharjah – most notably UAE citizens – to not only carry out their role, but also promote a positive and authentic image of the Emirate of Sharjah in the process.” The amended Decision prohibits any entity or organisation from employing …
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