All new taxi drivers in Abu Dhabi may be required to undergo training programmes in a bid to give them better knowledge of the city’s tourist attractions.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and TransAD are set to put the first batch of drivers through a series of one-day product knowledge training programme but tourism chiefs hope to make it mandatory for all new taxi drivers in the future.
The first training phase will involve 210 chauffeurs representing all seven Abu Dhabi-based taxi companies.
Taxi drivers will follow in the second phase with ADTA eyeing a long-term goal of making it mandatory for all new taxi drivers to undergo the training.
“This succinct programme has been specially designed to enhance the drivers’ knowledge of tourism attractions in the emirate and boost their confidence in dealing with our visitors. It will complement TransAD existing training programmes,” said Nasser Al Reyami, tourism standards director, ADTA.
“Limo and taxi drivers are the first point of contact with visitors and it is important that they share knowledge and accurate information in a confident and friendly manner,” added Nasser Al Reyami.
