For many visitors, a trip to Dubai isn’t complete without a photo of the Burj Khalifa.
But beyond the glittering facade of the world’s tallest building lies a rich tapestry of history, culture, and hidden attractions that a new generation of tour guides is determined to reveal. These cultural ambassadors are steering tourists away from the familiar spectacle and towards authentic experiences that tell the true story of the emirate.
This shift towards authentic tourism is championed by guides like Mohammed Kazim, an Emirati from a family with deep roots in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
For him, guiding is not just a profession but a responsibility. “My journey as a tour guide began in 2018, after overhearing a guide in an old Dubai market sharing inaccurate information about Emiratis and our culture,” said Kazim, co-founder of the cultural platform Tamashee. “I realised that if we don’t take ownership of our narrative, even well-intentioned people may misrepresent our history and values.”¨More
By Ruqayya Al Qaydi Khaleej Times
