- SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) license costs AED 10,000-30,000 per year
- All security guards must pass SIRA background check and training before deployment
- Non-Dubai security companies require a MOI federal security company license
- CCTV installation is a separate activity from security guarding – different license required
- UAE security market valued at AED 8 billion (2025); Hikvision and Dahua hold 85%+ market share
- SIRA-approved CCTV is mandatory for all commercial buildings in Dubai
- Average security officer salary: AED 2,000-3,500/month; guard-to-area ratio min 1 per 500 sqm
Starting a security or CCTV installation company in the UAE requires navigating a tightly regulated, multi-layered licensing framework. The Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) in Dubai and the Ministry of Interior (MOI) at the federal level control who can provide security services, guard personnel, electronic surveillance installation, and alarm response. Updated August 2026, this comprehensive guide covers SIRA licensing, MOI federal approval, CCTV installation company requirements, guard vetting procedures, and cost breakdowns for entering the UAE AED 8 billion security market.
The UAE security industry operates under some of the most rigorous regulatory standards in the region. Post-2020, SIRA has significantly tightened requirements for both licensed companies and individual security professionals, with stricter background checks, training standards, and technology compliance mandates. This creates barriers to entry – but also a defensible market position for businesses that navigate the process correctly.
UAE Security Market Overview (2025-2026)
The UAE security market is driven by real estate growth (hundreds of new residential and commercial buildings completing annually, each requiring permanent security staffing and electronic surveillance), events and MICE demand (Dubai world-class events calendar sustains a large temporary security deployment market), government mandates (SIRA mandatory CCTV requirements for commercial buildings create non-discretionary demand), smart city integration (Dubai Safe City programme and Abu Dhabi smart city initiatives require integration-capable security technology companies), and drone security (counter-drone systems and drone-based perimeter surveillance represent a new service category). The market features both large integrated security providers (G4S, Transguard, Prosegur) and hundreds of smaller specialist firms in guarding, CCTV installation, alarm monitoring, and access control.
SIRA License Types
| SIRA License Category | Activities Covered | Annual Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guarding Company | Manned guarding, access control staffing, event security | 15,000-30,000 |
| Security Systems Installation | CCTV, access control, intruder alarm installation | 10,000-20,000 |
| Security Consultancy | Security risk assessment, audit, design consultancy | 10,000-15,000 |
| Alarm Monitoring Centre | 24/7 remote monitoring and alarm response coordination | 20,000-35,000 |
| Cash-in-Transit | Armoured vehicle cash transport and ATM servicing | 30,000-60,000 |
| Integrated Security Provider | All categories combined license | 40,000-80,000 |
SIRA License Application Process
SIRA operates as part of Dubai Police and issues security company licenses exclusively for Dubai-based operations. Company eligibility requirements include a DED mainland license with the relevant security activity, minimum paid-up capital of AED 500,000 for guarding companies and AED 250,000 for systems installation companies, a UAE-resident General Manager with a clean criminal record, office premises in Dubai (virtual offices not accepted for security licenses), professional indemnity insurance with minimum AED 5 million coverage, and a performance bond with SIRA of AED 50,000-200,000 depending on license category.
Key Personnel Requirements
The Operations Manager must have minimum 5 years of security industry experience and hold SIRA-approved certification. Each security guard must individually apply for and receive a SIRA security guard card before deployment. Technical staff for CCTV and electronic systems must hold SIRA-recognised technical certification; many companies maintain Hikvision or Dahua certified engineer credentials.
Security Guard Vetting and SIRA Guard Card
Every individual security guard must undergo a SIRA background check (criminal record clearance from home country and UAE), complete SIRA-approved security guard training (Basic Security Training, minimum 80 hours), pass the SIRA competency examination, obtain the SIRA Security Guard Card (renewed every 2 years), and hold a valid UAE residence visa under the employing security company. Guard card processing typically takes 4-8 weeks per guard. Guards cannot be deployed without a valid guard card and companies doing so face SIRA fines and license suspension.
MOI Federal Security License (Outside Dubai)
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) issues federal security company licenses for operations in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. The MOI license is separate from SIRA and has its own application process requiring UAE-incorporated company, UAE-resident Operations Manager with UAE security industry experience, minimum capital requirements varying by emirate and activity, and MOI-approved guard training for all deployed personnel. Companies operating across multiple Emirates typically hold both a SIRA license (for Dubai work) and an MOI license (for other Emirates). This dual-licensing adds cost but enables national coverage and larger contract opportunities.
CCTV Installation Company Requirements
CCTV installation is classified separately from security guarding under SIRA. A CCTV and electronic systems installation company requires a SIRA Security Systems Installation license, DED license with electrical and electronic systems installation activities, DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) contractor approval for electrical work, and technical staff with Hikvision, Dahua, or equivalent brand certification.
SIRA-Approved CCTV for Commercial Buildings
Dubai Municipality and SIRA mandate CCTV installation in all commercial buildings covering all entry and exit points, parking areas and vehicle access ramps, lifts and lift lobbies, common corridors and stairwells, and loading bays and service areas. The CCTV system must use SIRA-approved equipment specifications and be capable of retaining footage for a minimum of 30 days. System design must be signed off by a SIRA-licensed security consultant before installation and again before client handover.
CCTV Brands and Market Structure
Hikvision and Dahua (both Chinese manufacturers) collectively hold over 85% of the UAE CCTV and IP camera market by unit volume. Their dominance stems from competitive pricing, comprehensive product ranges, and strong local distribution networks. However, government-sensitive installations at airports, embassies, and critical infrastructure increasingly specify Western or Korean alternatives such as Axis, Bosch, or Hanwha due to cybersecurity concerns. CCTV installation companies that can offer multi-brand solutions with certified engineers across brands are better positioned for diverse contract types.
Guard-to-Building Ratio Standards
SIRA and Dubai Police set minimum guard deployment ratios for different building types: commercial office buildings require minimum 1 guard per 500 sqm of total floor area during business hours; retail malls require a SIRA security plan for all malls over 10,000 sqm with variable deployment by size; residential communities are assessed by number of units, entrances, and perimeter; construction sites require at least 1 guard per active work zone with different requirements at night; and events over 500 attendees require a SIRA and Dubai Police Events Security approved security plan.
Emerging Technologies: Drone Security
Drone-based perimeter surveillance and counter-drone systems represent a growing segment of the UAE security market. Companies offering drone security services require a GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority) Remote Pilot Certificate for drone operators, MOI and Dubai Police approval for surveillance drone operations, a SIRA Security Systems license if integrating drone footage into a security monitoring system, and compliance with no-fly zone restrictions for operations near airports, government buildings, and designated restricted areas.
Estimated Setup Costs
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DED commercial license | 8,000-15,000 | Annual |
| SIRA license (guarding) | 15,000-30,000 | Annual |
| SIRA license (CCTV systems) | 10,000-20,000 | Annual |
| SIRA performance bond | 50,000-200,000 | One-time; refundable |
| Professional indemnity insurance | 20,000-50,000 | Annual |
| Guard card processing (per guard) | 600-1,200 | Per guard, every 2 years |
| Guard training (per guard) | 800-1,500 | Per guard initial training |
| Staff visas (guards) | 3,000-4,500 | Per guard, every 2 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner own a security company in Dubai?
Yes, with important caveats. The UAE 2021 Commercial Companies Law amendments allow 100% foreign ownership of most mainland businesses. However, the company operations manager must be UAE-resident and SIRA-approved, and the General Manager background is subject to SIRA security vetting. SIRA also retains discretion over license approval regardless of ownership structure. Some security activities may still require Emiratisation compliance under the NAFIS programme. Free zone establishment of a security guarding company is generally not permitted as security services require mainland presence and SIRA oversight.
What is the difference between a SIRA license and an MOI security license?
SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) licenses are issued by Dubai Police for security operations within the Emirate of Dubai. MOI (Ministry of Interior) federal security licenses are required for operations in any other emirate including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain. A company operating across the UAE needs both. The application processes, capital requirements, and annual fees differ between the two authorities, so budget planning must account for both if national coverage is the goal.
Do CCTV installers need a separate license from security guarding companies?
Yes. SIRA treats CCTV and electronic systems installation as a separate license category from manned security guarding. A guarding company cannot install CCTV systems under its guarding license, and a CCTV installer cannot provide security guards under its systems license. Companies wanting to offer both services must obtain and maintain both SIRA license categories. Many larger security companies hold integrated licenses covering all categories, but the annual fees and compliance obligations are cumulative.
How long does it take to obtain a SIRA license?
From entity incorporation (DED) to receiving the SIRA license, the typical timeline is 8-14 weeks. The process involves: DED license issuance (1-2 weeks), SIRA initial application and documentation review (2-4 weeks), SIRA background check on key personnel (3-6 weeks, often the longest step), performance bond payment and insurance confirmation (1 week), and SIRA final approval and license issuance (1-2 weeks). Companies with key personnel who have complex international backgrounds can face significantly longer processing times.
What qualifications do CCTV technicians need in UAE?
CCTV technicians in the UAE do not yet require a standardised national qualification, but SIRA-licensed installation companies must employ technicians with recognised technical certifications. The most widely valued are: Hikvision Certified Security Professional (HCSP), Dahua Certified Professional (DCP), Axis Communications certification, and Bosch Security Systems certification. For large or complex installations, a licensed electrical engineer holding DEWA contractor approval must oversee the low-voltage and power aspects of CCTV installation. Companies bidding on government CCTV contracts typically require ISO 9001 certification and may need staff with additional government security clearances.