Updated August 2026. Establishing a security systems or CCTV installation company in the UAE requires navigating one of the region’s most tightly regulated licensing frameworks. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) through the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) in Dubai and its federal equivalents in other emirates controls who may supply, install, maintain, and monitor electronic security equipment, as well as who may employ and deploy security guards. Companies operating without valid SIRA or MoI approval face immediate business suspension, fines from AED 50,000, and in serious cases criminal referral. Setup costs for a fully compliant security company range from AED 35,000 to AED 120,000 in the first year, depending on the scope of activities and number of licensed personnel.
- SIRA (Dubai) security company permit: AED 15,000–25,000 per category of approval (installation, guarding, monitoring)
- DET trade license for security activities: AED 10,000–20,000 per year
- SIRA security guard licence per employee: AED 1,200–1,800 per guard per year
- Abu Dhabi MoI approval for guarding companies: AED 20,000–40,000 initial registration
- TDRA type-approval for wireless CCTV/alarm devices: AED 2,500–6,000 per device model
The UAE Security Industry Regulatory Landscape
The UAE security sector is bifurcated between physical security (manned guarding) and electronic security (CCTV, access control, intrusion alarm, video analytics, and remote monitoring). Both segments are regulated by the federal Ministry of Interior under Federal Law No. 37 of 2006 on Combating Terrorist Crimes and relevant security sector regulations, with emirate-level implementation through specialised regulatory bodies.
In Dubai, SIRA (part of Dubai Police) is the competent authority for all security companies. SIRA was established under Dubai Law No. 24 of 2008. In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ Security Sector oversees licensing. For companies seeking pan-UAE operations, registration with SIRA (Dubai) and the Abu Dhabi MoI approval are typically the two most operationally significant hurdles.
SIRA Licensing Categories in Dubai
SIRA issues approvals in six main categories: (1) Security Guard Services, (2) Security Consultancy, (3) Electronic Security Systems Installation and Maintenance, (4) Central Monitoring Station (CMS) Operations, (5) Security Training Centres, and (6) Security Equipment Supply. A company may apply for multiple categories simultaneously, but each carries separate documentation requirements, fees, and inspection checkpoints.
The Electronic Security Systems Installation category is the most relevant for CCTV and access control integrators. Requirements include: a DET trade license with the security systems activity, an office with a minimum 25 sqm physical presence in Dubai, a named Technical Manager holding a recognised electronic security qualification (EC-Council, ASIS CPP, or equivalent), and a list of all technicians who must individually hold SIRA technician cards. SIRA company permit fee for the installation category: AED 15,000 initial, AED 12,000 annual renewal. SIRA individual technician card: AED 1,500 per technician per year.
For security guard services, SIRA imposes more stringent requirements: all guards must complete the SIRA-approved Basic Security Training Programme (120 hours), pass a medical fitness test, and obtain individual security guard licences. The employing company must maintain a dedicated HR and training record system, carry third-party liability insurance of at least AED 5 million, and have sufficient supervisory staff (one supervisor per 15 guards). Guard licence per individual: AED 1,200–1,800 per year. The employer company pays an additional SIRA security guard services company permit fee of AED 20,000–25,000 per year.
Central Monitoring Station (CMS) Requirements
A Central Monitoring Station receives alarm signals from installed CCTV and intrusion systems and dispatches appropriate response. Operating a CMS in Dubai requires a separate SIRA CMS approval in addition to the installation company approval. CMS approval requirements include: a dedicated secure facility with minimum 50 sqm (separate from the general office), 24/7 staffing by SIRA-licensed monitoring operators, UPS backup power with 8-hour autonomy, redundant telecommunications links, and video surveillance of the CMS itself. SIRA CMS company approval: AED 30,000–50,000 initial fee. CMS operator individual licence: AED 1,500 per operator per year. Given 24/7 operation requires a minimum of 6 operators in rotation, total annual operator licensing cost is approximately AED 9,000.
For companies supplying alarm monitoring to residential clients across multiple emirates, the complexity increases significantly: each emirate’s police authority may require separate notification or MoU arrangements regarding alarm response protocols. As of August 2026, emirate-specific approvals remain required.
DET Trade Licensing for Security Companies
Parallel to SIRA approval, every security company must hold a valid DET trade license. Relevant activity codes under DET for security companies include: Security Systems Installation and Maintenance (4329301), CCTV Systems Supply and Maintenance (4659401), and Security Services (8010101). An LLC structure is the standard choice for security companies with multiple shareholders. DET LLC setup: AED 9,000–12,000 initial registration plus AED 5,000–8,000 activity fee. Office lease (Ejari-registered): AED 15,000–50,000 per year depending on Dubai location.
SIRA approval and DET license are separate but interdependent. SIRA will not issue its company permit without first seeing a valid DET trade license with the security activities listed. DET in turn requires SIRA pre-approval before adding security guard services as a licensed activity. The recommended workflow is: (1) obtain DET license for equipment supply and installation activities only, (2) apply to SIRA for security systems installation approval using the DET license, (3) once SIRA approves, amend the DET license to add the guarding activity if required.
Federal and Abu Dhabi MoI Approval
Companies wishing to provide manned guarding or CCTV installation services in Abu Dhabi must register separately with the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ Security Sector under Federal Decree-Law No. 2 of 2023 on Private Security Companies. Requirements mirror the SIRA framework but with Abu Dhabi-specific forms and an Abu Dhabi trade license (ADDED) required as the anchor license. Abu Dhabi MoI company approval fee: AED 20,000–40,000 initial registration (scale depends on number of licensed guards). For companies operating in RAK, Sharjah, or Northern Emirates, the respective police commands issue letters of no-objection rather than formal company permits; these NOC letters cost AED 2,000–5,000 per emirate.
CCTV-Specific Technical Standards
All CCTV cameras and network video recorders (NVRs) installed in Dubai public spaces, commercial premises, and residential building common areas must meet the SIRA CCTV Technical Specifications Document (Version 3.1, 2023). Key requirements include: minimum 2 megapixel resolution, H.265 compression, 30 days local storage retention, compatibility with SIRA’s Dubai Pulse integration (for Dubai Smart City video analytics), and the use of cameras from manufacturers on the SIRA-approved products list. Manufacturers seeking SIRA product approval must submit technical documentation and samples for testing; approval fees are AED 5,000–15,000 per product family.
Cost Comparison: Security Company Setup by License Type
| Cost Item | CCTV/Systems Only | Guarding + Systems | Full Service (Systems + Guarding + CMS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DET Trade License | AED 15,000–22,000 | AED 18,000–28,000 | AED 20,000–30,000 |
| SIRA Company Permit(s) | AED 15,000 | AED 35,000–45,000 | AED 65,000–95,000 |
| SIRA Individual Cards (staff) | AED 4,500–9,000 | AED 15,000–60,000 | AED 25,000–90,000 |
| Third-Party Liability Insurance | AED 5,000–10,000 | AED 15,000–30,000 | AED 25,000–50,000 |
| Office Lease & Setup | AED 15,000–40,000 | AED 20,000–60,000 | AED 60,000–120,000 |
| Total Year-1 Estimate | AED 55,000–80,000 | AED 100,000–200,000 | AED 200,000–400,000 |
Renewal, Audit, and Compliance Obligations
SIRA conducts annual inspections of licensed security companies. Inspections cover: staff SIRA card validity, training records, insurance currency, vehicle and uniform compliance (for guarding companies), and CCTV quality audits for installation companies. Non-compliance findings result in written notices with 15-day rectification windows; repeated non-compliance leads to permit suspension and fines of AED 10,000–100,000. All security companies must submit an annual performance report to SIRA by 31 January each year, detailing the number of clients served, incidents reported, and employees licensed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a free zone company obtain SIRA approval for CCTV installation in Dubai?
No. SIRA requires the anchor trade license to be a DET (Dubai mainland) license for work carried out within Dubai. A Jafza or DIFC-registered company cannot hold a SIRA security systems installation permit. However, a free zone company may supply CCTV equipment to a SIRA-licensed mainland company who performs the installation. This supply-only arrangement avoids the SIRA approval requirement but means the free zone entity cannot sign installation contracts directly.
How long does SIRA company approval take?
SIRA targets a 10–20 working-day processing period for electronic security systems installation applications, assuming all documents are complete. The process involves a document review stage, a physical office inspection by SIRA officers, and a final approval board review. Total elapsed time in practice is typically 4–8 weeks from submission of a complete application. Guard services applications take longer, typically 8–14 weeks, due to additional background checks on the technical manager and company shareholders.
Do CCTV cameras require TDRA type-approval in addition to SIRA approval?
Yes, if the CCTV cameras use wireless transmission such as Wi-Fi IP cameras or 4G/5G cellular cameras. Wired IP cameras (POE) do not require TDRA type-approval as they do not use radio frequency spectrum. Wireless cameras installed without TDRA type-approval are non-compliant and can be confiscated. Most major CCTV brands (Axis, Hikvision, Dahua) obtain blanket TDRA type-approvals for their UAE-distributed product lines; installers should verify the TDRA certificate is valid before purchasing stock.
What qualifications must the Technical Manager of a SIRA-licensed company hold?
SIRA requires the named Technical Manager to hold one of the following: a bachelor’s degree in electronics, electrical engineering, or computer science from a recognised university, or a minimum of five years’ relevant security industry experience verified by an employer reference letter, combined with a recognised security certification such as ASIS CPP, PSP, or EC-Council CPISI. The Technical Manager must also hold an individual SIRA card. The Technical Manager’s UAE residency visa must be sponsored by the security company, not by a third party.
Is a Security Operations Centre (SOC) the same as a Central Monitoring Station (CMS)?
In UAE regulatory terminology, they are treated differently. A Central Monitoring Station (CMS) specifically refers to an alarm receiving centre that monitors intruder alarm and CCTV systems for residential and commercial clients and is regulated by SIRA. A Security Operations Centre (SOC) in the cybersecurity context is not regulated by SIRA but may require compliance with the UAE Cybersecurity Council frameworks and telecommunications licences from TDRA if it involves interception or monitoring of network traffic. For physical security monitoring, use the SIRA CMS framework.