Security Guard Services in the United Arab Emirates

Security Considerations in the United Arab Emirates

A program in the United Arab Emirates usually covers stores in the major shopping centers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offices in commercial towers and, at times, sites in Sharjah or Al Ain. The program applies the same Post Orders, the same supervision and the same reporting format at every site, while taking into account that regulatory procedures may differ from one emirate to another. Arabic is the official language and English is the working language at most companies, and luxury retail serves visitors of many nationalities.

The tourist season runs from October to April, and shopping center traffic rises during the Dubai Shopping Festival and holiday periods, while working hours and foot traffic change during Ramadan. Coverage plans need relief officers, seasonal reinforcement and clear procedures for high heat at exterior posts in summer, as well as coordination with the security management of shopping centers and towers.

• Dubai Mall
• Downtown Dubai
• Mall of the Emirates
• Dubai International Financial Centre
• Sheikh Zayed Road
• Business Bay
• Jumeirah
• The Galleria Al Maryah Island
• Al Maryah Island
• Yas Mall
• Saadiyat Island

How Coverage Works in the United Arab Emirates

McCray designs the program, and officers follow McCray Post Orders.

How Security Licensing Works in the United Arab Emirates, by Emirate

Private security licensing in the country is based on Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies, which limits a company’s activity to the emirate in which it is licensed and requires a license from each other emirate in which it operates. The Ministry of Interior, through the Private Security Companies Regulation Department, licenses companies and individuals in most emirates, while Dubai has its own local law and its own regulator, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency.

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai
• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Umm Al Quwain
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah

Requirements by Emirate

Abu DhabiMinistry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department

Abu Dhabi is subject to Federal Law No. (37) of 2006, and the Private Security Companies Regulation Department at the Ministry of Interior licenses companies and licenses security personnel in defined categories. A security guard needs an individual license issued by the Ministry at the request of the employing company.

Regulator

Ministry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department moi.gov.ae

Legislation

Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies, and Cabinet Resolution No. (48) of 2019 on Fees for Private Security Company Licensing Services

License Types

• Security guard license: general security guarding.
• Cash-in-transit guard license: guarding cash in transit.
• Bank, hospital, hotel and airport security guard license: guarding in these sectors.
• Critical facilities security guard license: protection of critical facilities.
• VIP security guard license: personal protection.
• Private events security guard license: event security.
• Security supervisor, security manager and security trainer licenses: supervisory and training roles.
• Company security license: issued by activity category, such as general guarding, cash in transit, event security and security training.

Eligibility Requirements

• Copy of ID card and passport.
• Valid residence permit for non-citizens.
• Employment contract with a licensed security company.
• Experience certificate.
• Educational qualification attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Certificate from a security training institute.

Training

• Completion of a training course at a training institute accredited and licensed by the Ministry or the General Command of Police.
• Passing a test given as part of the individual licensing procedure.

Application Steps

1. The employing company registers on the Ministry of Interior website or smart app using its digital identity.
2. The company selects the new individual license application service and the license category required.
3. It attaches the required documents and pays the fees.
4. The applicant passes the required test.
5. The Department issues the individual license in the approved category.

Armed Guarding

Security company employees may carry weapons only with the approval of the security agencies and competent authorities, with a license for both the company and the employee, and the executive regulations set the types of weapons and the rules for their use and storage.

License Term and Renewal

The federal law refers to annual renewal fees for company licenses, and the Ministry offers an online service for renewing company security licenses.

Local Rules

A security company’s activity is limited to the emirate in which it is licensed, and a license is required from each other emirate in which it operates, except for cash in transit and personal protection between emirates under the executive regulations.

Sources

• Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies
• Cabinet Resolution No. (48) of 2019 on Fees for Private Security Company Licensing Services
• Ministry of Interior, new individual license application
• Ministry of Interior, company security license application

DubaiSecurity Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA)

Dubai regulates the security industry under its own local Law No. (12) of 2016, and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency licenses security service providers and the individuals who work for them. A security guard needs an individual license and an identification card issued by the Agency according to the security task or role.

Regulator

Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) sira.gov.ae

Legislation

Law No. (12) of 2016 Regulating the Security Industry in the Emirate of Dubai, and Resolution No. (1) of 2018 issuing its Executive Regulations

License Types

• Security guard: guarding lives and property for a security service provider or a commercial establishment.
• Natour (watchman): patrols and guarding of residential buildings.
• Cash-in-transit guard: transporting cash and guarding it in transit.
• Event security organizer: organizing security for events.
• Security supervisor and security expert: supervisory and advisory roles.
• Company general guarding license: guarding at sites and at residential and commercial buildings.
• Event security and personal protection license: event security, visitor entry control and personal protection.
• Other company licenses: transport of cash and valuables, guarding of tourist facilities, marine security services and sports club security.

Eligibility Requirements

• Full legal capacity.
• Good conduct and no conviction for a felony or a crime involving honor or trust, unless rehabilitated.
• Not struck off the Agency’s registers.
• Medical fitness, certified by an accredited medical center in the emirate.
• Meeting the age set by the Agency.
• The qualifications and experience set out in the Protective Systems Manual.
• Good conduct certificate from the competent authorities in the UAE, addressed to the Agency.
• Valid residence permit and Emirates ID for residents.
• Attested educational certificates, experience certificates and training course certificates.

Training

• Passing the theoretical and practical tests approved by the Agency.
• The Agency approves training curricula and trains and tests personnel in the sector.

Application Steps

1. Submit the individual license application to the Agency with a CV, two personal photos and a copy of the passport.
2. Attach the good conduct certificate, the medical fitness certificate, qualifications, and experience and training certificates.
3. Pass the approved theoretical and practical tests.
4. The Agency decides on the application within ten days of the requirements being met.
5. The applicant is entered in the dedicated register and issued an identification card.
6. A service provider may request a temporary license for its employees while they complete the requirements.

Armed Guarding

The Executive Regulations do not include a separate license for armed guarding. Marine security services include guarding vessels with guards trained in the use of paramilitary firearms, and a special license is required to possess, use or carry chemical or electrical defense tools.

License Term and Renewal

An individual license is valid for two years and renewable for the same period, and the renewal application must be submitted at least thirty days before the license expires. A temporary license is valid for ninety days and renewable once.

Local Rules

License holders must carry the Agency card and show it while working, and may not work for more than one licensed company or establishment in the emirate.

Sources

• Law No. (12) of 2016 Regulating the Security Industry in the Emirate of Dubai
• Resolution No. (1) of 2018 Issuing the Executive Regulations of Law No. (12) of 2016

SharjahMinistry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department

The sources reviewed show no separate local law for private security licensing in Sharjah, which applies Federal Law No. (37) of 2006. The Private Security Companies Regulation Department at the Ministry of Interior licenses companies and security personnel in defined categories.

Regulator

Ministry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department moi.gov.ae

Legislation

Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies, and Cabinet Resolution No. (48) of 2019 on Fees for Private Security Company Licensing Services

License Types

• Security guard license: general security guarding.
• Cash-in-transit guard license: guarding cash in transit.
• Sector security guard licenses: banks, hospitals, hotels, airports and critical facilities.
• VIP security guard license and private events security guard license.
• Security supervisor, security manager and security trainer licenses.
• Company security license by activity category.

Eligibility Requirements

• Copy of ID card and passport.
• Valid residence permit for non-citizens.
• Employment contract with a licensed security company.
• Experience certificate.
• Educational qualification attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Certificate from a security training institute.

Training

• Completion of a training course at an accredited and licensed training institute.
• Passing a test given as part of the individual licensing procedure.

Application Steps

1. The employing company registers on the Ministry of Interior website or smart app.
2. It selects the new individual license application service and the license category.
3. It attaches the documents and pays the fees.
4. The applicant passes the required test.
5. The individual license is issued in the approved category.

Armed Guarding

Weapons may be carried only with the approval of the security agencies and competent authorities, with a license for both the company and the employee.

License Term and Renewal

The federal law refers to annual renewal fees for company licenses.

Local Rules

A separate license is required for each emirate in which a security company operates, except for cash in transit and personal protection between emirates.

Sources

• Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies
• Ministry of Interior, new individual license application
• Ministry of Interior, company security license application

AjmanMinistry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department

Ajman applies Federal Law No. (37) of 2006, and no separate local law for it appears in the sources reviewed. The Private Security Companies Regulation Department at the Ministry of Interior licenses companies and security personnel.

Regulator

Ministry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department moi.gov.ae

Legislation

Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies, and Cabinet Resolution No. (48) of 2019 on Fees for Private Security Company Licensing Services

License Types

• Security guard license: general security guarding.
• Cash-in-transit guard license: guarding cash in transit.
• Sector security guard licenses: banks, hospitals, hotels, airports and critical facilities.
• VIP security guard license and private events security guard license.
• Security supervisor, security manager and security trainer licenses.
• Company security license by activity category.

Eligibility Requirements

• Copy of ID card and passport.
• Valid residence permit for non-citizens.
• Employment contract with a licensed security company.
• Experience certificate.
• Educational qualification attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Certificate from a security training institute.

Training

• Completion of a training course at an accredited and licensed training institute.
• Passing a test given as part of the individual licensing procedure.

Application Steps

1. The employing company registers on the Ministry of Interior website or smart app.
2. It selects the new individual license application service and the license category.
3. It attaches the documents and pays the fees.
4. The applicant passes the required test.
5. The individual license is issued in the approved category.

Armed Guarding

Weapons may be carried only with the approval of the security agencies and competent authorities, with a license for both the company and the employee.

License Term and Renewal

The federal law refers to annual renewal fees for company licenses.

Local Rules

A separate license is required for each emirate in which a security company operates, except for cash in transit and personal protection between emirates.

Sources

• Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies
• Ministry of Interior, new individual license application
• Ministry of Interior, company security license application

Umm Al QuwainMinistry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department

Umm Al Quwain applies Federal Law No. (37) of 2006, and no separate local law for it appears in the sources reviewed. The Private Security Companies Regulation Department at the Ministry of Interior licenses companies and security personnel.

Regulator

Ministry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department moi.gov.ae

Legislation

Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies, and Cabinet Resolution No. (48) of 2019 on Fees for Private Security Company Licensing Services

License Types

• Security guard license: general security guarding.
• Cash-in-transit guard license: guarding cash in transit.
• Sector security guard licenses: banks, hospitals, hotels, airports and critical facilities.
• VIP security guard license and private events security guard license.
• Security supervisor, security manager and security trainer licenses.
• Company security license by activity category.

Eligibility Requirements

• Copy of ID card and passport.
• Valid residence permit for non-citizens.
• Employment contract with a licensed security company.
• Experience certificate.
• Educational qualification attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Certificate from a security training institute.

Training

• Completion of a training course at an accredited and licensed training institute.
• Passing a test given as part of the individual licensing procedure.

Application Steps

1. The employing company registers on the Ministry of Interior website or smart app.
2. It selects the new individual license application service and the license category.
3. It attaches the documents and pays the fees.
4. The applicant passes the required test.
5. The individual license is issued in the approved category.

Armed Guarding

Weapons may be carried only with the approval of the security agencies and competent authorities, with a license for both the company and the employee.

License Term and Renewal

The federal law refers to annual renewal fees for company licenses.

Local Rules

A separate license is required for each emirate in which a security company operates, except for cash in transit and personal protection between emirates.

Sources

• Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies
• Ministry of Interior, new individual license application
• Ministry of Interior, company security license application

Ras Al KhaimahMinistry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department

Ras Al Khaimah applies Federal Law No. (37) of 2006, and no separate local law for it appears in the sources reviewed. The Private Security Companies Regulation Department at the Ministry of Interior licenses companies and security personnel.

Regulator

Ministry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department moi.gov.ae

Legislation

Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies, and Cabinet Resolution No. (48) of 2019 on Fees for Private Security Company Licensing Services

License Types

• Security guard license: general security guarding.
• Cash-in-transit guard license: guarding cash in transit.
• Sector security guard licenses: banks, hospitals, hotels, airports and critical facilities.
• VIP security guard license and private events security guard license.
• Security supervisor, security manager and security trainer licenses.
• Company security license by activity category.

Eligibility Requirements

• Copy of ID card and passport.
• Valid residence permit for non-citizens.
• Employment contract with a licensed security company.
• Experience certificate.
• Educational qualification attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Certificate from a security training institute.

Training

• Completion of a training course at an accredited and licensed training institute.
• Passing a test given as part of the individual licensing procedure.

Application Steps

1. The employing company registers on the Ministry of Interior website or smart app.
2. It selects the new individual license application service and the license category.
3. It attaches the documents and pays the fees.
4. The applicant passes the required test.
5. The individual license is issued in the approved category.

Armed Guarding

Weapons may be carried only with the approval of the security agencies and competent authorities, with a license for both the company and the employee.

License Term and Renewal

The federal law refers to annual renewal fees for company licenses.

Local Rules

A separate license is required for each emirate in which a security company operates, except for cash in transit and personal protection between emirates.

Sources

• Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies
• Ministry of Interior, new individual license application
• Ministry of Interior, company security license application

FujairahMinistry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department

Fujairah applies Federal Law No. (37) of 2006, and no separate local law for it appears in the sources reviewed. The Private Security Companies Regulation Department at the Ministry of Interior licenses companies and security personnel.

Regulator

Ministry of Interior, Private Security Companies Regulation Department moi.gov.ae

Legislation

Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies, and Cabinet Resolution No. (48) of 2019 on Fees for Private Security Company Licensing Services

License Types

• Security guard license: general security guarding.
• Cash-in-transit guard license: guarding cash in transit.
• Sector security guard licenses: banks, hospitals, hotels, airports and critical facilities.
• VIP security guard license and private events security guard license.
• Security supervisor, security manager and security trainer licenses.
• Company security license by activity category.

Eligibility Requirements

• Copy of ID card and passport.
• Valid residence permit for non-citizens.
• Employment contract with a licensed security company.
• Experience certificate.
• Educational qualification attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Certificate from a security training institute.

Training

• Completion of a training course at an accredited and licensed training institute.
• Passing a test given as part of the individual licensing procedure.

Application Steps

1. The employing company registers on the Ministry of Interior website or smart app.
2. It selects the new individual license application service and the license category.
3. It attaches the documents and pays the fees.
4. The applicant passes the required test.
5. The individual license is issued in the approved category.

Armed Guarding

Weapons may be carried only with the approval of the security agencies and competent authorities, with a license for both the company and the employee.

License Term and Renewal

The federal law refers to annual renewal fees for company licenses.

Local Rules

A separate license is required for each emirate in which a security company operates, except for cash in transit and personal protection between emirates.

Sources

• Federal Law No. (37) of 2006 on Private Security Companies
• Ministry of Interior, new individual license application
• Ministry of Interior, company security license application

Requirements change from time to time, so they should be confirmed with the official regulator before applying. This is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.

Cities and Emirates in the United Arab Emirates

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Al Ain
• Fujairah

Coverage in other cities and areas, including Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain, is available on request.

Emirates of the United Arab Emirates

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai
• Sharjah
• Ajman
• Umm Al Quwain
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah

Frequently Asked Questions

What Languages Do the Officers Speak?

Officers speak English, and many also speak Arabic and Hindi or Urdu. The language level required for each site is set in its Post Orders, and officers fluent in Arabic and English are assigned to reception and luxury retail posts.

See the Middle East overview for other countries.