The security services industry in Dubai is expanding rapidly owing to high demand for security services in all areas of the city. High growth based on the economy increases the need for security services and increased events, residences, and business ventures establish a large customer base for professional security services. Entrepreneurs can enjoy great benefits when they are starting a security business in Dubai as the total security market of the UAE is expected to reach $12.5 million up from $7.5 million by 2026. But to conquer this market, the owners of businesses must adhere to a number of legal and regulatory requirements such as licensing of business and certification.
There is a need to obtain a security services license ready to meet SIRA requirements. From obtaining a security service license to fulfilling SIRA (Security Industry Regulation Authority) regulations, starting a security firm in Dubai involves a number of crucial procedures. Additionally, entrepreneurs need to budget for operational expenses, training costs, office space cost, and employee visas. Whoever is thinking of entering this market needs to have adequate knowledge of the financial requirements and industry regulations. However, the answer to the question of how to open a security company in Dubai may be simple and very profitable if you have the right advice.
Overview of UAE Security Industry
The population of the UAE security industry is constantly growing and both local and foreign investors from the private and public sectors put their emphasis on security services. The demand of security companies is not limited to some type of industry; rather it requires security both for the events, CCTV and for the access control systems. Industry insiders have put the commercial security market in the Middle East at about USD 10 billion and Dubai is at the center of this expansion. Since the city has many expos and other functions and has many high-profile events, there is a constant demand for security services for protecting VIPs, businesses, and valuable properties.
This reason alone can be seen as a good entry point for anyone wishing to venture into the security business. It’s the best time that anyone who is willing and has the knowledge and resources can start a security company in Dubai. The wide-ranging potential of launching a security services business extends from safeguarding precious assets to managing specific security requirements at major public events. Professional assistance combined with clear statements about regulatory procedures has made starting a security company in Dubai both achievable and financially successful.
Process of Setting Up a Security Company in the UAE
Create a Business Plan
A business plan is critical when dealing with a new business since blurred goals and objectives will not lead you to where you want to be. A few key areas of Security Company licenses in Dubai to consider are your initial costs, your target market, and how long it will take you to gain profits.
Select Your Company Type
The United Arab Emirates offers several company formation options operating within the various jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction requires decisions to be made depending on the type of entity and the different types of offices/warehouses. You have to decide which type of legal setup you are going for. Incorporating a legal business entity in UAE prevents you from being personally liable if your security guard company issued
Whether you want to start a mainland business or establish a free zone company in UAE, Security Company license in Dubai more questions will arise once you begin to look at incorporating in UAE. Business Formation Dubai is here to provide information relevant to you.
Choose Your Business Location
There are two options for establishing a business in Dubai: the mainland or one of the numerous free zones. Each option has its advantages:
- Mainland Security Business Setup: This enables you to bid for government contracts, which can be quite profitable in the security services industry, and to trade directly in the local market.
- Free Zone Setup: Provides advantages such as 100% profit returning, no customs charges, and no exchange rate limitations. However, in order to trade within the UAE mainland, enterprises operating in free zones are needed to hire a local agent.
Choose your Company Name
We start our assistance by helping you with your new company’s name selection process along with its registration. Business names in the UAE must follow specific rules when you decide on one. All sensitive language which could offend others or violates religious beliefs needs to be avoided. Your chosen name for your business needs to stand alone from established businesses and institutions across the board. Running out of options is possible when trying to register a business name so having alternative names available makes your application process more efficient. After you confirm your selected trade name our team will file your business name application with the appropriate authorities on your behalf.
Obtain Your Business License
After registering your company name, you can apply for a trade license. A license for mainland businesses requires approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) but free zone companies obtain their license from their designated authority. To run a security company in Dubai, you’ll need two licenses:
- Trade License: Businesses operating on the mainland can get their license from DED while free zone companies obtain their licenses through relevant free zone authorities.
- SIRA License: Every security services company that operates in Dubai must obtain the Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA) license. You will need to enroll your staff to SIRA training after which they will receive their certification.
Apply for Visa
A residence visa is necessary for anyone who wants to live or work in the UAE. Although a bit more comprehensive than the license application process, it is quick and simple with the correct assistance. You will have to go through the blood test, an X-ray, a fitness examination and medical tests as a part of this procedure. Residents with a UAE visa may sponsor visitor visas for their dependents which include their children or spouse and parents and domestic staff.
Open a Bank Account
A UAE corporate bank account becomes necessary to begin processing and collecting payments. The establishment of a business presence within the UAE requires non-GCC citizens time and effort but Xpert Advisory assists clients through this process.
Secure a Physical Office Space
Security businesses in the UAE require a physical space. This should meet SIRA’s specific requirements, with designated areas for employee training and certification, secure storage of equipment and operational facilities for monitoring and coordination.
Why is SIRA Approval Important?
Dubai’s governing body SIRA leads all security industry regulatory functions in the emirate. SIRA grants licenses to security professionals together with security service companies. Through this approval SIRA ensures security services maintain top-security levels alongside established professional practices and all necessary legal requirements.
- Compliance with Local Regulations: Every business operating within the security-service field in Dubai must secure SIRA approval. Operating without SIRA certification can result in legal consequences.
- Enhances Credibility: A SIRA approved company is considered trustworthy by the clients because this certification confirms their adherence to international security requirements.
- Access to Opportunities: SIRA-approved security companies are required for many government and commercial sector contracts, which makes them crucial for securing business possibilities in industries with strong demand.
- Professional Development: SIRA training programs lower client risk by ensuring that security staff are knowledgeable, capable, and equipped to handle any security issue.
How to Get a Security Company Approved by SIRA
Here are the procedures to obtain SIRA clearance if you want to open a security firm in Dubai:
Step 1: Register Your Company
Your business must first be registered with the appropriate authorities, such as the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland businesses or a free zone authority if you are establishing in a free zone, before you may apply for SIRA clearance. At this point, you must submit your company’s documentation for SIRA’s preliminary approval.
Step 2: Employee Training
Security personnel at every level starting from guards through operators up to managers must finish mandatory SIRA training programs. The security programs train security staff through essential security-related subject matter starting from professional ethics to operational protocols and risk management to advanced security systems usage.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
The compulsory SIRA training ends when you send required documents to SIRA. This typically includes:
- Application forms
- Colour passport photos
- Copies of passports, Emirates ID, and residency visas
- Medical fitness certificates for each employee
- Company registration certificate
- Office tenancy contract
Step 4: SIRA Inspection
SIRA will conduct an on-site inspection of your office and facilities. During this inspection, they will assess whether your premises meet safety and compliance standards. Make sure your office is equipped with the necessary infrastructure, including safety equipment and operational spaces.
Step 5: Pay Fees and Receive Your License
When your facilities successfully pass inspections you must pay the required fees to obtain your SIRA license. You must renew your SIRA license on a specific timetable since renewal carries regular responsibilities.
Key Services Requiring SIRA Approval
Several activities in the security industry require specific SIRA approvals.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Security Guard Services: Getting your security business approved by SIRA becomes mandatory for any form of guarding service including common guarding and special tasks like guarding valuable assets.
- CCTV Installation and Maintenance: Changes implemented to surveillance systems by installation and maintenance companies need to follow SIRA’s regulation framework to maintain both system safety and correct positioning.
- Cash-in-Transit and Valuables Transportation: The transfer of both cash and precious items by businesses requires SIRA’s stamp of approval because strict security protocols need to be followed during transportation.
- Security Training Centers: Companies that want to run security training programs for guards and CCTV operators and security managers need SIRA certification for their programs.
- Security Consulting and Auditing: If your company provides consulting services for security audits, studies, or operations management, it will need SIRA approval to ensure its expertise aligns with industry standards.
Types of security license issued by SIRA in Dubai
Following are the types of security business licenses that SIRA issues:
Company and establishment security license:
You need to get this license for your security business in Dubai. The type of license required depends on the security activities you wish to pursue. SIRA lists more than 20 such activities, including:
- Trading in security devices and equipment
- Installing security devices and equipment
- Technical survey
- General guarding
- Event security and personal guarding
- Money and valuables transport
- Security consultancy
- Security system inspection
- Security training
- Training and trading in security dogs
- Command and control services
- Manufacturing security devices
Individual security license
This license is a must for individuals (a natural person) who delivers security services in Dubai. The type of license issued to him depends on his security duties or post which can be:
- Security consultant
- Security expert
- Security trainer
- Head of security
- Security manager
- Head of security operations
- Security supervisor
- Money transport guard
- Security guard
- Watchman
You can check out SIRA’s official website to find out the complete list.
Security devices and equipment license
Before being traded, imported, exported, or transmitted across Dubai’s jurisdiction, some security equipment and gadgets need a license. This comprises paramilitary or police gear, surveillance equipment, alarm devices, protective devices, and spying or anti-spying devices..
Special license
Some activities require a special license each time they are conducted, such as importing or selling paramilitary or police devices and equipment.
Note: Each SIRA license type has its own requirements and application procedure. Our experts at Dubiz Business Setup can provide detailed assistance for better understanding.
Cost of starting a Security business in Dubai
Starting a security business in Dubai involves several key costs. A security company’s initial licensing fee amounts to AED 13,800* and includes both trade name reservation and business establishment. Employees must also complete SIRA training, which costs between AED 210* and AED 5,000* depending on the level of certification. A security business requires both employee visa and immigration expenses that cost between AED 4,000* and AED 7,000* per person and sustained operational costs including office rentals which differ in each location. Wages paid to employees need consideration since they differ according to job responsibilities along with their work experience.
Additional permits together with necessary approvals become mandatory for business activities outside basic scope. The total startup cost for establishing a security business in Dubai varies substantially depending on what you need to establish your company and the business strategy you’ve selected.
Conclusion
The growing need for professional security services in Dubai creates a profitable chance to start a security firm. Through proper licenses and training combined with full understanding of industry requirements you can set up business successfully within this expanding security sector. You can experience an easy and profitable startup campaign toward obtaining trade licenses and fulfilling SIRA standards and legal rules by taking expert guidance from Xpert Advisory. Compliance with local regulations and proper completion of necessary steps allows you to enter the expanding UAE security market where you can launch a business that succeeds in this dynamic global industry.
