Security licensing requirements in the United Arab Emirates
In Dubai, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA); in Abu Dhabi, varies — check Abu Dhabi Police (https://www.adpolice.gov.ae/en/). XGuard lists no required guard documents for the United Arab Emirates at the moment. Independent professionals and agencies both list on XGuard; local rules decide who must hold which license.
How licensing works in United Arab Emirates
Who licenses
In Dubai, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA); in Abu Dhabi, varies — check Abu Dhabi Police (https://www.adpolice.gov.ae/en/).
Who needs a license
In Dubai every guard needs a SIRA Security Cadre card. The application is made by a licensed security company, not the individual, and the guard's residency must be with that same company. So an independent guard cannot apply alone.
Steps
- Be aged 21 to 60 with an Emirates ID and valid residency under the sponsoring security company.
- Obtain a Dubai Police good conduct certificate addressed to SIRA.
- Complete the Security Guard course at a certified center, plus fitness (valid 3 months), fire safety, life support and people-of-determination certificates.
- The company applies on the SIRA e-services portal and pays AED 320 (SIRA page, checked 2026-10-19).
- A 90-day Trainee Permit (non-renewable, issued once) costs AED 120. The Security Cadre license is valid 2 years.
Also worth knowing
- Abu Dhabi requirements: varies — check Abu Dhabi Police (https://www.adpolice.gov.ae/en/).
Typical timeline
SIRA lists 2 business days for processing on its service page.
Verification
No public register is confirmed; XGuard reviews the SIRA card by document review.
XGuard verifies licenses by document review and, where the regulator publishes a lookup, against that lookup.
Next steps
Sources
Last verified: July 2, 2026
XGuard is a marketplace. It does not employ security professionals or issue licenses, and it does not promise work. Requirements change, so confirm with the regulator before you apply.