XGuard

Security licensing requirements in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, security licensing is handled by the Private Security Business Department (Abu Dhabi). XGuard requires guards working in Abu Dhabi to provide security license. Agencies are asked for security license. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in Abu Dhabi to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges coverage. The license itself is issued by the Private Security Business Department (Abu Dhabi). Independent professionals and agencies both list on XGuard; local rules decide who must hold which license.

How licensing works in Abu Dhabi

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

  1. Be aged 21 to 60 with an Emirates ID and valid residency under the sponsoring security company.
  2. Obtain a Dubai Police good conduct certificate addressed to SIRA.
  3. Complete the Security Guard course at a certified center, plus fitness (valid 3 months), fire safety, life support and people-of-determination certificates.
  4. The company applies on the SIRA e-services portal and pays AED 320 (SIRA page, checked 2026-10-19).
  5. 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.

Documents XGuard checks

  • Security licenseRequired, expires

These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in Abu Dhabi to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges coverage. The license itself is issued by the Private Security Business Department (Abu Dhabi).

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.

Frequently asked

Who issues security licenses in Abu Dhabi?

Security licenses in Abu Dhabi are issued by the Private Security Business Department (Abu Dhabi).

Does a security agency need its own license in Abu Dhabi?

XGuard asks agencies in Abu Dhabi for: Security license. These are the documents XGuard asks agencies in Abu Dhabi to hold before they can list. XGuard checks them and never provides or arranges coverage. The license itself is issued by the Private Security Business Department (Abu Dhabi).

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.