Dubai Security Guard SIRA Licence Guide

If you want to work as a security guard in Dubai, you need a SIRA licence. SIRA — the Security Industry Regulatory Agency — regulates the private security industry across Dubai, sets the training standards, and issues the licences every guard must hold. This guide explains how the licence works, who pays for it, and how to avoid being overcharged.

What is the SIRA licence

SIRA is the Dubai government body that oversees private security. A SIRA guard licence is the official permit that allows you to work legally as a security guard anywhere in the emirate. No licensed security company can put you on a site without it. The licence proves you have completed the required training, passed the exam, and cleared a background check.

Eligibility requirements

To be licensed as a guard you generally need to:

• Have a job offer from a SIRA-registered security company (guard licensing is employer-sponsored, not something you buy independently).
• Hold a valid UAE residence/employment visa arranged by that employer.
• Meet the medical fitness and conduct requirements, including a clean background check.
• Meet basic standards such as minimum age and the ability to follow instructions in the workplace.

The PSBD training course and exam

Before the licence is issued you must complete the mandatory security guard training (delivered under SIRA’s Protective Systems & Security Business Development framework) and pass the SIRA exam. The training covers:

• The duties and conduct of a security guard
• Health, safety and emergency response
• UAE laws and regulations relevant to guarding
• Customer service and reporting

Your employer arranges your place on the course as part of onboarding.

Fees and renewal

SIRA sets and periodically updates the training and licence fees. For employed guards, the sponsoring security company normally pays these costs. The licence is valid for a fixed period and must be renewed before expiry, again handled through your employer. Working with an expired licence is not allowed.

Red flag: If an “agent” asks you to pay them privately to obtain a SIRA licence without a real employer, be very cautious. Guard licensing is tied to a sponsoring company — read our job scams guide if anyone asks for money upfront.

How employers sponsor your licence

In practice the flow is simple: you get hired by a licensed security company, they enrol you in the training, you pass the exam and background check, and SIRA issues your licence linked to that employer. If you change employer, your new company handles the transfer or re-issuance.

Official resources

• SIRA — Security Industry Regulatory Agency
• Dubai Police

Planning your move? See the UAE work visa process for how your residence visa and labour card fit together, and browse live security guard jobs in the UAE.