Dubai is a land of gold, weaving its magic as a business hub for heaps of industries. In addition to the growing demand for firms, the need for technology has also risen rapidly. Currently, technology has become the lifeline of a business. The confidential information of a company, ranging from company formation to profit-making, liquidation, and bearing losses, is stored in the computer systems in the form of a soft copy. As a business owner, you will be aware that the confidential records or information of your company require protection.
There are certain businesses in Dubai that require external approvals. If you wish to launch a firm in Dubai that is associated with the security sector, you will need the Security Industry Regulatory Agency’s approval. Before we get to the SIRA approval and why the approval is required for some businesses to start.
What is SIRA?
SIRA stands for Security Industry Regulatory Authority. It acts as a governing authority in the UAE and promotes the principles of sustainability, quality, innovation, and safety., having the primary objective of ensuring safety in Dubai. So, when it comes to companies established in Dubai, some companies would need outside approval to execute activities.
The approvals provided by SIRA
The SIRA-authorized body provides licenses for the following business categories:
- Security License Approval
- Companies Security Services Licenses Approval
- Individual Service Approval
| Security Specification | Companies Security Licenses | Individual Services |
| Event Security Guard | Management Office Only | Security Dog Training Centre |
| Cash-in-Transit Guard | Precious Commodities Store (Merchandise Value Less Than 100,000) | Self-Transportation Vehicles Trading |
| Security Guard | Precious Commodities Store (Merchandise Value More Than 100,000) | Preparation of Vehicles for Safe Transport |
| CCTV Operator | Precious Metals & Gemstones Trading & Manufacturing | Security Studies and Consultancies |
| Security Systems Engineer | Gold Offices | Centre for Operations and Monitoring Services |
| Security Systems Technician | Self-Storages | Security and Surveillance Systems Installation & Maintenance |
| Security Consultant | Precious Metals Warehouse | Guard Property Services |
| Security Auditor | Monetary Financial Institutions | Party Security & Private Guarding Services |
| Security Manager | Security Control & Alarm Equipment Trading | |
| Security Trainer | Money & Valuables Transport Services | |
| Security Supervisor | Security Control and Measuring Services |
How to obtain SIRA approval in Dubai
Every business activity mentioned above requires a different set of documents and the provision of online submissions to get the final approval of SIRA on the trade licence. Dealing with the entire process in-house can be a difficult task for you, as you require the expertise of an authorised body to help you get through the process with ease. So, it is sensible to avail the services of a business consultant who is an expert in this domain and has in-depth knowledge about UAE legal proceedings.
Experience and qualifications are needed for SIRA Dubai
The good news about SIRA courses and vocational courses in the UAE is that you can apply for a tourist visa. It is an added certificate in your job search. In the case of security, you do not require additional qualifications to obtain an entry-level job. But to obtain a higher licence, you require experience.
Professions like CCTV operator, security manager, and security operator require you to have security experience to obtain a license. Though you can start off with a SIRA security guard license, The security industry in the UAE requires you to be medically fit, and you need to be in the age bracket of 21 years to 55 years. You can apply for a SIRA on a tourist visa if you fall into this age range and are in good physical shape.