Quick Answer
SIRA — the Security Industry Regulatory Agency — is the Dubai authority that licenses and regulates the private security sector: security companies, guards, CCTV and alarm installers, and cash-in-transit. Businesses in security-related activities need SIRA approval alongside the DET trade licence.
SIRA sets training and certification standards for security personnel, approves CCTV and alarm systems against Dubai's technical code, and licenses the companies that provide these services. Many mainland businesses also encounter SIRA indirectly — for example, premises in certain categories must install SIRA-compliant CCTV.
If your activity is security guarding, electronic security, or cash services, SIRA approval is an activity-specific requirement on top of your DET licence — the kind of secondary approval ZETUP confirms before you commit to an activity code.
Frequently asked questions
What is SIRA?
SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) licenses and regulates Dubai's private security sector — security companies, guards, CCTV and alarm installers, and cash-in-transit.
Does my business need SIRA approval?
If your activity is security guarding, electronic security, or cash services, yes — SIRA approval is required on top of the DET trade licence, and some premises must install SIRA-compliant CCTV.
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