Before you sign a security contract in Dubai, ask to see the relevant trade and SIRA licences. A company name on a quotation, a trade licence and an officer’s credentials answer different questions. Checking how they fit together is more useful than accepting a general statement that a provider is “approved”.
This guide explains what to request, how to check the proposed scope and what still needs to be agreed once the documents are in order.
What is a SIRA licence?
SIRA is Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency. A SIRA licence relates to regulated security activities in Dubai. The Dubai security-industry implementing bylaw sets out licensing requirements for providers and individuals, and says clients must not engage an unlicensed security-service provider.
The licensed activity matters as much as the presence of a certificate. SIRA’s official security-licence service lists distinct activities, including general guarding, event security and security equipment work. Do not assume a document for one activity covers every security-related service.
Keep these three checks separate
1. The business you are contracting with
Request the legal company name and current trade licence. Compare the name on the licence with the quotation and contract. If the branding differs from the legal name, ask the provider to explain the relationship before signing.
The UAE Government’s business-licence verification guide links to official channels for checking registered businesses. A trade-licence check is useful, but it does not replace checking the relevant security authorisation.
2. The company’s security activity
Ask for the current SIRA document relevant to the assignment. Review its company details, activity, validity and any stated conditions. Give the provider a written description of the work and ask it to confirm that the proposed service falls within its scope.
If a document is unclear, follow any official verification instructions it contains or contact SIRA. Avoid relying on an old screenshot, an unverified directory entry or a certificate belonging to a similarly named business.
3. The personnel assigned to your site
Ask how the provider checks the current credentials required for each role, including replacement personnel. Company authorisation and individual suitability are separate matters. Agree an appropriate way to confirm compliance without circulating unnecessary copies of employees’ personal documents.
Questions to send with your enquiry
- Which legal entity will provide the service and appear on the contract?
- Which current licence and activity cover the proposed duties?
- Are there any conditions or approvals relevant to this location or assignment?
- How will you confirm the required status of the officers and relief personnel?
- Who will tell us if a licence, staffing arrangement or agreed scope changes?
Keep the replies with your contract records. Confirm the documents before work starts and set a reminder to revisit any expiry dates during the agreement.
What to assess after licensing
A licence addresses authorisation; it does not tell you how well a proposed arrangement will suit your building. Ask about site familiarisation, written duties, supervision, absence cover and incident reporting. Our security-company comparison checklist covers these operational questions.
Guardforce provides security services in Dubai under its relevant local licensing. Our credentials page explains the company records and service boundaries. Request the current documents for your proposed assignment rather than treating any website summary as a substitute.
Frequently asked questions
Is a trade licence the same as a SIRA licence?
No. They serve different purposes. Check the business registration and the relevant security authorisation, and make sure both relate to the entity providing your service.
Does a SIRA licence cover security work across the UAE?
Do not assume Dubai authorisation covers another emirate. Guardforce provides regulated security services in Dubai only. Its lifeguard services are separate and may be discussed across the UAE, subject to local requirements.
Does UK ACS approval cover a Dubai assignment?
UK approval does not replace Dubai licensing. Our SIRA and SIA ACS explainer sets out the difference between the separate Guardforce Dubai and UK entities.
Ask about your proposed assignment
Contact Guardforce with your Dubai location and required duties to discuss the service scope and documents relevant to your enquiry.
Editorially reviewed: 7 September 2026.
