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United Arab Emirates
Become a security guard in United Arab Emirates
Start with the emirate and employing security company. Dubai uses SIRA's Security Cadre Card route. The National Security Institute publishes separate training contacts for Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates. The detailed requirements below are scoped to Dubai; other emirates require confirmation with the employer and competent authority.
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United Arab Emirates
Where you could work
The examples below come from individual sources; availability varies.
Local job titles
Security Officer
Would this suit you?
- You can practise clear communication and calm responses.
- You are willing to follow site instructions and keep accurate records.
United Arab Emirates
Security industry
Check current local requirements with the linked authority or employer before paying for training.
01 · United Arab Emirates
Requirements
- Dubai guard applicants: age 21 to 60, Emirates ID and valid residency.
- Dubai requires a good-conduct certificate from Dubai Police addressed to SIRA and the prescribed training and fitness evidence.
- Dubai card applications are submitted by a licensed security company. Residency and job title must satisfy SIRA's employer-linkage rules, including its stated branch exception.
- For Abu Dhabi or another emirate, have the employer confirm the applicable authority, eligibility and training route before booking.
- 01
Confirm the emirate and employer
Ask the licensed security company which authority and training route cover the job. Obtain the formal job offer and review salary and conditions.
- 02
Complete work and residence formalities
Follow the employer's work-permit and residency process. Dubai's SIRA application also requires Emirates ID and the relevant good-conduct certificate.
- 03
Complete the accepted programme
In Dubai, use a SIRA-certified centre and complete all required certificates and tests. In other emirates, follow the programme specified by the competent authority and employer.
- 04
Employer submits the licensing application
For Dubai, the licensed company submits the SIRA Security Cadre Card request with documents and fees. Confirm the corresponding process locally for other emirates.
- 05
Confirm approval before deployment
The employer should verify the issued authority covers the role and location, and provide site induction and written working conditions.
02 · United Arab Emirates
Training
Dubai requires an approved Security Guard course, a physical-fitness certificate, fire safety, life support and training in dealing with people of determination. Approved centres publish separate course and assessment components. NSI provides basic security training for Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates routes; confirm the required programme and licensing examination with the employer.
Training time
Dubai's SIRA directory lists five-day guard courses at several centres, with additional courses, tests and fitness checks. NSI duration needs confirmation for the applicable programme. Recruitment, residency and licensing add further time.
Costs
Training providers
First Security Group
SIRA Security Guard course
- Training time
- Five days for the guard course; the SIRA directory separately lists one-day fire safety and life-support courses
- Costs
- Request a current itemised quote
Dubai. Listed by SIRA through the centre contact training@firstsg.com. Confirm all certificates, fitness testing and examinations needed for the card.
View sourceNational Security Institute (NSI)
Basic Security Guard / General Basic Security Training, as applicable to the employer's route
- Training time
- Confirm the exact programme and timetable with NSI
- Costs
- Request a current quote through the employer or NSI
NSI lists Abu Dhabi and Ajman training operations and distinct Abu Dhabi/Northern Emirates enquiry contacts. Confirm which course and authority apply to the specific job location.
View source03 · United Arab Emirates
Pay
A current nationwide official security-guard salary statistic was unverified. Compare the written offer's basic salary, allowances, overtime, hours, accommodation and transport. The employment contract must state salary and working conditions.
Employer-specific offer; national occupational figure unverified · 2026-09-16
View sourceBefore you apply
- Dubai's age, fee and SIRA requirements apply to the Dubai route described here.
- Separate pages are needed for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain before offering detailed local licensing checklists.
- SIRA's five-day course listings cover one component of the overall entry process.
- Current NSI course prices, duration and emirate-specific licence fees remain unverified.
- Keep recruitment and residence permissions separate from professional security licensing.
- Course completion supports an application; the competent authority decides licensing.
Local sources
- SIRA: New Security Cadre Card requirements and fee
- SIRA: certified security training centres and durations
- NSI: general security courses and regional training contacts
- NSI: basic security course catalogue
- NSI: Abu Dhabi and Ajman course branches
- First Security Group: provider website
- UAE Government: job offers, work permits and contracts
- UAE Government: worker rights and employer-paid costs
- Transguard UAE: Careers
- Transguard UAE: archived Security Guard vacancy
- Dubai SIRA: Security Professions Requirements
- G4S UAE: Careers
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