Regulated Activities in Dubai: Top Activities Requiring SIRA Approval

Before applying for business setup in Dubai mainland, foreign investors need to check whether their proposed business activity qualifies as a special or a regulated activity. If it is a special or a regulated activity (like architecture and engineering, audit, gym, construction, education, medical, legal services etc), you need to get additional approval from government bodies or regulating authorities ( Dubai Municipality, Ministry of economy, Ministry of health. KHDA)  and meet their requirements/conditions before obtaining the trade license in Dubai which is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism(formerly Department of Economic Development).

For example, certain activities in the security industry and other activities that require security or security devices must be approved by the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). SIRA approval is required for sectors and establishments that are highly exposed to risks or threats due to the type or value of the commodities in which they trade or the services they provide.

These include banks, money exchange establishments, gold and jewellery shops, hotels, shopping malls, and hospitals. Business setup consultants in Dubai can assist you in getting a mainland business license as well as advise you on obtaining a special permit approval from SIRA.

Read ahead for more insights on the business activities that require SIRA approval in Dubai:

What is Security Industry Regulatory Agency?

SIRA was established in 2016 by a decree from HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The organization oversees the implementation of international best practices in security systems, services and guards.

SIRA’s key responsibilities include suggesting new laws and regulations, applying smart systems, training security cadres and inspecting various types of facilities. Company setup consultants in Dubai can assist you in approaching SIRA for the special permit.

Activities that Need Special Approval from Dubai’s SIRA

Some of the business activities that require SIRA approval in Dubai include the following:

1. Trading in Security Devices and Equipment
2. Installing Security Devices and Equipment
3. Technical Survey
4. General Guarding
5. Event Security and Personal Guarding
6. Money and Valuables Transport
7. Security Consultancy
8. Security System Inspection
9. Security Training
10. Training and Trading in Security Dogs
11. Command and Control Services
12. Vehicle Tracking Systems
13. Central Station Connection Services
14. Outfitting Vehicles with Safe Transport Equipment
15. Trading in Safe Transport Vehicles
16. Transporting Hazardous Materials
17. Guarding Tourist Establishments
18. Manufacturing Security Devices
19. Manufacturing Security Equipment and Gear
20. Renting out Security Devices and Equipment
21. Maritime Security Services
22. Sports Clubs Security Services
23. Safe Storage

Vital Sectors that Require SIRA Permit in Dubai

As per SIRA regulations, certain vital Sectors must satisfy the security requirements and comply with the programmes, systems, and general and special technical specifications prescribed by SIRA. Such sectors needing SIRA approval in Dubai include:

• Hotels and similar entities
• Financial and monetary institutions and similar entities
• Manufacturers and sellers of precious metals and gemstones
• Shooting halls and paramilitary and hunting equipment shops
• Shopping and entertainment centres
• Warehouses
• Gas stations
• Precious commodity outlets
• Large department stores
• Internet service outlets
• Mobile phone SIM card shops
• Factories and workshops for outfitting vehicles with safe transport equipment
• Safe transport vehicle showrooms
• Electronic game halls
• Shopping malls
• Nightclubs
• Any other Vital Sector determined by SIRA

How to Get SIRA Permit in Dubai

The following procedures must be undertaken while applying for SIRA approval in Dubai:

1. Apply for a SIRA permit
2. After reviewing the application, SIRA may conduct field visits, inspect Security Devices and Equipment, and request any documents or information it deems necessary to consider the application.
3. SIRA will issue a decision accepting or rejecting the License application within 30days from the date of fulfilling all the requirements of the application
4. If the application is rejected, SIRA will notify the applicant of the reasons for rejection. The applicant can re-apply for the permit after at least six months from the date of the rejection
5. If the SIRA approves the application, the applicant can pay the fees and receive the SIRA approval

Hire the Best Business Setup Consultants in Dubai, UAE

Foreign investors curious about SIRA approval in Dubai may find this blog useful if their business activity is in the security industry or provides security services as part of the core activity. Business setup consultants in Dubai such as Jitendra Business Consultants (Jitendra Business Consultant) can help you determine if your company requires SIRA approval.

We provide a complete range of company set-up solutions in Dubai to help entrepreneurs turn business ideas into fully-fledged companies. Avail of our services today to open a company in Dubai without any hassle.