Dubai is recognised globally for its strong safety standards and structured regulatory environment. A major contributor to this reputation is SIRA the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, which governs all private security operations across the emirate.
For professionals considered for leadership roles and for companies building compliant security operations, one question is frequently asked:
What is the difference between a SIRA Security Supervisor Licence and a SIRA Security Manager Licence?
Although both are leadership positions, they differ significantly in authority, responsibility, compliance obligations, training depth, cost, and legal accountability. Choosing the wrong licence can result in operational inefficiencies, compliance risks, or licensing rejection.
This in-depth guide explains the differences clearly, helping individuals and businesses make the correct decision under SIRA Certification Dubai regulations.
SIRA operates as the official authority regulating private security services, personnel, and systems in Dubai. Its licensing structure is hierarchical, meaning licences are issued based on the level of responsibility assigned to an individual.
Within this hierarchy:
Security Guards perform frontline duties
Security Supervisors manage guards and daily site operations
Security Managers oversee entire security operations and compliance
Both Supervisor and Security Manager licences are mandatory for their respective roles and cannot be substituted or bypassed.
A SIRA Security Supervisor Licence authorises an individual to lead, control, and supervise security guards at the site or operational level.
Security supervisors act as the link between guards and management. Their responsibilities are practical and operational rather than strategic.
Supervising security guards during shifts
Managing duty rosters and attendance
Ensuring guards follow SIRA-approved procedures
Handling minor incidents and first-level escalation
Conducting site inspections and briefings
Reporting incidents to security management
Security supervisors ensure that on-ground security operations run smoothly and compliantly.
This licence is required for individuals who:
Supervise one or more security guards
Act as the site in charge of security operations
Lead teams in offices, residential buildings, malls, or industrial facilities
Common job titles include:
Security Supervisor
Shift Supervisor
Site Security In-Charge
Team Leader (Security)
The SIRA Supervisor Licence is ideal for:
Experienced security guards seeking promotion
Professionals aiming to grow into management roles
Large facilities requiring structured site supervision
It is considered a mid-level leadership licence within the SIRA framework.
A SIRA Security Manager Licence is a senior-level approval authorising an individual to manage and control security operations at an organisational or corporate level.
This licence carries full legal and regulatory responsibility for security compliance.
Security managers are responsible for:
Strategic security planning
Compliance with SIRA regulations
Interaction with regulatory authorities
Oversight of supervisors, guards, and systems
They are accountable not only for operations but also for regulatory adherence and risk management.
Developing and approving security policies and SOPs
Ensuring company-wide SIRA compliance
Liaising with SIRA inspectors and government authorities
Approving security deployment plans
Managing emergency response strategies
Supervising supervisors and senior security staff
Overseeing CCTV, access control, and alarm systems
Handling audits, inspections, and investigations
Without a licensed Security Manager:
A security company cannot obtain or renew SIRA approval
Operations may be suspended
Penalties may apply
This licence is required for:
Security company owners
Operations managers
Facility security heads
Compliance and risk managers
It is a senior leadership and accountability role.
| Criteria | SIRA Supervisor Licence | SIRA Security Manager Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Operational | Strategic & Regulatory |
| Scope | Site-level | Organisation-wide |
| Authority | Supervises guards | Oversees supervisors, guards & systems |
| Legal Accountability | Limited | Full compliance responsibility |
| Mandatory for Companies | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Training Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Interaction with SIRA | Rare | Direct & ongoing |
Valid UAE residence visa
Relevant security experience
Good conduct certificate (attested)
Medical fitness certificate
Completion of SIRA-approved supervisor training
Valid UAE residence visa
Strong security or management background
Clean criminal record
Completion of advanced SIRA-approved training
Appointment letter from the company (if applicable)
Training is mandatory for both licences, but differs significantly in depth.
Team supervision
Incident handling
Reporting procedures
Site security control
UAE security laws and regulations
Risk assessment and mitigation
Compliance audits
Emergency planning
Corporate security governance
This advanced training reflects the legal accountability placed on Security Managers.
The cost of SIRA licences varies based on training providers and approvals.
SIRA Supervisor Licence:
Lower cost due to basic training requirements
SIRA Security Manager Licence:
Higher cost due to advanced training and regulatory approvals
⚠️ Note: Prices are indicative only and may change based on SIRA regulations and training institutions.
You manage guards on-site
You report to a security manager
You are progressing from a guard role
You manage security operations at a company level
You own or operate a security company
You are responsible for compliance and audits
You deal directly with SIRA authorities
Both licences are integral components of SIRA Certification Dubai, which ensures:
Public safety
Professional standards
Legal compliance
Approved leadership within security operations
They support Dubai’s reputation as a secure global business hub.
Appointing a supervisor instead of a licensed security manager
Assuming one licence covers both roles
Operating without a licensed security manager
Ignoring renewal deadlines
These mistakes can lead to penalties or licence suspension.
Choosing a SIRA-certified provider ensures:
Fully licensed supervisors and managers
Approved security systems
Legal compliance
Reduced operational risk
Professional service delivery
The key difference between a SIRA Supervisor Licence and a SIRA Security Manager Licence lies in responsibility and authority. A SIRA Supervisor Licence covers site-level supervision and daily security operations, while a SIRA Security Manager Licence is required for strategic oversight, legal accountability, and full compliance under SIRA Certification Dubai. For security companies in Dubai, appointing a SIRA-licensed Security Manager is mandatory to operate legally. Supervisors support on-ground execution but cannot replace the compliance role of a Security Manager. Choosing the correct SIRA security licence UAE ensures regulatory compliance, reduces operational risk, and meets the standards set by the Security Industry Regulatory Agency.