Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the safest cities globally, yet they host some of the world’s most high-profile individuals, multinational companies, luxury events, and high-value assets. This combination creates a real demand for professional close protection services and corporate security services across the UAE.
From CEOs and celebrities to family offices and international corporations, security today is no longer just about guards at the door. It’s about structured risk management, compliance, intelligence, and professional protective services.
This guide explains exactly what these services are, who needs them, how they work, what they cost, and how to choose the right licensed security provider in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What Are Close Protection and Corporate Security?
Close Protection (Executive Protection)
Close protection refers to personal physical security provided to individuals exposed to higher-than-average risk.
This includes:
- Bodyguards and personal security officers
- Executive protection agents
- Travel and convoy security
- Family and lifestyle protection
The goal is to prevent threats before they happen, not just respond to incidents.
Corporate Security Services
Corporate security focuses on protecting organizations, employees, assets, operations, and reputation.
This includes:
- Manned guarding for offices and facilities
- Event security and crowd control
- Surveillance systems and access control
- Crisis management and emergency response
- Asset protection and loss prevention
In practice, corporate security combines physical protection, technology, intelligence, and compliance.
Why These Services Matter in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Dubai and Abu Dhabi host:
- Royal families and diplomats
- Global CEOs and entrepreneurs
- Celebrities and influencers
- Major exhibitions and events
- High-value real estate and financial assets
While crime rates are low, risk still exists in the form of:
- Corporate espionage
- Reputational threats
- Public exposure of VIPs
- Large crowds and events
- Cyber-physical security risks
Security in the UAE is not about fear — it’s about risk control, business continuity, and professional standards.
Who Needs Close Protection and Corporate Security?
These services are commonly used by:
| Client Type | Typical Use Case |
| CEOs & Executives | Executive protection, travel security |
| Celebrities & Influencers | Public appearance protection |
| Diplomats | Protocol-based security |
| Family Offices | Residential and lifestyle security |
| Corporations | Office and employee safety |
| Event Organizers | Crowd and VIP management |
| Real Estate Firms | Asset and site protection |
If your role involves public visibility, valuable assets, or operational responsibility, professional security becomes a strategic investment.
Types of Close Protection Services in Dubai
- Executive Protection
Security for business leaders and senior management.
Includes:
- Discreet bodyguards
- Secure transport
- Advance route planning
- Threat monitoring
- Celebrity and VIP Protection
For public figures, athletes, artists, and influencers.
Focus areas:
- Media crowd management
- Event and hotel security
- Fan interaction control
- Family and Private Lifestyle Security
For high-net-worth families.
Services include:
- Residential protection
- School escort
- Travel security
- Female bodyguards when required
- Travel Risk Protection
For international and regional movement.
Includes:
- Airport meet and greet
- Convoy escort
- Hotel security assessment
Types of Corporate Security Services in Dubai
| Service Type | Description |
| Manned Guarding | Licensed security guards for offices |
| Event Security | Crowd control and access zones |
| Surveillance Systems | CCTV and monitoring |
| Risk Assessments | Threat intelligence |
| Crisis Management | Emergency response |
| Access Control | Biometric and card systems |
| Loss Prevention | Retail and asset security |
| Executive Transport | Secure drivers and vehicles |
Corporate security often blends human presence with technology and operational planning.
Legal Framework and Regulations in the UAE
All private security services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are regulated.
SIRA – Security Industry Regulatory Agency
SIRA operates under Dubai Police and regulates:
- Security company licensing
- Guard certification
- Uniform and ID compliance
- Training standards
Other Authorities
- Dubai Police
- Ministry of Interior UAE
- Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Key Legal Rules
- Only SIRA-licensed companies can operate
- Guards must be certified and insured
- Firearms require special federal permits
- Hiring unlicensed security is illegal
This is critical. Many people mistakenly hire freelance “bodyguards” without realizing they are breaking the law.
How Much Do Security Services Cost in Dubai?
Close Protection Cost (Approximate)
| Service | Typical Cost |
| Unarmed bodyguard | AED 1,500 – 3,000 per day |
| Armed protection | AED 4,000 – 8,000 per day |
| Executive team | AED 10,000+ per day |
Corporate Security Cost
| Service | Typical Cost |
| Security guard | AED 4,000 – 6,000 per month |
| Event security | AED 5,000 – 50,000+ |
| Surveillance systems | Project-based |
Costs depend on:
- Risk level
- Number of guards
- Duration
- Armed vs unarmed
- Technology required
How Close Protection Works (Step-by-Step)
- Threat Assessment
Security starts with understanding:
- Who you are
- Where you go
- Your public exposure
- Past incidents
- Advance Planning
Security teams conduct:
- Route reconnaissance
- Venue inspection
- Risk profiling
- Team Deployment
Agents are assigned based on:
- Threat level
- Cultural needs
- Language requirements
- Secure Movement
Includes:
- Convoy driving
- Crowd control
- Access management
- Continuous Monitoring
Security remains active through:
- Live communication
- GPS tracking
- Intelligence updates
The objective is prevention, not reaction.
Armed vs Unarmed Protection
| Type | When It’s Used |
| Unarmed | Most corporate and VIP cases |
| Armed | High-risk individuals only |
| Armed permits | Require federal approval |
In Dubai, most protection is unarmed and highly effective.
How to Choose the Right Security Company in Dubai
Use This Decision Framework
| Criteria | Must Have |
| SIRA license | Yes |
| Former military/law enforcement | Preferred |
| UAE experience | Essential |
| Insurance coverage | Mandatory |
| Female agents (if needed) | Optional |
| Multilingual staff | Advantage |
| Technology capability | High value |
Red Flags
- No SIRA license
- Cash-only deals
- No insurance
- No operational plan
- No client references
Tools and Technology Used
Physical Tools
- Armored vehicles
- Secure radios
- GPS tracking
Digital Tools
- CCTV systems
- AI video analytics
- Access control systems
Professional Methods
- Risk modeling
- Behavioral analysis
- Red teaming
- Crisis simulations
Modern security is intelligence-driven, not just manpower-based.
Common Mistakes and Risks
Avoid:
- Hiring unlicensed guards
- Choosing the cheapest option
- Ignoring cyber-physical risks
- No insurance or contracts
- No emergency protocols
These mistakes lead to legal issues and poor protection.
When You May Not Need Full Protection
| Scenario | Alternative |
| Low-risk office | CCTV and access control |
| Small event | Venue security |
| Short travel | Secure chauffeur |
| Digital threats | Cybersecurity firm |
Security should match actual risk, not assumptions.
Best Practices for Hiring Security in the UAE
- Verify SIRA license
- Request operational plan
- Review risk assessment
- Confirm insurance
- Use formal contracts
- Respect cultural sensitivity
FAQs
- Is close protection legal in Dubai?
Yes, as long as it is provided by a SIRA-licensed security company. - Can bodyguards carry guns in Dubai?
Only with special federal permits. Most protection is unarmed. - How much does a bodyguard cost in Dubai?
Typically between AED 1,500 and AED 8,000 per day. - What is executive protection?
Professional security for business leaders and high-profile individuals. - Do companies really need security in Dubai?
Yes, especially multinational companies and high-value operations. - Are female bodyguards available?
Yes, widely used for families and VIP clients. - How do I verify a security company?
Check their SIRA license and Dubai Police registration. - Is event security mandatory?
Yes for large public gatherings and commercial events.