Executive Protection Around the World: Egypt

In the eighth edition of our breakthrough series, EP Wired is taking a closer look at executive protection in Egypt. We have interviewed three industry professionals and asked them to share their experiences working in the country. Here’s what they had to say.

What are the particular challenges of executive protection in your country?

One of the specific challenges of operating in Egypt is the stark contrast to the smooth and straightforward business environments found in the US and EU. We face a complex landscape due to our adherence to a particular general law that creates additional hurdles, not a specific law such as SIA/SIRA/PSIRA.

To navigate these challenges effectively, I recommend establishing a robust professional network. Such a network can facilitate the process of obtaining a firearm license in a more efficient manner. Furthermore, the strength of your relationships within this network can serve as a testament to your professionalism and character, which may help mitigate certain restrictions.  The Solution is that you need to make a wide network, so you can be allowed to get a Firearm License in a smooth way. The network of relationships will attest to your good behaviour, so the restriction will be compromised. 

Due to the heavy State Security & Military Oversight, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and General Intelligence (GIS) maintain tight control over public space and National Security. EP operations must constantly deconflict with state-run checkpoints, VIP movements, and localised security cordons. That will require more advance work from our end as Operators and a more sophisticated SOP to run the Operation Smoothly.

–Severe Firearm and Gear Restrictions: Unlike some Western or private maritime security environments where operators carry private firearms, private firearm licensing for executive protection is exceptionally restricted and heavily regulated by the state. Private security companies (PSCs) generally utilise non-lethal equipment, relying heavily on advanced defensive driving, physical intervention skills, and strict avoidance protocols, so you can refer back to the 1st answer regarding networking and personal Licensing to overcome difficulties as we are not allowed for open carry, as Private Security Professionals, Concealed carry is preferrable solution and informing the LEOs during the assessment is one of our challenged SOPs. – Loay El-Meschtawy

What are the unexpected benefits of executive protection in your country?

Spending nineteen years in Egyptian law enforcement, managing major operations like coordinating traffic and security for the New Suez Canal opening in 2015, directing security deployments for multiple presidential election cycles, and later working with the UN (UNDSS) at COP27—taught me a simple truth. Real security is about keeping things moving. It should never get in the way.

In a high-density environment like Egypt, the biggest overlooked benefit of close protection details is keeping business operations running smoothly. People often think of executive protection as just a couple of large bodyguards or a response team for a crisis. In reality, a protection team often works more like a logistics and coordination unit.

By applying solid road safety standards and transit principles, similar to the road safety principles I worked with under ISO 39001, my main goal is to protect the client’s time and energy. Cairo traffic and local checkpoints can easily drain an executive before a major meeting. I handle that stress behind the scenes. My team reads the roads, coordinates with local authorities ahead of time, and maps out alternative routes to bypass gridlock. Because of my background in coordinating with state agencies and venue managers, we clear these hurdles quietly. A perfect day for me means nothing happened, and the client’s schedule went off without a single hitch. – Mohamed (Ashraf) Khrbosh

What are the most common threats or security concerns faced by clients?

• Traffic risk and mobility chaos: Congested roads, unpredictable construction zones, poor signage, and sudden lane closures.
• Chaotic driving behavior that can mask hostile surveillance or simulated attacks.
• Sudden police checkpoints and roadside controls are causing delays and forced route changes.
• Arbitrary enforcement by individual officers and inconsistent application of authority.
• Limited knowledge of laws and procedural rights among some frontline officers increases the chance of escalation during routine encounters.
• Gaps in tactical and firearms training within parts of the police force, which in crisis situations or standoffs can unintentionally increase risk for principals and EP teams.
• Weak decision-making in emergencies and a lack of clear command authority at lower levels.
• Theft of opportunity, pickpocketing, and snatch theft in crowded areas.
• Scams and aggressive solicitation in tourist and commercial zones.
• Harassment, particularly affecting women.
• Terrorism risk is concentrated in specific regions, but shaping overall national security posture.
• Elevated risk in border and remote governorates for executive and project travel.

For most clients, the primary concern is not daily violence. It is a safe movement, controlled interaction with authorities, and preventing minor encounters from turning into major incidents. – Karim Bremer

What kind of training or certification do you need to work in your country?

Regarding the Training and certificates in Egypt, to work legally and effectively in the Egyptian Private Security Sector, a mix of state-authorised training, as per your specialisation in the firm or team, such as EP medic, will require a BLS/ALS (Basic Life Support/ Advanced Life Support) Training Certificate from the Egyptian Ambulance Authority, licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Health. 

Tactical Driver or Armoured Vehicle Driver/ Security Driver, who will require specific training from RSTC (Road Safety Training Center), such as DDT (Defensive Driving Training) and ODT (Offensive Driving Training). 

No specific EP/CP training courses are allowed in Egypt anymore after the 2013 Security Crisis due to the revolution of 30-6 and Terrorism Threats challenges all of us during that time, which was the year that I joined the Private Security Sector. 

So, a military, police, or law enforcement background is required as it has a crucial role during the Operation; you cannot depend on civilians 100%, so you can refer back to the point of Networking and coordination.

International MOOCs are playing a huge and effective role in that career, as we can learn internationally and operate globally/domestically by using those types of courses and accreditations, such as GISF/Highfield/ASIS International. Specific licenses and certs are required in some Global Corporations, such as PSP/CPP.

Ironic fact about the regulations in Egypt:

That you are not allowed to have a specific ID for your job as CPO/EPO but you can get recognised by the Minister of Labor with that specific title of being (PPO) Personal Protection Officer and that will be a proof after you compliy to their law by providing your Certifications and test from the Labor Office, and then you can get that Job title into your Civillian ID through the Minister of Interior. – Loay El-Meschtawy

Where do you stand in the discussion regarding firearms and whether to carry or not to carry on assignments?

My background is in law enforcement, with advanced degrees in law and police sciences, along with human rights training. Because of that, my view on firearms comes down to local law and strict operational necessity. It is never about ego or looking tactical. In corporate security, bringing a gun into the mix drastically changes your legal exposure. In crowded spaces or during high-pressure public events like the elections I have managed, relying too much on a visible armed presence usually backfires. It creates panic instead of a sense of safety.

In professional protection, your brain and your awareness and good judgment are still your primary tools, which aligns directly with ASIS International standards. Pulling a weapon means every single one of your early lines of defense has completely broken down. It means your route reconnaissance, your counter-surveillance, your site fanning, and your defensive driving strategies all failed. For corporate clients in Egypt, a low-profile, quiet approach is always better. You use smart positioning and de-escalation to handle issues before they blow up. The goal isn’t to win a shootout; it’s to make sure the client gets where they need to go safely, without drawing any unnecessary public attention. – Mohamed (Ashraf) Khrbosh

How do cultural or political factors influence the security landscape in your region?

In Egypt and much of the MENA region, security is shaped primarily by state control, regulatory permissions, and public order laws, rather than by street crime alone. Public gatherings and organised movement are closely monitored, which means EP operations focus on discretion, compliant movement, and low-profile presence instead of overt protective posture.

Regional geopolitics also directly influences local risk. Developments linked to Gaza, Sinai history, and wider Middle East tensions periodically raise threat sensitivity, even when daily life in Cairo appears calm.

Culturally, visibility increases exposure. High-net-worth individuals, executives, and foreign nationals naturally attract attention, which drives demand for controlled mobility, vetted drivers, and strong situational awareness rather than heavy formations or visible force. – Karim Bremer

How does operating in Egypt differ from Anywhere Else?

Working in Egypt differs sharply from Western operational models or standard international frameworks (like standard UK/US corporate EP models) in several foundational ways, so it’s an everyday challenge for us as Professional Operators.

– The “Low Profile” Mandate: High-profile, aggressive, overt security formations (common in high-threat kinetic zones) often draw unwanted attention from local authorities or look anomalous in upscale Egyptian neighbourhoods. The challenge lies in maintaining a tight, effective security bubble while remaining completely low-profile and culturally seamless, so we keep it as low-profile as we can.

–  The Checkpoint Ecosystem: Navigating urban and highway travel requires a specific protocol. Passing through civilian-military checkpoints requires an operator who understands the security protocols and can brief the whole team and clients, and also align with the authorities, so the communication challenge also exists, carrying impeccable paperwork, and possesses the professional poise to liaise effectively with conscripted and professional state forces without creating friction.  

– That will be referring back to the previous answer that we can be protected by our network, as it’s our framework and regular SOP, so that’s why foreigners are forbidden to operate in Egypt due to the Law No. 86 of 2015 Compliance, and that’s making it more challenging for Freelancers as me and the law is enforcing to work through entities, so we as for Certificates, work orders and required papers of mission, and can also be a cooperative chance and exchanging expertise. – Loay El-Meschtawy

What are the unique tools and tech you carry to help you work in your country?

I used to head technical inspection and operational departments, so when it comes to gear, I only care about what actually works on the street. I have no interest in flashy, heavy tactical equipment that just slows a team down. In major Egyptian cities, infrastructure changes constantly, and networks can get jammed during massive national events. Your lifelines are reliable communication and constant power.

My daily kit is built around staying connected. I use dual-SIM, encrypted devices set up on different local networks so we do not lose signal in cellular dead zones or congested areas. Long hours in transit mean we need serious power backups, reliable power banks, and vehicle charging systems to keep our tracking and telematics online.

We also use digital checklists and run thorough mechanical checks on our vehicles based on manufacturer specs. To spot traffic issues or sudden hazards, we keep a close eye on local open-source info (OSINT) and use updated navigation software.

For emergencies, we install hidden panic buttons linked straight to a command center, following recognized standard TAPA TSR guidelines. Of course, a compact trauma kit (IFAK) with tourniquets is always within arm’s reach. Technology is great for making quick decisions, but it is just a tool to back up solid fieldcraft, not a replacement for it. – Mohamed (Ashraf) Khrbosh

What are emerging trends or challenges in private security and personal protection in Egypt?

• Rising compliance and data protection obligations around CCTV systems, access logs, investigations, and evidence handling.
• Strong shift away from static guarding toward intelligence-led EP, secure mobility, and advanced work.
• Growing client expectation for real-time local intelligence, dynamic routing, and rapid decision-making.
• Clear divide between low-cost manpower providers and professional EP firms operating with structured planning, medical capability, communications discipline, and layered contingency models.
• In practice, professional EP operators are almost always former police or military, legally authorised to work in the private sector, with established networks inside local security ecosystems. In Egypt, knowing how authorities operate, who to contact, and how to de-escalate quietly often matters more than visible force.
• Increasing influence of GCC-style licensing, oversight, and performance expectations on how serious providers structure training, documentation, and quality control. – Karim Bremer

For their participation in the series, EP Wired would like to thank Loay El-Meschtawy, Mohamed (Ashraf) Khrbosh, and Karim Bremer.

Find the previous series entries here:

• Executive Protection Around the World: The UK
• Executive Protection Around the World: India
• Executive Protection Around the World: Nigeria
• Executive Protection Around the World: The UAE
• Executive Protection Around the World: Argentina
• Executive Protection Around the World: Kenya
• Executive Protection Around the World: Finland