In the fourth edition of our breakthrough series, EP Wired is taking a closer look at executive protection in the UAE. 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?
Executive protection in the UAE requires a different toolkit than what is used in many other regions. This is a country where regulation is strict, firearms are restricted, and visibility can work against you. Protection teams here succeed not through force, but through planning, coordination, and cultural intelligence.
Movement across multiple emirates, large-scale events, dense urban areas, and a mix of public and private environments creates a dynamic operating landscape. From luxury hotels and business districts to desert retreats, cultural venues, and private residences, each setting requires a different approach. The ability to stay ahead of the client’s schedule without interfering with it is essential.
Cultural fluency is just as important as logistics. In the UAE, professionalism, etiquette, and discretion are expected. Clients don’t want security that draws attention. They want it to work silently in the background, allowing them to move through their day without friction. – Jonathon Breath
What are the unexpected benefits of executive protection in the UAE?
One of the most unexpected benefits of executive protection in the UAE is how the role naturally shifts from reactive security to proactive risk management. The country’s strong infrastructure, low violent crime rate, and highly capable law enforcement allow protection professionals to focus more on anticipation, planning, and discretion rather than constant confrontation.
Another key benefit is the level of cooperation across sectors. Hotels, venues, transport providers, and private entities are accustomed to working with protection teams and generally operate at a very high professional standard. This cooperation significantly improves operational flow and reduces friction during movements or events.
Additionally, the UAE’s multicultural environment sharpens situational awareness. Operating in a setting where dozens of nationalities, customs, and behaviors intersect forces protection professionals to develop strong emotional intelligence and adaptability. Ultimately, the UAE rewards quiet professionalism. Those who work with discipline, restraint, and respect for protocol tend to build long-term trust and sustainable careers in the region.– Hadi Suilman
How does operating in your country differ from working anywhere else?
The UAE is not like any other country when it comes to safety and security. There are over 1000 different security companies that operate in the UAE. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. That is why there are authorities in place that regulate the security industry for each Emirate. In Dubai, there is the Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA). In Abu Dhabi, there is the Private Security Business Department (PSBD).
For any person to legally operate in a security capacity, they must have a Security License appropriate to the Emirate in which they will operate. This involves sitting through in-class training, providing a valid residency VISA, police background clearance, and issuance of the physical license.
I have seen many instances where people or even companies have task requirements come up in the UAE, but have issues when it comes to performing the tasks. The legal requirements are strictly enforced, and if caught operating outside the legal requirements, heavy fines can be imposed. UK and US EP licenses are not recognised unless you also obtain the local license approving you to operate within the country.
When it comes to actually working on a task, things are often on a whole new planet in the UAE. If you believe that you have seen above and beyond extravagant in other countries, you are in for a shock working here.
Each client has their own specifics and requests, but no matter how outrageous the request, it can be provided. If they want an all-gold convoy of Rolls-Royce cars for their visit, they will get it. Typically, celebrity clients who want to be noticed request the big black Cadillac Escalade with the biggest and tallest EP that we can find. Clients who want a more low-profile appearance will request the nice new Mercedes S-Class and experienced military background EP. This is where I come in. Many Western clients request an American or British EP. – Tim Allen
What kind of training or certification do you need to be working in the UAE?
In the UAE, legal compliance and professionalism are essential. Depending on the role, protection professionals may operate under licensed security companies, consultancy frameworks, or corporate protection structures. Regulatory compliance, including holding relevant approvals such as SIRA certification in Dubai, is a key requirement for operating legally and professionally within the country.
Beyond licensing, there is a strong expectation of solid foundational training. This includes executive protection principles, threat and risk assessment, surveillance detection, defensive driving concepts, and emergency response. However, certifications alone are not sufficient. The UAE places significant value on conduct, communication skills, discretion, and an understanding of local laws and cultural norms.
What ultimately differentiates effective operators is the ability to adapt international experience to the UAE environment while maintaining strict professionalism and alignment with local regulations. Judgment, restraint, and consistency are just as important as technical qualifications. – Hadi Suilman
Where do you stand in the discussion regarding firearms and whether to carry or not to carry on assignments?
In the UAE, owning any type of firearm is strictly illegal. Only members of the royal family, police, or military are allowed to own a firearm. Saying that, incidents involving knives and other hand-held weapons do still occur, but are rare.
Fun fact: There are almost as many cameras in the UAE as residents. Not even kidding. It is the safest country in the world when it comes to petty theft and crime. The use of Executive Protection is something that is reserved for those who want to be seen and perceived as someone of power and notoriety.
Unless an EP has governmental approvals, Diplomatic authorities, and a top-tier security clearance, the EP is to perform all tasks without a firearm. 90% of the places that the principal will visit have internal security with strong access points equipped with metal detectors or physical search protocols.
Regardless of where we go, I will always carry a hidden knife, flashlight, and flint ignitor on me at all times while on task. I will also keep a fully stocked first responder bag outfitted with anything that I might need in an emergency situation in the trunk of the car that the principal is riding in. – Tim Allen
What are the most common types of threats or security concerns faced by clients in your country?
The UAE maintains a reputation as one of the safest countries in the world. However, high-profile individuals, executives, and business travelers still face serious risks that are often misunderstood. These threats are rarely physical. More often, they involve digital exposure, reputation damage, and privacy breaches.
Clients are frequently targeted through social engineering, unauthorized tracking, or information leaks tied to social media, unsecured communications, or predictable travel patterns. In fast-moving cities like Dubai, visibility itself creates vulnerability.
Operational risk is often linked to informal arrangements. Unvetted drivers, poorly trained personnel, or last-minute logistics can create exposure points. The local environment may feel secure, but effective protection still requires structure, planning, and well-vetted teams. – Jonathon Breath
How do cultural or political factors influence the security landscape in the region?
Cultural and political factors strongly shape how executive protection is conducted in the UAE. The country is built on stability, respect for authority, and clearly defined boundaries. Security professionals are expected to operate with restraint, discipline, and a deep respect for local customs and leadership.
From a cultural perspective, discretion is critical. Highly visible or aggressive security postures are generally discouraged. The most effective protection work here is often invisible, relying on planning, coordination, and situational awareness rather than force. A lack of cultural understanding can quickly turn a security professional into a liability.
Politically, the UAE is highly structured and proactive, creating a stable environment but leaving little room for improvisation outside legal frameworks. This pushes executive protection toward intelligence-led planning, lawful coordination, and clear communication. Those who succeed in the region understand that protection here is based as much on judgment and respect as it is on technical capability. – Hadi Suilman
What are the unique tools and tech you carry to help you work in your country?
One of the biggest things that clients love to attend in the UAE are nightclubs and music events. These are loud, crowded, and full of potential threats. I carry a green laser pointer when I am on a task and will be attending an event. This non-verbal visual tool keeps people back, can notify event security quickly, and point out potential threats to others on the team without having to shout over the music.
Clients will often request that the security team carry radios with earpieces. These are readily available and often help with communication within the team. The only downside is that there are 10 million people living in the UAE, and many companies, such as construction and facility maintenance, use radios for daily operations.
Often, I have run into issues with cross-talk on channels that we thought were clear, but when we arrive on site, the channel is being used. Radios that use a higher bandwidth and 6-digit encryption are not allowed to be used without a licence and approvals. Again, very strict.
My personal preference is to carry a fully stocked first responder bag with me on every task. Not many EPs have one, and not many have the knowledge to build one on their own. Having a bag like this amplifies your chances when it comes to a security provider selecting the right EP for a task. There are many different medical qualification courses to take, HABC level 3 first aid, FREC 3, and Basic Life Support. These medical qualifications will give you an advantage in any task in the UAE, and some tasks even require them to be accepted to work in it. – Tim Allen
What are some emerging trends or challenges in the field of private security and personal protection in your country?
The private security sector in the UAE is evolving rapidly, shaped by how clients live, work, and conduct business in high-demand environments such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Protection today goes well beyond traditional models. Clients expect integrated support across mobility, privacy, logistics, concierge, and operational continuity. These services are expected to blend into their lifestyle without disruption.
Technology is accelerating that shift. With biometric systems, citywide surveillance, and AI-based monitoring now embedded in daily life, security firms must understand how to operate within these systems, not apart from them.
One emerging concern is the number of firms offering protective services under “consultancy” titles without holding the appropriate Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) licenses for operational work. This workaround is particularly noticeable in Dubai, where a high concentration of expatriate-led firms operate through free zones or general consultancy setups. While not always intentional, this practice blurs the line between advisory and regulated protection services.
As the market matures, clients need to become more selective. Vetting security vendors for both capability and compliance is essential, especially in a jurisdiction where regulatory expectations are clear and non-negotiable. – Jonathon Breath
For their participation in the series, EP Wired would like to thank Jonathon Breath, Hadi Suilman, and Tim Allen.
Find the previous series entries here:
