Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance
Mainland License — Compare Across 4 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 1,500
Abu Dhabi
4 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
ADDED — Per-activity fee
AED 1,500
DED fee: AED 1500
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
SEDD — Per-license (quote required)
Approvals: Sharjah Police Headquarters, Department of Criminal Investigation
Quote required
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
RAK DED — Category-based
AED 400–10,000
RAK uses 5 fee categories (AED 400-10,000). Exact category depends on activity.
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About This Activity
Includes installing security systems and equipment, such as security doors, metal detectors, thermal binoculars, and police specialized equipment, also, surveillance equipment such as observation cameras, anti-burglar, motion detectors, intercoms, alarms, access control, barrier gates, it involves repairing and maintaining such equipment.
Our Analysis
Abu Dhabi charges AED 1,500 for a security equipment installation and maintenance license. Ajman's flat AED 600 looks cheaper on paper, but add the mandatory DED fees and you're at AED 4,500 — triple the headline number.
Dubai runs on the formula: roughly AED 8,000 base plus 5% of your annual rent. For a security contractor working from a small office in Business Bay at AED 40,000 rent, that's AED 10,000 total. The trade-off is access: Dubai's commercial property market generates constant demand for CCTV, access control, and alarm installations. Sharjah requires approval from the local Municipality but keeps its per-activity fees private.
This activity covers everything from CCTV cameras and biometric access systems to fire alarm panels and perimeter fencing. The UAE's security equipment market is growing fast — every new building, hotel, and warehouse needs a licensed installer.
100% foreign ownership is allowed across all four emirates. No local sponsor needed. The downside: you'll likely need SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) approval in Dubai, which adds both time and compliance cost.
Our recommendation: Dubai for the largest project pipeline. Abu Dhabi at AED 1,500 if you're targeting government and oil sector facilities. Ajman only if you're servicing the Northern Emirates market.
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Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance license cost in Abu Dhabi?
The government DED fee for a Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance license in Abu Dhabi is AED 1,500. This is the cheapest among the 4 emirates where this activity is available. Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, and external approval charges.
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance license?
Abu Dhabi offers the lowest government fee at AED 1,500. However, total setup costs also depend on office rent, visa requirements, and any external approvals needed for this activity.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.
What approvals are needed for a Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Contracting and building works (Dubai), Sharjah Police Headquarters (Sharjah), Department of Criminal Investigation (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance license cost in Dubai?
Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
Is Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance is available for mainland licensing in 4 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, RAK. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.
What type of license is Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance in the UAE?
Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance falls under the Professional license category in the UAE. Professional licenses cover consultancy, services, and skilled trades.
Is it cheaper to get a Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper at AED 1,500 versus Dubai's estimated AED 10,500 (at AED 50,000 rent). However, Dubai offers a larger market with 3.6 million residents and 16 million annual tourists.
How long does it take to get a Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance mainland license?
Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.
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