The Registration of Physical Security Professionals in the UAE

Abstract

Many professions are registered or licensed to ensure the competency of the provided services, especially ones that have close interactions with the public, such as in the medical sector. In the security sector of the UAE, security guards are heavily regulated at the federal and local levels of each emirate. However, Physical Security Professionals (PSPs) are not fully regulated in the UAE. PSPs are individuals who advise and consult customers, whether the customers are individuals, private businesses, or government organizations, on the overall aspects of the physical security of their establishments; and provide risk assessments. Given that PSPs are not fully regulated and provide discreet services for customers, the significance of the problem is that it needs to be clarified if the existing system for registering PSPs is optimal from the perspective of the nation, clients, and PSPs. This research study used a qualitative approach methodology. The main data sources were interviews with subject matter experts from academia, legislators, and individuals working as PSPs and grey literature and studies on similar subjects. The study results decided that there is no need to implement new legislation. The current PSPs regulations are effective to an extent. The probability of PSPs-related possible market failures, identified in the research by undertaking an impact statement, is relatively low and there have not been recorded incidents to address an identified problem. Moreover, issuing new legislation will not be efficient as it will increase costs for governments, businesses, and PSPs. Nevertheless, the research recommended some policy and informational changes to enhance the effectiveness and increase efficiency of the current regulations.

Date of Award	Dec 2022
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Athol Yates (Supervisor)