During the opening of the initiative, Eng. Arif Al Janahi, Security Consultant at the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, welcomed the participants in the qualification programme and emphasised the importance of benefiting from their national expertise and capabilities. Addressing the participants, he said: “You are an asset to this country. Your expertise represents a national value that we take pride in, and your role in serving the UAE and contributing to its security and stability continues.”
H.E. Khalifa Ibrahim Al Saleis, CEO of the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, said: “The Emirati Cadres Qualification Initiative reflects SIRA’s commitment to empowering national talent, investing in accumulated Emirati expertise, and creating new opportunities for Emiratis to continue contributing to the private security ecosystem in the Emirate of Dubai. We believe that retirees represent an important national asset, given their extensive knowledge, expertise, and practical experience. Through this initiative, we seek to harness and benefit from this expertise in ways that serve the sector and the community while strengthening the presence of national talent across its various fields.”
The Security Industry Regulatory Agency announced the initiative in January 2026 and immediately began preparations, alongside launching a dedicated website to receive applications. The initiative attracted significant interest, with more than 400 applications received.
In July 2026, SIRA launched assessment tests for applicants to evaluate their competencies and skills and determine their readiness to progress to the training stage. The assessments resulted in more than 120 Emirati retirees qualifying to join the programme.
The qualification programme runs for two weeks at Aman Training Centre, with the participation of a distinguished group of trainers and specialists from several military and civilian entities. It features a comprehensive training programme combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, contributing to the development of participants’ skills and enhancing their overall readiness.
Eng. Khalid Al Hammadi, Director of Metrology and Controling Department at the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, said: “The qualification of more than 120 Emirati retirees for this stage followed a comprehensive process that began with receiving more than 400 applications, followed by assessment tests and evaluations of applicants’ readiness. The two-week qualification programme was designed to combine theoretical learning with practical application, with the participation of trainers and specialists from military and civilian entities. It aims to develop participants’ skills and enhance their readiness for the next stage in line with the requirements and standards of the private security sector.”
The initiative aims to qualify Emirati cadres, develop their skills, enhance their readiness, and leverage the accumulated national expertise of retirees, thereby strengthening the presence of Emirati talent and its active contribution to the private security sector and the wider community.
The qualification programme represents a key stage in the initiative’s journey. Through this programme, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency seeks to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills while leveraging their expertise and national capabilities, opening new opportunities for them to continue contributing to the development and advancement of Dubai’s private security ecosystem.