SIRA Forum to outline new ‘Regulation of Security Industry Law’ governing frameworks, guidelines, and expectations

Dubai, UAE, January 11, 2017:  The launch of Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) will feature in a full conference programme at Intersec 2017, where leading decision makers will discuss a new law governing the Emirate’s security industry framework, guidelines and expectations.

The SIRA Forum takes place on 24 January at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, where Brigadier Khalifa Ibrahim Saleis, SIRA’s Director General, will provide an overview of the formation of the regulatory body and the issuance of the ‘Regulation of Security Industry Law’ in Dubai (Law No. 12 – 2016).

Saleis said SIRA was formed by the Dubai Government with a wider remit than the Department of Protective Systems (DPS) it replaces, continuing all the licensing and regulatory functions held by DPS, but broadening its work further into research and development.

“SIRA will more actively monitor service providers and set new general policies in Dubai’s security industry,” said Saleis.  “It will also set down the specifications and standards which must be followed, and has the ability to update these as required, without the need to pass fresh legislation on each occasion that a revision is required.”

Saleis said SIRA’s Law No.12 repeals Law No. 24 (2008) regarding security services providers, but the current technical regulations provisions of Law No. 24 remain in force and are currently being reviewed and updated.  “The key element of the powers granted to SIRA is that such regulations can be amended without recourse to primary legislation,” he added. “This will make the process of adapting to progress in technology more nimble and timely where necessary.”
The SIRA Forum takes place on the final day of Intersec 2017, the world’s largest trade fair for the security, safety, and fire protection industries, which runs from 22-24 January.

“Intersec is the largest gathering of security professionals across the Gulf and Middle East region,” added Saleis.  “It makes perfect sense to use this opportunity to explain the changes being made to showcase the new expanded role of SIRA and to allow industry professionals to ask questions directly of SIRA representatives.”

The three-day Intersec conference programme is supported by the Dubai Police and the Dubai Civil Defence, offering delegates an interactive platform to meet, network with, and hear from regional and international experts in fire safety, commercial and cyber security, emergency response, crisis management and infrastructure protection.

Ahmed Pauwels, the CEO of Intersec’s organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The Intersec Conference line-up has always been a big drawcard and attracts wide interest among the regional safety and security communities. 

“With the SIRA Forum leading the way, it will once again feature key topics and focus on latest developments, regulations, innovative solutions, regional and international case studies on security challenges and improvement opportunities that exist across the region.”

In addition to the SIRA Forum, the programme includes the Intersec Fire Safety Conference on 22 January, where the Dubai Civil Defence will release an updated version of UAE fire safety codes.

The two-day Intersec Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Security Conference on 23-24 January, meanwhile will discuss strategies for improving physical security, cyber security, protection and business continuity solutions to critical infrastructure and information assets.

The 19th edition of Intersec will feature 1,304 exhibitors from 58 countries, while over 31,000 visitors from 128 countries are expected to attend as they seek the latest solutions across seven show sections of Commercial Security, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, Homeland Security & Policing, Perimeter & Physical Security, Information Security, and Smart Home & Building Automation.

The three-day event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and officially supported by Dubai Police, the Dubai Civil Defence, and Dubai Police Academy.