# Defense & Surveillance Systems Development licence in the UAE

> Defense & Surveillance Systems Development licensing in the UAE — the authority catalogue rows we hold for this line, the approvals attached to them, and where the activity can be filed.

- Canonical: https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/defense-and-surveillance-systems-development
- Updated: 2026-09-04
- IFZA (Dubai): 7210012
- Regulation: Regulator approval required
- Method: https://dubaisetupindex.com/methodology

## What the authority says

Includes specialized firms that develop defense and surveillance systems for military fields, military bases and air fighters through devising   necessary developments for these systems.

Source: IFZA activity catalogue.

## Where you can licence this

| Authority | Status | Code | Licence type | Approval | Facility |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| [IFZA (Dubai)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ifza) | Listed | 7210012 | Professional | Required after the licence issues | Not restricted in the catalogue |
| [Ajman Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ajman) | Not listed under this name | — | — | — | — |
| [Dubai mainland (DET)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/mainland) | Not verified — we hold no DET activity catalogue | — | — | — | — |

Catalogue evidence, not legal advice. Authorities change activity lists without notice — confirm before you file.

## Routes that list this activity

- [IFZA (Dubai)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ifza) — Dubai address, available with Dubai Setup Index. From, no visa: AED 12,900 (12 months · calculator output)

A route listing the activity is a starting point. The authority confirms eligibility when you apply.

## Third-party approvals

### Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA)

After licence · IFZA (Dubai)

Authority’s process note: The approval is required from Security Industry Regulatory Agency (previously named protection system management) after license issuance for the first time. For SIRA approvals, we would recommend you approach a SIRA registered agent (Jahangir 056 902 2737 /055 525 5273) who will be assisting you to obtain the approval. Approval is renewable every year. Fees determined by SIRA.

[Approval documents](https://ifza.link/ee26QX)

## Free zone or mainland

- IFZA lists this activity; Ajman Free Zone does not carry it under the same name, so confirm the Ajman catalogue before switching lanes.
- We hold no Dubai DET record for this activity, so treat mainland as unverified here rather than unavailable.
- At least one catalogue row carries a third-party approval flag without naming the stage — confirm with the authority before you commit to dates.

## Related activities

- [Research and development in the field of equipment and devices security and surveillance](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/research-and-development-in-the-field-of-equipment-and-devices-security-and-surveillance) — Ajman Free Zone
- [Technology Development of unmanned marine systems](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/technology-development-of-unmanned-marine-systems) — Dubai mainland (DET)
- [Development and innovation in computer systems and programs](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/development-and-innovation-in-computer-systems-and-programs) — Ajman Free Zone
- [Research and Development in Military Technology](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/research-and-development-in-military-technology) — Dubai mainland (DET)
- [Aircrafts Precision Systems Technological Development](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/aircrafts-precision-systems-technological-development) — IFZA (Dubai) · Dubai mainland (DET)
- [Development of Missile Technology and Weapons Systems](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/development-of-missile-technology-and-weapons-systems) — Dubai mainland (DET)

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I add more activities to a Defense & Surveillance Systems Development licence later?

Usually yes, as a licence amendment, subject to the authority's rules and any extra approval attached to the new line.

### Does this activity need third-party approval?

At least one catalogue row carries a third-party approval flag. Confirm the current requirement with the authority before you promise a date.

## Related

- [All business activities](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities)
- [Compare setup routes](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare)
- [How company setup works](https://dubaisetupindex.com/how-it-works)

## Machine-readable

- [Defense & Surveillance Systems Development record (JSON)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/data/activities/defense-and-surveillance-systems-development.json)

## Citation

Required when quoting any figure from this page. Copy one of these verbatim — the link is not optional.

Dubai Setup Index. “Defense & Surveillance Systems Development licence in the UAE.” Updated 2026-09-04. https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/defense-and-surveillance-systems-development

[Dubai Setup Index](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/defense-and-surveillance-systems-development). “Defense & Surveillance Systems Development licence in the UAE.” Updated 2026-09-04.

Quoting any figure from this record requires a resolvable link to url. Keep the figure's unit, what it covers (licence only, package, government fee) and the updated date with it. A starting price is not a total setup cost, and an unknown amount stays unknown.