For the application of the provisions hereof, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings assigned thereto respectively, unless the context otherwise requires:
State: United Arab Emirates;
Ministry: Ministry of Interior;
Minister: Minister of Interior;
Undersecretary: Undersecretary of the Ministry;
Law: Law No. (8) of 2004 on the Security of Sports Facilities and Events;
Competent Authority: A public police command in any Emirate that is concerned with the security of sports facilities and events;
Competent Entity: Any entity concerned with the engineering matters of facilities and buildings in each Emirate;
Sports Facilities: buildings used for the purpose of management and implementation of Sports Events, whether public or private;
Sports Events: Every sports activity or event organized in a sports facility or a whereabouts designated for the organization of such activities and events;
Organizer: A natural or corporate person which organizes a Sports Event in a whereabouts designated for that purpose;
Private Security Companies: Companies licensed pursuant to the aforementioned Federal Law No. 37 of 2006;    
Private Security Company Personnel: Security officers affiliated to Private Security Companies; 
Facility Security Officer: A security officer appointed by the sports body to provide security service according to the law; 
Event Security Officer:  A security officer appointed by the Organizer to fulfill the security service for a Sports Event according to the law; 
Police Observer: a police and security officer who undertakes the security supervision of the progress of Sports Events;
Security of Sports Facilities: Is securing the safety of whereabouts and facilities designated for different types of sports, including buildings, accommodations and visitors, which are used for the management and implementation of Sports Events, whether public or private, against internal and external risks and threats; 
Security of Sports Event: Is providing safety and security means for each sports activity or event organized in a sports facility or a whereabouts designated for same. 
Sports Audience: Persons watching Sports Events within and around a sports facility.
 

This regulations seeks to achieve the following objectives:
1. Maintain security in sports facilities and events, especially in connection with the establishment of rules to protect the sports audience within sports facilities during Sports Events.
2. Control the acts of sports audience and refine their conduct.
3. Coordinate and build a mutual understanding relationship between the Competent Authority, sports facility, and organizer of Sports Events; and
4. Develop security levels in sports facilities and events, upgrade the level and efficiency of security.   
 

Those responsible for sports facilities and organizers hall hire private security companies to maintain security and order upon organizing Sports Events, subject to all terms and conditions laid down both in the Law and herein.

Those responsible for the sports facility and organizers shall provide a sufficient number of private security companies personnel, both males and females, in agreement with the Police Observer, depending on the size and whereabouts of the sport event.

1. The Sports Facility and the Organizer shall prepare a guide for administrative and organizational aspects and take necessary measures to ensure that it is implemented and observed when any Sports Event is organized.
2. The guide mentioned in Section (1) of this Article shall be updated depending on circumstances and developments.
3. The guide mentioned in this Article, or any amendment thereof may be effective only after being approved by the Competent Authority.

The Administrative and Organizational Guide of Sports Facilities and Events specified in Article (5) hereof must include the following:
1. A scheme of the location of the facility indicating emergency exits and all engineering details necessary to study the security level of the Sports Facility.
2. The administrative and organizational structure of the Facility indicating all administrative relations, levels of supervision and authority.
3. Responsibilities and functions of private security companies.
4. A scheme indicating major vital utilities, which serve beneficiaries (e.g. service utilities, clinic, restaurants).
5. Tasks and functions of the facility security officer and event security officer.
6. An overall plan to address emergency in the Facility after being approved by the Competent Entity and Civil Defense.
7. Security and safety systems procedures in the Facility.
8. Guide for communication with different levels in the Facility.
 

1. Those responsible for the Sports Facility or the Organizer, as the case may be, shall coordinate with the Police Observer to count all needs required for the security of the Sports Facility, including security devices or equipment; these needs must be approved by the Competent Authority.
2. The Sports Facility or the Organizer, as the case may be, shall provide the needs mentioned in Article (1) of this Article, at the beginning of each sports season; this shall be documented in a coordination report with the Police Observer.
 

For the purposes of obtaining necessary approvals to organize a Sports Event, the Sports Facility and the Organizer shall provide devices, equipment and technologies, including the following as minimum:
1. A technological system to address the sports audience covering all places where the sport event is organized.
2. Providing the Sports Facility and the whereabouts of the Sports Event with a wired and wireless communication system.
3. Sensitive inspection devices at gates and entrances of the Sports Facility and the whereabouts of the Sports Event.
4. A televised operations and surveillance room meeting the following requirements:
    a. Installation of surveillance systems, inside and outside the Facility, or the whereabouts of the Sports Event; these should be close to the entry points.
    b. Controlling cameras from the surveillance room to be connected to the Police’s surveillance devices.
    c. Linking the first aid, emergency, Police Observer and fire services with the operations room.
    d. The operations room shall be overlooking the whereabouts of the event and other areas necessary for security and safety.
    e. Connecting the operations room with giant monitors in the Sports Facility and venues where the sports event takes place.
    f. Any other requirements decided by virtue of a Minister's decision.

The sport facilities and organizers shall:
1. Qualify their personnel to carry out and manage Sports Events by enrolling them into training courses, which match the protection and security programs and means to deal with the sports audience in coordination with the Competent Authority in this regard.
2. Enable the Competent Authority to install surveillance devices and equipment as per the circumstances.
 

1. The Sports Facility and the Organizer shall abide by:
    a. Security and safety requirements and standards specified by the Civil Defense for the Sports Facility and venues where the Sports Event is organized, in accordance with international standards.
    b. Engineering and technical standards specified by the Competent Authority with regard to the Sports Facility and venues where the Sports Event will be organized.
2. Ensuring that requirements and standards specified in Item (1) hereof are fulfilled shall be made through coordination between the Competent Entity and the Competent Authority.
3. The Competent Authority shall not permit the organization of the sports event in case standards and requirements specified in this Article are not fulfilled.
 

1. The Ministry and the Competent Authority, in coordination with sports facilities and organizers, shall determine the action mechanisms for plans devised as per Article (5) of the Law. The purpose of this is to secure sports facilities and events, protect VIPs and audience within these facilities; and secure their entry into and exit from same during the organization of the Sports Event. Mechanisms specified therein should be capable of addressing all circumstances and events.
2. The Competent Authority shall ensure that all entities and persons in charge of the security of the Sports Event are aware of the security plan approved and procedures, which should be taken by them; they should be provided with an overview of potential security risks and threats during the progress of the event.
 

The Organizer should cooperate with the Competent Authority with regard to securing the Sports Facility or places prepared for the organization of the Sports Event through the following:
1. Visiting the venue where the Sports Event will take place to ensure that security and safety requirements specified in the Law and its Executive Regulations are fulfilled, in accordance with the International Sports Regulations organizing the Sports Events.
2. Inspecting the site before the development of the security plan and documentation of important information.
3. Developing a security plan, which considers the site, engineering structure and all circumstances surrounding the venue of the Sports Event, and identifying potential risks, threats and entities taking part in the process of securing the Sports Event.
4. Ensuring the effectiveness of plans set by the Facility Security Officer or the Event Security Officer and the private security companies’ personnel.
5. Approving the security plans necessary for the organization of the Sports Events and follow up on implementation thereof following approval thereof.

1. It is a prerequisite for a Sports Event to be organized in an Emirate of the State to obtain the approval of the Competent Authority beforehand; the application for approval shall be submitted no less than fifteen days prior to the date of the Sports Event.
2. In case the Sports Event is organized in more than one Emirate, the approval of the Ministry shall be required; the application for approval shall be submitted no less than thirty days prior to the date of the Sports Events. In such a case, the Competent Authority shall coordinate with relevant bodies concerning the organization of the Sports Event, and it shall refer the results of such coordination to the Ministry for decision thereupon.
 

1. The application for approval of the organization of a Sports Event shall include the following documents and papers:
    a. A copy of a license to exercise the sports activity or a permit for non-sports entities from the competent entity of the Emirate, as the case may be.
    b. A written approval to organize the Sports Event issued by the licensor of performing the sports activity.
    c. The venue of the Sports Event, which meets the safety and security requirements specified in the Safety Regulations of the International, Continental and Local Federations, requirements and standards specified in Article (10) hereof.
    d. The contact concluded with the Private Security Company, which will provide security services to organize the Sports Event.
    e. A decision to appoint the Facility Security Officer and the Event Security Officer.
    f. A complete file containing all security plans necessary to secure the safe organization of the Sports Event being approved by the Competent Authority.
    g. Filling out an application form for the organization of the Sports Event containing the following data:
        a. Nature of the event.
        b. Nationalities of participants.
        c. The expected number of audience.
        d. Date, venue and duration of the event.
        e. Whether or not VIPs will attend.
        f. Identifying a mechanism for the audience’s entry (tickets); ticket providers, number and selling outlets.
2. Complying with instructions of the Competent Authority as to the provision of the adequate number of the Private Security Companies’ Personnel who speak Arabic or any other language which is appropriate for the Sports Event.
3. In case the application for approval of the organization of a Sports Event and documents specified in Paragraph (1) hereof are not completed, the Sports Event shall be cancelled. The Organizer may submit a new application to organize the same only after relevant requirements are fulfilled.

Those in charge of a Sports Event shall appoint a Facility Security Officer subject to the following procedures:
1. Obtaining the approval of the Private Security Companies Department at the Ministry.
2. Obtaining the approval of the Competent Authority.

The Facility Security Officer to be appointed should meet the following requirements:
1. Be a national of the State.
2. Holds achievement certificates on several courses of security and safety as determined by the Private Security Companies Department.
3. Has experience as determined by the Department concerned with Private Security Companies.
4. Any other requirements decided by the Minister's resolution.
 

In the course of performing his duty, the Facility Security Officer shall undertake the following tasks:
1. Maintain the security and safety of the Sports Facility.
2. Undertake security and protection tasks.
3. Monitor materials, which enter into the Sports Facility.
4. Develop detailed plans of evacuation and security and conduct necessary training on a regular basis to be approved by the Competent Authority.
 

Twenty-four hours prior to the organization of the Sports Event, the Facility Security Officer shall undertake the following tasks:
1. Ensure the preparation of the security requirements of the venue of the Sports Event, exits and entrances.
2. Secure the necessary requirements of security for the venue of the Sports Event in coordination with the Police Observer.
3. Coordinate with the Police Observer the facilitation of traffic on all roads leading to the venue of the Sports Event and secure the parking of vehicles.
4. Set measures to educate the audience about their duties, rights, and responsibilities within the Sports Facility in coordination with the Event Security Officer.
5. Prepare, in advance, the Sports Events with regard to the control of security in the Sports Facility in coordination with the Police Observer.
6. Take appropriate actions to minimize and report violations within the venue of the Sports Facility.
 

While the Sports Event is on progress, the Facility Security Officer shall undertake the following tasks:
1. Monitor the content and location of posters and banners in coordination with the Police Observer.
2. Monitor the application and validity of the security and safety standards and requirements and report any violation to the Police Observer.
3. Set and carry out necessary measures to assign seats of VIPs, media actors, audience, and other guests of the Sports Facility.
4. Keep the Sports Facility’s workers informed of security and safety procedures.
 

After the end of the Sports Event, the Facility Security Officer shall undertake the following tasks:
1. Take all necessary measures to evacuate the Sports Facility from workers, athletes, and audience.
2. Take all measures protection and security measures necessary while athletes, workers and audience are leaving the Facility.
3. Provide any information requested by the Police Observer.
4. Provide the Competent Authority with all information related to the security and safety of the Sports Facility. 
 

The Facility Security Officer shall abide by all orders and instructions issued by the Police Observer with regard to the security of the Sports Events.

Each Organizer shall appoint a Security Officer for each Sports Event as per the following procedures:
1. Obtaining the approval of the Department concerned with Private Security Companies at the Ministry.
2. Obtaining the approval of the Competent Authority.
 

The Event Security Officer to be appointed should meet all the requirements specified in Article (16) hereof.

In the course of performing his duty, the Event Security Officer shall train on the detailed plans of evacuation and security of the Event on a regular basis, subject to approval thereof by the Competent Authority.

Twenty-four hours prior to the organization of the Sports Event, the Event Security Officer shall undertake the following tasks:
1. Monitor the application and validity of the security and safety standards and requirements and report any violation to the Police Observer.
2. Set and carry out necessary measures to assign seats of VIPs, media actors, audience, and other guests of the Sports Facility.
3. Set measures to educate the audience about their duties, rights and responsibilities within the Sports Facility in coordination with the Facility Security Officer.
4. Prepare, in advance, the Sports Events with regard to the control of security in the Sports Facility in coordination with the Police Observer.
5. Take appropriate actions to minimize and report violations within the location of the Sports Facility by raising awareness among the audience.
 

For the purpose of exercising his powers set forth in Article 8 hereof, the Event Security Officer shall undertake the following tasks while the sports events are held: 
1. Ensure the fulfillment and preparedness of the security requirements of the venue of the Sports Event in coordination with the Police Observer.
2. Take necessary procedures to facilitate traffic on all roads leading to the venue of the Sports Event and secure the parking of vehicles in coordination with the Police Observer.
3. Take procedures and decisions necessary for successful coordination with all entities taking part into the Sports Event, in particular coordination with the Police Observer and provide necessary assistance to the Facility Security Officer to ensure maintenance of security during the Sports Event.
4. Minimize and report violations within the venue of the Sports Facility.
 

After the end of the Sports Event, the Event Security Officer shall undertake the following tasks:
1. Take all necessary measures to evacuate the Sports Facility from workers, athletes, and audience.
2. Contribute to protection and security measures necessary while athletes, workers and audience are leaving the Facility.
3. Provide any information requested by the Police Observer.
4. Provide the Competent Authority with all information related to the security and safety of the Sports Facility. 
 

The Event Security Officer shall abide by all orders and instructions issued by the Police Observer with regard to the security of the Sports Events.

In all cases, the Facility Security Officer shall provide necessary support to the Event Security Officer.

1. While on duty, the Private Security Companies’ Personnel shall be supervised by the Facility Security Officer and the Event Security Officer.
2. Jobs of the Private Security Companies’ Personnel shall be scrutinized and monitored by the Police Observer to ensure the validity of the security and protection procedures of the Sports Facilities and Events.
 

The Sports Facility and Organizers shall select the Private Security Companies’ Personnel according to the following requirements:
1. The Private Security Companies’ Personnel must have sufficient physical, health and psychological fitness to undertake their tasks.
2. They must hold an Event Management Certificate issued by the Private Security Companies.

The Competent Authority shall assess the Sports Event in terms of security, and it shall take all necessary procedures to maintain the progress of the Sports Event in the manner it deems appropriate.

The Competent Authority shall identify groups and forces, which will be responsible for the security supervision of the Sports Event. The commander of groups and forces shall be the Police Observer.

Without prejudice to the Police Observer’s powers and tasks specified in the Law and herein, the Police Observer shall be responsible for:
1. Revision of the security plan designed to secure and protect the Sports Facility or Event and supervise its implementation.
2. Administrative and security supervision of forces taking part in protection; and supervision of performance of their tasks and duties.
3. Provision of sufficient numbers of policemen to cover the Event, ensuring the availability of all inputs to deal with the Event.
4. Coordination with the Facility Security Officer or the Event Security Officer to check the security and safety requirements and ensure the safety of the venue of the Sports Event and the safety of the audience before the Sports Event commences.
5. Arrest and reference of violators of laws, rules, and regulations to competent legal bodies.
6. Cooperation and coordination with police units concerned with the protection of the Sports Facilities and Events and other bodies taking part in the management and organization of the Sports Events.
7. Monitoring of the performance of the Facility Security Officer, the Event Security Officer, and the Private Security Companies’ Personnel, directing them with regard to any remarks related to the protection or the security of the Sports Event.
8. Intervention to carry out the security plans prepared to address riots in case that counter-public security, order, and safety acts break out within the Sports Facility or the venue of the Sports Event.
9. Supervision of the application of the evacuation plans of the Sports Facility if required by the security situation.
10. Preparation of security reports on the circumstances of the Sports Events and submitting same to the Competent Authority.

The Competent Authority shall classify the Sports Events in terms of importance, number of audience and surrounding security circumstances. It shall develop the necessary policy for the number and equipment of the Police Observers necessary for the security of the Sports Event.

The Police Observer shall take necessary procedures to control the audience’s conduct as per public policies and rules designed by the Competent Authority to regulate all executive processes to manage the Sports Events, including methodologies and executive procedures adopted by the Competent Authority in this regard.

 The Police Observer shall take necessary measures to maintain security and order whenever necessary and based on the requirements of the public interest as per plans designed by the Competent Authority in this regard and in coordination with the Facility or Event Security Officer as the case may be.

The Police Observer shall interrogate whoever violates the security procedures from among the Sports Facility Officers, the Event Facility Officers or the Private Security Companies’ Personnel as per the Regulations of Administrative Violations and Fines issued in implementation of Article (24) (2) of the Law.

1. The following items shall be prohibited from entering into the Sports Facilities and the venues of the Sports Events:
    a. Firearms, even if they were licensed.
    b. Explosives and fireworks.
    c. Cold weapons, sharp and hazardous tools.
    d. Flammables and chemical liquids.
    e. Narcotics and psychotropic Substances even if they were medically prescribed.
2. No person may be allowed to carry a firearm in the Sports Facility and the Sports Event without the consent of the Competent Authority, subject to the fulfillment of requirements of the carrying and possession of a firearm issued by the Minister.
3. The Competent Authority may organize or prevent the entry of any other items depending on the nature of the Sports Event and security conditions around.
 

The violating members of the audience shall be referred to the Police Station, which falls within the jurisdiction of the venue of the Sports Event for legal actions to be taken against them.

The Minister shall issue necessary decisions to enforce the provisions hereof.

This resolution shall be published in the Official Gazetteer, and it shall come into force as of the day following the date of its publication.