Top 10 PCI DSS QSA and Certification Providers in UAE

30 Oct 2026 Compliance

Compare PCI DSS QSA and compliance providers in the UAE. Understand assessment qualifications, certification-related services and how to select the right provider.

Top 10 PCI DSS QSA and Certification Providers in UAE

Businesses in the UAE that accept card payments, process transactions, operate payment gateways or provide technology services to merchants may need to demonstrate compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Choosing the right provider is an important part of that process.

Some organisations need a formal assessment by a PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) Qualified Security Assessor (QSA). Others may first need a gap assessment, readiness support, security improvements, documentation assistance or guidance on the appropriate validation route.

These services are related, but they are not interchangeable. A company offering PCI DSS consultancy or compliance support should not automatically be described as a QSA company. Formal QSA status must be checked against the PCI SSC directory.

This guide introduces ten PCI DSS QSA and compliance or certification-related providers relevant to businesses in the UAE. It includes the companies in the selected editorial order below. The order is not a ranking of technical performance, price, customer satisfaction or PCI SSC endorsement.

Understanding PCI DSS QSA and Compliance Providers

PCI DSS is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It establishes security requirements for organisations that store, process or transmit payment account data and for certain service providers whose systems or services can affect the security of that data.

A QSA company is an independent security organisation qualified by PCI SSC to conduct applicable PCI DSS assessments. QSA employees must also meet the Council's qualification requirements.

Other providers may offer services such as:

PCI DSS gap assessments and readiness reviews
Security consultancy and remediation guidance
Policy and procedure development
Payment-environment scoping support
Vulnerability management and security testing coordination
Assistance with evidence preparation
Compliance programme support
Certification-related or assessment coordination services

Before appointing a provider, businesses should establish exactly which service is being offered and whether a formal QSA assessment is required.

Top 10 PCI DSS QSA and Certification Providers in UAE

The following list combines QSA companies identified in a UAE QSA directory with providers that publicly describe PCI DSS compliance or certification-related services. QSA status should always be checked directly against the current PCI SSC listing before a formal assessment is commissioned.

1. Ampcus Cyber

Ampcus Cyber is included among the QSA companies listed with a UAE place of business in the directory reviewed for this article. The company provides cybersecurity and compliance-related services, including PCI DSS assessment support.

Businesses considering Ampcus Cyber should discuss the payment environment, assessment scope, applicable PCI DSS requirements and expected reporting documentation before beginning an engagement.

For a formal QSA assessment, confirm the company's current status and the relevant assessor details in the PCI SSC directory.

2. Gabriel Registrar

Gabriel Registrar publicly presents PCI DSS compliance and certification-related services for businesses in Dubai and the UAE.

Organisations considering Gabriel Registrar may wish to discuss their payment environment, applicable compliance requirements, readiness activities and the documentation expected by their acquiring bank or payment brand.

It is important to establish whether the proposed engagement is a readiness or consultancy service, a certification-related service, or a formal PCI DSS assessment conducted by a currently qualified QSA company. These distinctions should be confirmed in writing before appointment.

3. ControlCase

ControlCase is included in the UAE QSA company directory reviewed for this article. It is known for services in information security, risk management and regulatory compliance, including PCI DSS.

For organisations with complex payment environments, the engagement discussion should cover the cardholder data environment, connected systems, third-party service providers, assessment scope and reporting requirements.

Businesses should confirm the relevant QSA status in the PCI SSC directory at the time of engagement and agree on the precise assessment deliverables.

4. Veritas Assurance

Veritas Assurance publicly offers PCI DSS certification-related services in the UAE. Its website provides information for businesses seeking to understand PCI DSS compliance and payment-data security.

A business considering Veritas Assurance should clarify the nature of the proposed service. This may involve compliance guidance, readiness support or certification-related activities. If the organisation requires a formal QSA assessment and a PCI DSS Report on Compliance (ROC), it should verify that the assessment will be performed by a currently qualified PCI SSC QSA company.

Veritas Assurance also publishes information about its management-system certification accreditations. Those accreditations should not be confused with PCI SSC QSA qualification, which is a separate programme.

5. Network Intelligence

Network Intelligence is included in the UAE QSA company directory reviewed for this article. The company provides cybersecurity and information-security services, including PCI DSS-related assessment and compliance support.

Businesses may consider discussing their payment architecture, security controls, assessment scope, vulnerability management and evidence requirements with the provider.

Where a formal PCI DSS assessment is required, the organisation should confirm the current QSA company listing and the qualifications of the personnel assigned to the engagement.

6. SCS Certification

SCS Certification provides PCI DSS-related information and compliance services for businesses in the UAE. Its published guide explains PCI DSS requirements, assessment scope, ROC, AOC, SAQ and the considerations involved in preparing for compliance.

Businesses can approach SCS Certification to discuss their PCI DSS requirements, understand the steps involved and identify the appropriate next action for their payment environment.

The organisation should clarify the precise scope of any proposed service, including whether it is compliance guidance, readiness support, certification-related work or a formal QSA assessment. A formal QSA assessment must be performed by a company and personnel holding the applicable current PCI SSC qualifications.

For an overview of PCI DSS requirements and documentation, see the SCS guide: PCI DSS Certification in UAE: Complete Guide to Compliance, Assessment and Audit Reports.

7. SISA

SISA is included in the UAE QSA company directory reviewed for this article. The company works in payment security and cybersecurity, with services associated with PCI DSS and payment environments.

Businesses evaluating SISA should ask about its experience with their type of payment environment, the systems included in scope, the assessment approach and the documentation required for validation.

As with any QSA engagement, confirm the current company listing and the status of the assigned assessors through PCI SSC before signing an agreement.

8. ValueMentor

ValueMentor is included in the UAE QSA company directory reviewed for this article. Its services cover cybersecurity, risk management and compliance-related areas, including PCI DSS.

For businesses handling cardholder data, relevant discussions may include scope definition, security-control reviews, remediation priorities, evidence collection and formal assessment requirements.

Before proceeding, confirm whether the proposed engagement is a QSA assessment or a separate consultancy or readiness service. The distinction affects the expected deliverables and the type of validation documentation that can be issued.

9. VikingCloud

VikingCloud is included in the UAE QSA company directory reviewed for this article. The company provides payment security and cybersecurity services, including PCI DSS-related services.

Businesses considering VikingCloud should explain how they accept payments, which systems are involved, whether payment processing is outsourced and what evidence their acquiring bank or other compliance-accepting entity requires.

The organisation should confirm the current QSA listing and agree on the assessment scope, reporting format, responsibilities and any supporting services before starting.

10. VISTA InfoSec

VISTA InfoSec is included in the UAE QSA company directory reviewed for this article. The company provides information-security and compliance services, including PCI DSS-related assessment and consulting.

Businesses may wish to discuss the scope of their cardholder data environment, relevant security controls, assessment readiness, vulnerability management and compliance documentation.

As with the other QSA companies in this list, verify its current PCI SSC status before appointment. The directory is updated, and qualification should not be assumed from an older listing.

QSA Company vs PCI DSS Compliance Provider: What Is the Difference?

The distinction matters when a business is selecting a provider.

Provider type	Typical role	What to confirm
PCI SSC QSA company	Conducts applicable formal PCI DSS assessments	Current company listing and qualified assessor details
PCI DSS consultant	Helps review controls and prepare for compliance	Scope of consultancy and assessor independence
Readiness provider	Identifies gaps before formal validation	Whether the work is a pre-assessment or formal assessment
Certification-related provider	Offers services described commercially as PCI DSS certification	What the certificate represents and whether it is an accepted validation document
Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV)	Performs approved external vulnerability scans where required	Current ASV status and applicable scanning scope

A provider's general cybersecurity experience, ISO accreditation or consultancy capability does not automatically establish PCI SSC QSA qualification.

What Should UAE Businesses Check Before Choosing a PCI DSS Provider?

The right provider depends on the organisation's payment model, compliance obligations and required validation documents. Before signing an agreement, consider the following.

1. Confirm the Required Validation Route

Ask your acquiring bank, payment brand or other compliance-accepting entity what evidence is required. Depending on the organisation and its circumstances, this may involve a Report on Compliance (ROC), Attestation of Compliance (AOC), Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) or other applicable documentation.

2. Verify QSA Status

If a formal QSA assessment is required, check the company on the official PCI SSC QSA list. Confirm the status again when appointing the provider because the list can change.

3. Define the Payment Environment

Explain how your organisation accepts and processes payments. Include payment terminals, e-commerce platforms, applications, networks, cloud services, databases, outsourced payment functions and relevant third parties.

4. Understand the Scope and Deliverables

Ask for a written scope covering the systems, locations, business units and services included. Clarify what the provider will deliver and what remains the organisation's responsibility.

5. Review Relevant Experience

A retail merchant, payment gateway, bank, hotel group and software service provider may have very different payment environments. Ask how the provider will approach the systems and processes relevant to your business.

6. Compare the Commercial Proposal

Do not compare providers on price alone. Check the assessment scope, number of locations, testing requirements, reporting, remediation support, travel requirements and any additional services.

Which UAE Businesses May Need PCI DSS Compliance?

PCI DSS can be relevant to a wide range of organisations. Its applicability depends on how payment account data is stored, processed or transmitted and whether a service can affect the security of that data.

Examples include:

Banks and financial institutions
FinTech companies
Payment gateways and payment processors
E-commerce businesses and online marketplaces
Retailers and supermarkets
Hotels and hospitality groups
Restaurants and food-delivery platforms
Airlines and travel companies
Healthcare providers and pharmacies
Telecommunications companies
Insurance businesses
IT and cloud service providers
Data centres and hosting providers
Call centres and business process outsourcing companies
Subscription platforms and digital services

The industry name alone does not determine the PCI DSS scope. The actual payment flow and the organisation's role in it must be examined.

PCI DSS Documentation: ROC, AOC and SAQ

Businesses often search for a PCI DSS certificate, but they should understand the formal validation documents.

Report on Compliance (ROC): A detailed report used for applicable formal PCI DSS assessments. It records the assessment scope, procedures, findings and results.

Attestation of Compliance (AOC): The applicable attestation document used to communicate the organisation's PCI DSS validation status.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ): A PCI SSC questionnaire for eligible merchants and service providers that meet the criteria for the relevant SAQ.

A generic certificate issued by a provider should not be assumed to replace these documents. Confirm the exact evidence required by the organisation receiving the compliance submission.

PCI DSS in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Other UAE Emirates

Businesses may search for PCI DSS QSA companies in Dubai, PCI DSS compliance providers in Abu Dhabi or PCI DSS certification services elsewhere in the UAE.

The location of the business is only one consideration. The assessment scope may include systems, branches, data centres, cloud environments and third-party service providers in more than one location.

A provider should be able to explain how it will address the organisation's actual payment environment, including any locations or systems that fall within the agreed scope.

Frequently Used PCI DSS Search Terms

Businesses researching providers may use several related search phrases, including:

PCI DSS QSA companies in UAE
PCI DSS QSA in Dubai
PCI DSS compliance companies in UAE
PCI DSS certification providers in UAE
PCI DSS audit companies in Dubai
PCI DSS assessment services in Abu Dhabi
PCI DSS audit report UAE
PCI DSS ROC and AOC
PCI DSS SAQ assistance
PCI DSS compliance consultancy
PCI DSS gap assessment UAE
PCI DSS readiness assessment
PCI DSS service providers
PCI DSS compliance for e-commerce
PCI DSS compliance for payment gateways

These terms describe related needs, but they do not all mean the same thing. In particular, a QSA assessment, an ASV scan, a readiness review and general compliance consultancy are different services.

Official PCI DSS Resources

For accurate information, businesses should consult PCI SSC's official resources:

The PCI SSC QSA directory should be checked directly before appointing a company for a formal assessment. PCI SSC also makes clear that qualification is not an endorsement of a provider's business practices.

Final Considerations

Choosing a PCI DSS provider is not simply a matter of selecting a company that advertises certification. A business should first understand its payment environment, confirm the validation route and identify whether a formal QSA assessment is required.

The ten providers in this article offer a starting point for comparison. Their services and qualifications are not identical, so organisations should check the current PCI SSC directory, confirm the scope of the proposed engagement and obtain written details of the expected deliverables.

For businesses that need to understand PCI DSS requirements, assessment scope and compliance documentation in the UAE, SCS Certification's PCI DSS guide provides a related resource.

Discuss Your PCI DSS Requirements in UAE

If your organisation is reviewing PCI DSS compliance, planning an assessment or trying to understand which validation route applies, begin by clarifying how payment information moves through your business.

Contact SCS Certification to discuss your requirements and the appropriate next steps.

SCS Certification – UAE

SCS Certification Agency Main Office
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Office 9, Al Marakib St,
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Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Phone: +971 50 302 4312
Email: scs@scscertification.com

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

PCI DSS QSA companies are organisations qualified by the PCI Security Standards Council to conduct applicable formal PCI DSS assessments. Businesses should verify their current status in the official PCI SSC directory.

QSA stands for Qualified Security Assessor. A QSA company is qualified by PCI SSC to validate an organisation's adherence to PCI DSS.

A QSA company can conduct formal PCI DSS assessments within its qualification. A consultant may provide readiness, gap assessment or implementation support but is not automatically authorised to issue a formal QSA assessment.

No. Some providers offer compliance consultancy, readiness assistance or certification-related services. Formal QSA status must be verified separately.

Check the company's name in the official PCI SSC Qualified Security Assessor directory and confirm that its status is current before signing an engagement.

No. PCI SSC qualification confirms that a company has met the Council's requirements for performing PCI DSS assessments. It does not represent an endorsement of the company's business practices.

PCI SSC requires QSA companies to undergo annual requalification. Organisations should check the directory when appointing an assessor.

The article covers Ampcus Cyber, Gabriel Registrar, ControlCase, Veritas Assurance, Network Intelligence, SCS Certification, SISA, ValueMentor, VikingCloud and VISTA InfoSec.

No. The order is an editorial presentation order, not a verified performance ranking. Businesses should compare qualifications, service scope, experience and commercial proposals.

Yes, provided the provider has the appropriate current PCI SSC qualification and can undertake the required assessment for the organisation's payment environment.

PCI DSS compliance means meeting the security requirements applicable to an organisation's payment environment and completing the relevant validation process.

No. PCI DSS is an industry payment-security standard. The phrase “PCI DSS certification” is commonly used commercially, but formal validation is evidenced through applicable PCI SSC documentation rather than a generic certificate.

Applicability depends on the organisation's role in payment-card transactions and its handling of payment account data. Merchants and service providers should confirm their obligations with the relevant acquiring bank or compliance-accepting entity.

Banks, retailers, e-commerce businesses, payment gateways, payment processors, hotels, restaurants and other organisations may fall within scope depending on how they handle payment account data.

It can. The applicable requirements depend on the checkout design, payment integration, systems involved and whether the business stores, processes or transmits payment account data.

Outsourcing payment processing can reduce or change the assessment scope, but it does not automatically remove all PCI DSS responsibilities. The merchant's payment arrangements must be reviewed.

Yes. Payment service providers may have PCI DSS responsibilities based on the services they provide and their access to or influence over payment account data and the security of the payment environment.

It is an evaluation of an organisation's applicable payment-security controls against PCI DSS requirements using the validation method required for that organisation.

A gap assessment reviews existing security controls against applicable PCI DSS requirements and identifies areas that need improvement before formal validation.

A readiness assessment helps an organisation understand whether its systems, processes and evidence are prepared for the required PCI DSS validation.

A ROC is the detailed report used for applicable formal PCI DSS assessments. It records the assessment scope, procedures, findings and compliance results.

An AOC is the applicable attestation document used to communicate PCI DSS validation results to the relevant receiving entity.

An SAQ is a PCI SSC questionnaire designed for eligible merchants and service providers that meet the criteria for the relevant questionnaire.

A ROC documents the results of an applicable formal assessment, while an SAQ is a self-assessment tool for organisations that meet the eligibility criteria for a particular questionnaire.

A generic certificate should not be assumed to replace an applicable ROC, AOC or SAQ. Organisations should confirm the documentation accepted by their acquiring bank or other compliance-accepting entity.

An ASV is a provider approved by PCI SSC to perform external vulnerability scans within the applicable PCI DSS scanning programme.

No. A QSA conducts applicable PCI DSS assessments, while an ASV performs approved external vulnerability scanning. The qualifications serve different purposes.

Not necessarily. Some eligible organisations may validate compliance using an applicable SAQ. The required validation route should be confirmed with the relevant compliance-accepting entity.

Understand how the organisation accepts, processes, stores and transmits payment data. This information helps establish the likely scope and the type of provider or assessment required.

The CDE consists of the systems, people and processes involved in storing, processing or transmitting cardholder data, together with other systems that may affect its security, as defined by the applicable PCI DSS scoping rules.

It should describe its payment channels, locations, systems, applications, payment gateways, service providers, transaction environment and any validation requirements already communicated by its acquiring bank.

There is no fixed duration. Timing depends on the organisation's size, payment architecture, scope, readiness, number of locations and remediation needs.

Costs vary according to the assessment route, scope, number of systems and locations, provider involvement, testing requirements and remediation work. A written proposal based on the actual environment is more useful than a general price estimate.

Yes. Business size alone does not determine applicability. The way the business handles payment account data and the validation requirements placed on it are more relevant.

It may apply where hotel systems or services handle payment account data. The scope can involve booking platforms, payment terminals, point-of-sale systems and connected services.

Restaurants may fall within scope when they accept card payments through relevant systems. The payment terminals, point-of-sale environment and connected services should be considered.

Healthcare providers may have PCI DSS responsibilities when their payment systems handle cardholder data. The healthcare sector itself does not determine the scope.

It can apply to cloud or hosting providers whose services store, process or transmit payment account data or can affect the security of a customer's payment environment.

It may apply where call-centre staff or systems receive, record, process or otherwise handle payment card information. The organisation should examine call recording, telephony, agent workstations and payment processes.

The organisation may fail its required validation and could face consequences under its acquiring, payment brand or contractual arrangements. The specific consequences depend on the applicable agreements and circumstances.

It can engage an appropriately qualified provider for the required assessment or other support. However, outsourcing the work does not remove the organisation's responsibility to maintain the applicable security controls.

Price should be considered alongside qualification, assessment scope, experience, reporting, support and the exact deliverables. A low quotation may exclude important parts of the required work.

Ask for its current PCI SSC listing, the qualifications of the assigned assessors, relevant experience, proposed scope, assessment methodology, reporting deliverables, timeline and fee structure.

A provider may serve organisations across multiple Emirates. Confirm its coverage, delivery arrangements and ability to assess the systems and locations included in the agreed scope.

No. Organisations need to maintain applicable controls, monitor changes to their payment environment and complete the validation activities required by their compliance programme.

PCI DSS v4.0.1 is a published version of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. Organisations should consult PCI SSC's official document library for the applicable standard and supporting materials.

A business can consider a different provider, subject to its contractual arrangements and validation requirements. It should ensure that the new provider receives accurate scope information and that previous assessment records are available where needed.

Compliance consultancy generally helps an organisation understand and implement controls. Certification-related services may use commercial terminology, but the business must confirm whether the provider is conducting formal validation and which PCI SSC documents will result.

Businesses can contact SCS Certification to discuss their PCI DSS requirements and understand the relevant compliance considerations. The exact service scope and whether a formal QSA assessment is included should be confirmed before engagement.

The PCI SSC website maintains the official Qualified Security Assessor directory at https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/assessors_and_solutions/qualified_security_assessors/. Check the current listing before appointing a QSA.

Top 10 PCI DSS QSA & Certification Providers in UAE

Top 10 PCI DSS QSA and Certification Providers in UAE

Top 10 PCI DSS QSA and Certification Providers in UAE

Understanding PCI DSS QSA and Compliance Providers