What is SIRA and Why Does It Matter for CCTV in Dubai?
SIRA stands for the Security Industry Regulatory Agency — the Dubai government body responsible for regulating all security systems including CCTV cameras, access control, and alarm systems across the emirate.
Under Dubai Law No. 24 of 2008 and subsequent regulations, all CCTV installations in Dubai must be installed by a SIRA-approved company and the system must meet SIRA technical standards. Installing CCTV without SIRA approval is illegal and can result in fines, system removal, and prosecution.
Who Needs SIRA Approval?
SIRA approval is required for virtually all CCTV installations in Dubai, including:
- Residential villas and apartment buildings
- Commercial offices, retail shops, and restaurants
- Hotels, serviced apartments, and hospitality venues
- Warehouses, factories, and industrial facilities
- Government buildings and semi-government entities
- Schools, hospitals, and educational institutions
- Petrol stations and car parks
Even a single camera installed in a commercial property in Dubai technically requires SIRA compliance. For residential properties, SIRA approval is particularly important if cameras cover common areas or public spaces outside the property boundary.
SIRA CCTV Technical Requirements
SIRA sets minimum technical standards that all CCTV systems in Dubai must meet. Key requirements include:
Image Quality
- Minimum resolution: Full HD 1080p (2MP) for standard areas
- 4MP or higher recommended for entry points, cash handling areas, and car parks
- Cameras must provide clear facial recognition at the specified coverage area
Recording & Storage
- Minimum 30 days of continuous recording must be maintained
- Storage must be local (NVR/DVR) — cloud-only storage is not sufficient
- NVR must be in a secure, locked location
- Recording must be 24/7, not motion-triggered only
Camera Coverage
- All entry and exit points must be covered
- Car parks, lobbies, and common areas must be monitored
- Cameras must cover cashier points in retail and hospitality
- No blind spots in critical security zones
System Access
- Dubai Police and SIRA officers must be able to access footage within 15 minutes of a request
- Remote access must be enabled for authorised authorities
- Access logs must be maintained
The SIRA CCTV Approval Process
When you hire Mideatek, we handle the entire SIRA approval process on your behalf. Here is how it works:
Step 1: Site Survey & System Design
Our engineers visit your property to assess coverage requirements, camera positions, NVR location, and cable routes. We design a system that meets SIRA technical standards from the outset.
Step 2: Technical Drawing Submission
We prepare SIRA-compliant technical drawings (floor plans with camera positions, field of view, specifications) and submit these to SIRA for pre-approval before installation begins.
Step 3: Installation
Installation is carried out by our SIRA-certified engineers. Cable management, camera angles, NVR placement, and system configuration all follow SIRA standards.
Step 4: SIRA Inspection
After installation, SIRA inspects the system. Our engineers attend the inspection and address any observations immediately.
Step 5: SIRA Certificate Issuance
Once approved, SIRA issues a compliance certificate for the installation. This certificate must be renewed annually.
How Long Does SIRA Approval Take?
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Drawing submission & pre-approval | 3–7 working days |
| Installation | 1–5 days (depending on project size) |
| SIRA inspection scheduling | 3–10 working days |
| Certificate issuance | 1–3 working days after approval |
| Total (typical) | 2–4 weeks end to end |
What Happens if You Don't Get SIRA Approval?
Operating CCTV in Dubai without SIRA approval carries significant risks:
- Fines — SIRA can issue fines to property owners and business operators
- System removal — Non-compliant systems can be ordered to be removed at the owner's expense
- Legal liability — In the event of a security incident, footage from a non-compliant system may not be admissible as evidence
- Insurance issues — Many property insurers in Dubai require a valid SIRA certificate
- Business licence complications — Government entities and DED may require SIRA compliance certificates for certain business licence renewals
How to Check if a CCTV Company is SIRA Approved
You can verify any company's SIRA approval status on the SIRA website (sira.gov.ae) under the "Licensed Companies" section. Always verify before signing a contract — the SIRA approval number should be displayed on the company's quotation and contract documents.
Mideatek's SIRA approval covers CCTV installation, maintenance, and system integration across all property types in Dubai. Contact us for your free site survey and SIRA compliance assessment.