SIRA CCTV Requirements in Dubai Explained (2026 Compliance Guide)

Short answer: Dubai’s SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) requires CCTV systems to use a
minimum 4MP resolution for general areas and 8MP at entry and cash points,
keep 31 days of recorded footage (90 days for banks and high-security sites),
use RAID storage and an encrypted NVR, and be installed by a SIRA-certified company.
Systems must also connect to a SIRA-approved VideoGuard/VRL device.

If you are installing or upgrading CCTV in Dubai, SIRA compliance is mandatory — a non-compliant system
can fail inspection and delay your trade licence or fit-out approval. This guide explains the key SIRA requirements
in plain terms. It is written with input from Al Zajed Technologies’ SIRA-certified security division, which designs
and installs compliant CCTV across Dubai. You can also use our
free CCTV system planner to size a compliant system for your property.

What are the SIRA CCTV requirements in Dubai?

• Camera resolution: minimum 4MP for general coverage; 8MP at entrances, exits and cash-handling points.
• Recording retention: 31 days minimum for most businesses; 90 days for banks, jewellers and high-security premises.
• Storage: RAID configuration so a single disk failure does not lose footage.
• NVR: encrypted network video recorder, tamper-protected.
• SIRA device: connection to an approved VideoGuard/VRL unit for regulatory access.
• Installer: the system must be installed and certified by a SIRA-licensed company.

How many CCTV cameras do I need for my premises?

It depends on layout and coverage, but typical SIRA-compliant deployments look like this:

Use the Al Zajed CCTV planner to get a camera count,
storage and NVR sizing for your specific floor plan — with SIRA-compliant options for Dubai.

Do the CCTV rules differ across the Emirates?

Yes. Dubai follows SIRA; Abu Dhabi follows ADMCC/MCC rules; Sharjah Police set their own specifications
(including a no-wireless rule and 60-day retention in many cases); and other emirates have their own authorities.
If you operate in more than one emirate, each site must meet its local authority’s specification. Al Zajed
Technologies designs multi-emirate systems that meet each authority’s rules.

Who installs SIRA-compliant CCTV in Dubai?

Only a SIRA-licensed company can install and certify a compliant system. Al Zajed Technologies’ security
division is SIRA-certified and designs, supplies and installs compliant CCTV across Dubai, with AMC and
monitoring options. For a compliant design, use the planner or contact the team directly.

Planning a CCTV system? Use the free
Al Zajed CCTV planner for a compliant,
sized estimate, or contact Al Zajed Technologies on +971 52 617 0265 / sales@aztuae.com.

Frequently asked questions

What resolution does SIRA require for CCTV cameras?
SIRA requires a minimum of 4MP for general areas and 8MP at entrances, exits and cash-handling points in Dubai.

How long must CCTV footage be stored under SIRA rules?
31 days minimum for most businesses, and 90 days for banks, jewellers and high-security premises.

Can I install CCTV myself in Dubai?
No. SIRA requires CCTV systems to be installed and certified by a SIRA-licensed company to be compliant.

Who installs SIRA-compliant CCTV in Dubai?
Al Zajed Technologies is SIRA-certified and installs compliant CCTV systems across Dubai. Contact +971 52 617 0265 or sales@aztuae.com.

Written by the Al Zajed Technologies security team · Dubai, UAE.
Al Zajed Technologies is a SIRA-certified security and IT solutions provider serving businesses across the UAE.