SIRA-Approved CCTV Companies in Dubai: How to Check and What to Ask

In Dubai, a CCTV system for a business can only be designed, supplied and installed by a company licensed by SIRA, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency. Using an unlicensed installer can mean your system fails inspection and has to be redone, and the business owner can be fined. This guide explains what SIRA approval means, how to check that a company really is SIRA-approved, what the approval process looks like, and what to ask before you sign a contract.

What is SIRA?

SIRA is the Dubai government agency that regulates the security industry. It was set up under Law No. (12) of 2016 Regulating the Security Industry in the Emirate of Dubai, which replaced the earlier Law No. (24) of 2008. SIRA licenses security companies, licenses security devices and equipment, sets the technical standards for security systems, and inspects sites for compliance.

The detailed rules are in the law’s implementing bylaw, Executive Council Resolution No. (1) of 2018, and in SIRA’s technical manuals for preventive security systems.

What “SIRA-approved CCTV company” means

A SIRA-approved CCTV company holds a SIRA licence for the activity it carries out. The implementing bylaw lists separate licence activities, including installing security devices and equipment, and requires a separate licence to trade in or import surveillance devices. In practice this means:

• The company that designs and installs your cameras needs a SIRA installation licence.
• The cameras, recorders and other equipment should be models accepted for use under SIRA’s requirements, supplied through licensed channels.
• Individual technicians must work through a licensed company; a freelance installer cannot legally install a commercial system on their own.
• You must not hire an unlicensed provider. The bylaw makes this the customer’s responsibility as well as the installer’s.

How to check that a company is SIRA-approved

1. Ask for the SIRA licence. A licensed company can show you its SIRA licence or certificate with the company name, licence activity and expiry date. Check that the name matches the trade licence and the quotation.
2. Search SIRA’s website. The official site, sira.gov.ae, has a Security System Providers Companies search where you can look up companies that provide security systems in Dubai.
3. Check the licence activity. Make sure the licence covers installation and maintenance of security systems, not only trading. A company licensed only to sell equipment cannot install it.
4. Ask how they will submit the design. An approved installer submits the system design to SIRA for you and arranges the inspection. If a company says approval isn’t needed for a commercial site, treat that as a warning sign.

Who needs a SIRA-approved CCTV system?

Commercial premises in Dubai that install CCTV need it done by a SIRA-licensed company. Stricter requirements apply to what the law calls vital sectors and major facilities, which include:

• banks and money exchange houses;
• gold, jewellery and precious-stone traders;
• hotels and hotel apartments;
• shopping malls and entertainment centres;
• hospitals;
• major compounds and public events.

These sites must follow SIRA’s technical requirements for camera coverage, recording, storage and monitoring. Many other businesses, such as shops, restaurants, offices, warehouses, clinics and schools, also need SIRA approval for their CCTV, especially when it is a condition of their trade licence, landlord or insurer.

Private homes have lighter rules, but cameras must only cover your own property and must respect your neighbours’ privacy and any community or developer rules.

The SIRA approval process, step by step

1. Site survey. The licensed company visits the premises and records the layout, entrances, cash points and areas that need coverage.
2. System design. It prepares a design showing camera positions, camera types, recorder, storage and network, to SIRA’s requirements for your type of business.
3. Submission. The company submits the design to SIRA on your behalf.
4. Installation. Once approved, the system is installed exactly as designed. Changes need to be resubmitted.
5. Inspection. SIRA inspects the installed system against the approved design.
6. Certificate and maintenance. After a successful inspection, the system is approved. A maintenance contract with a licensed company keeps it compliant.

Most delays come from designs that don’t meet the requirements for the business type, or from installations that differ from the approved drawing. Choosing an experienced installer avoids both.

What to ask a CCTV company before you sign

• Can you show your SIRA licence, and does it cover installation and maintenance?
• Have you installed systems for businesses like mine, and can I see references?
• Which camera and recorder brands do you use, and are those models accepted for SIRA projects?
• How many days of recording will my system store, and at what resolution?
• Will you prepare and submit the design to SIRA and attend the inspection?
• What does the annual maintenance contract include: visits, response time, parts and labour?
• What is the warranty on cameras, recorders and hard drives?

Penalties for non-compliance

Under Article 21 of Law No. (12) of 2016, breaking the law, its bylaw or SIRA’s resolutions can lead to a fine of AED 10,000 to AED 500,000. A repeat of the same violation within one year doubles the fine, up to a maximum of AED 1,000,000. On top of fines, a non-compliant system may have to be redesigned and reinstalled.

SIRA in Dubai vs other emirates

SIRA covers the Emirate of Dubai, including its free zones and special development zones. Other emirates have their own authorities and approval processes, so a company approved in Dubai isn’t automatically approved elsewhere. If you have premises in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi, check the installer’s approval for that emirate too.

Frequently asked questions

Is SIRA approval mandatory for CCTV in Dubai?

For commercial premises, yes. The system must be installed by a SIRA-licensed company, and vital sectors such as banks, jewellers, hotels and malls must meet SIRA’s technical requirements.

How do I know if a CCTV company is SIRA-approved?

Ask to see its SIRA licence and check that it covers installation, then search the company on SIRA’s website under Security System Providers Companies.

Do I need SIRA approval for CCTV at home?

Homes have lighter requirements, but cameras must only cover your own property. Villa communities and buildings may also have their own rules.

How long does SIRA approval take?

It depends on the size of the site and whether the design is right first time. A small shop or office is usually much quicker than a mall, hotel or bank.

What is the fine for not following SIRA rules?

Between AED 10,000 and AED 500,000 per violation under Law No. (12) of 2016, doubled for a repeat within a year.

Need a SIRA-approved CCTV system? Gear Net Technologies LLC is a SIRA-approved CCTV company in Dubai and handles the design, SIRA submission, installation and maintenance. Contact us on WhatsApp at +971 58 581 1786.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change, so confirm current rules with SIRA or your licensed installer.