How to Get SIRA Approval in Dubai 2026: The Complete Guide
[ ARTICLE IMAGE ]SIRA-approved CCTV on a Dubai building
If you operate a business in Dubai, a compliant CCTV system isn't optional — it's a legal requirement governed by SIRA, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency. Getting SIRA approval in Dubai means installing SIRA-approved equipment, meeting strict standards for resolution and footage retention, and using a SIRA-approved company to carry out the work. This guide walks you through exactly what's required in 2026, the approval process, costs and timelines, and how to pass inspection the first time.
In short: To be compliant in 2026 you need SIRA-approved cameras and recorders, a minimum of 31 days of footage retention (up to 90 days for high-security premises), 4MP resolution for general areas (8MP for high-risk zones), and installation by a SIRA-approved company.
What is SIRA and why does it matter?
SIRA (the Security Industry Regulatory Agency) regulates the private security industry in Dubai, including CCTV and surveillance systems. Its standards exist to ensure that footage is clear, reliable and usable by authorities when needed. For businesses, SIRA compliance is frequently tied to trade licence activities, fit-out approvals and tenancy requirements — which is why a non-compliant system can hold up your operations or fail inspection.
SIRA CCTV requirements in 2026
While exact specifications can vary by premises type and risk level, these are the core requirements every Dubai business should plan for:
1. SIRA-approved cameras and recorders
Only equipment from SIRA's approved list may be used. This applies to both cameras and recording devices (NVR/DVR). Using non-approved hardware — even if technically capable — will fail inspection.
2. Minimum 31-day footage retention
Standard premises must retain at least 31 days of continuous footage. High-security locations may be required to keep up to 90 days. Storage must therefore be sized correctly for your camera count, resolution and retention period.
3. Resolution: 4MP baseline, 8MP for high-risk zones
A minimum of 4MP is expected for general coverage, while high-risk areas — such as main entrances, cash handling points and perimeters — typically require 8MP cameras to capture clear, identifiable detail.
4. Installation by a SIRA-approved company
The work must be carried out by a SIRA-approved company, which is also responsible for the correct documentation and submission for inspection. This is where partnering with an experienced installer makes the biggest difference.
The SIRA approval process, step by step
Here's how the journey to a fully approved system typically works:
- Site survey: A SIRA-approved company assesses your premises, identifies coverage requirements and blind spots, and determines the resolution and retention needed per zone.
- Compliant design: A camera plan is produced specifying approved equipment, storage sizing and cabling — designed from the outset to meet SIRA standards.
- Installation: Cameras, recorders and cabling are installed and configured, including remote viewing where required.
- Documentation & submission: The installer prepares and submits the required documentation to SIRA for your system.
- Inspection & approval: SIRA reviews the installation; once it meets the standard, your system is approved.
Tip: The most common reasons systems fail are non-approved equipment, insufficient storage for the required retention period, and inadequate resolution at key points. Getting the design right up front avoids costly re-work.
How much does SIRA-approved CCTV cost in Dubai?
There's no single price — cost depends on the number of cameras, the resolution required per zone, the storage needed for your retention period, and the cabling involved. The best approach is a free site survey, after which a reputable installer will provide a fixed, transparent quotation, usually within 24–48 hours.
How long does it take?
For a typical commercial premises, the end-to-end process — survey, installation, documentation and inspection — can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the site. Working with an experienced SIRA-approved company keeps the process smooth and avoids delays caused by re-submissions.
How TRUELINE TECHNOLOGIES helps
As a SIRA-approved CCTV company in Dubai, TRUELINE TECHNOLOGIES manages the entire process for you — from the free survey and compliant design through to installation, documentation, submission and inspection support. We guarantee systems that pass inspection the first time, and we back them with maintenance and 24/7 monitoring options. We can also integrate your CCTV with door access and attendance systems and reliable structured cabling for a complete, compliant security setup.
Need SIRA-approved CCTV? Book a free site survey with TRUELINE and we'll handle compliance end to end. Get your free consultation →
Frequently asked questions
Is SIRA approval mandatory for CCTV in Dubai?
Yes. In Dubai, CCTV systems must use SIRA-approved equipment and be installed by a SIRA-approved company to be compliant. Many trade licence and fit-out approvals depend on it, and non-compliant systems can fail inspection.
How long does SIRA approval take?
Timelines vary by project size and premises, but for a typical commercial installation the full process — survey, installation, documentation and inspection — usually takes from a few days to a couple of weeks. Using an experienced SIRA-approved company speeds this up significantly.
What are the SIRA camera and storage requirements in 2026?
Key requirements include SIRA-approved cameras and recorders, a minimum of 31 days of footage retention (up to 90 days for high-security premises), and resolution of at least 4MP for general areas and 8MP for high-risk zones.
Can TRUELINE handle the whole SIRA process for me?
Yes. As a SIRA-approved CCTV company, we manage the entire process end to end — survey, compliant design, installation, documentation, submission and inspection support — so your system passes the first time.