CCTV Approval Rejected by SIRA? How to Fix It Fast in Dubai

Table of Contents: 

• What Does a SIRA CCTV Rejection Mean in Dubai?   
• Common Reasons SIRA Rejects CCTV Applications   
• Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Rejected SIRA CCTV Approval   
• How a SIRA-Approved CCTV Company Helps You Get Re-Approved Faster   

Receiving a CCTV rejection from SIRA can raise immediate concerns for any business in Dubai. However, a rejection does not mean your CCTV system has “failed completely.” It means the system does not meet technical, design, or documentation standards, with the SIRA requirements for CCTV. Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency has clear rules to ensure CCTV systems capture reliable, secure footage that can be used for safety, investigations, and legal purposes. Failing to meet compliance standards can result in operational delays, fines, or license complications. 

This guide is written for business owners, facility managers, and admins handling CCTV for shops, warehouses, offices, clinics, hospitality, or retail who have asked, “Why was my CCTV rejected?” Rather than leaving you uncertain, this guide explains why CCTV applications are rejected and outlines the exact steps required for correction and resubmission. Whether you are working with a SIRA approved CCTV company in Dubai or reviewing your own setup, this guide will help you resolve the issue efficiently and move forward without unnecessary delays. 
 

What Does a SIRA CCTV Rejection Mean in Dubai? 

A SIRA rejection in Dubai is different from cancellation. It is a technical notification stating that your CCTV submission did not meet one or more SIRA requirements standards, documentation, or system design. A rejection means your application was reviewed and returned with specific reasons for non‑compliance, while a cancellation would imply termination of an already granted license or permit. 

SIRA rejects CCTV applications to ensure all systems meet the required security standards. This guarantees that cameras, storage, and documentation are reliable, so footage can be trusted for safety or investigations. 

Ignoring a rejection can cause problems: your license may be delayed, you could face fines, or inspections could fail. Working with a certified SIRA CCTV company in Dubai helps resolve compliance issues quickly and avoid these risks. 
 

Common Reasons SIRA Rejects CCTV Applications 

Incorrect Camera Placement or Coverage Gaps 

One of the most common reasons for SIRA rejection is poor camera placement. Cameras that miss key entry and exit points, create blind spots, or are installed at improper angles fail to capture the required coverage. Even a single overlooked area can lead SIRA to reject the application, as full visibility is essential for safety, monitoring, and investigations. Working with a SIRA CCTV company in Dubai ensures your layout meets all coverage requirements. 

CCTV Equipment Not Meeting SIRA Standards 

SIRA has strict requirements for the type and quality of CCTV equipment. Rejections often occur when cameras do not meet minimum resolution standards, indoor cameras are used outdoors (or vice versa), or unsupported camera models are submitted. Using SIRA-compliant, compatible CCTV devices significantly increases your chances of clearing inspections and avoiding rejection during the review process. 

DVR / NVR Storage & Retention Problems 

Applications are also rejected if the recording setup does not comply. Insufficient retention days, lack of backup, or faulty DVR/NVR configuration can prevent footage from being stored long enough for legal or operational needs. Ensuring your storage setup meets SIRA requirements avoids unnecessary delays. 

Errors in CCTV Drawings & Documentation 

Errors in CCTV drawings and documentation are a common reason for SIRA rejection. This usually happens when layouts do not match the actual installation, annotations are missing, or device lists are inaccurate. Accurate drawings and complete documentation are essential for smooth processing and faster review timelines. 

Installation by a Non-SIRA Approved CCTV Company 

If your system is installed by a company that is not SIRA certified, the application will be rejected, regardless of equipment or layout quality. Partnering with a certified SIRA CCTV company in Dubai guarantees compliance with technical, design, and documentation standards, helping you move through the review process faster and without complications. 

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Rejected SIRA CCTV Approval  

Review the SIRA Audit Report Carefully 

Start by carefully reading the comments mentioned in the rejection. These notes clearly explain what went wrong - camera coverage, equipment, storage, or paperwork. Avoid resubmitting without fixing the exact issues mentioned. Many applications get rejected again simply because the rejection notes were ignored or misunderstood. 

Correct CCTV Camera Placement & Coverage 

Correct how the cameras are positioned. Ensure all entry and exit points are covered, blind spots are removed, and camera angles clearly capture faces and activities. Cameras should be placed where SIRA expects them, not just where they are convenient. Proper coverage is one of the most important SIRA requirements for CCTV. 

Upgrade or Replace Non-Compliant CCTV Equipment 

Camera upgrades are required when resolution, camera type, or model does not meet SIRA standards. Recorder and storage upgrades may also be needed if the DVR/NVR cannot support required retention days or is incorrectly configured. Supporting hardware such as hard drives and cabling must be compliant to ensure the entire CCTV system meets SIRA requirements for CCTV. 

Update Drawings, Floor Plans & Device Lists 

SIRA checks whether your documents match the actual installation. Update CCTV drawings and floor plans to show correct camera locations. Fix any errors in device lists, serial numbers, quantities, and specifications. Even small mismatches can lead to rejection, so accuracy matters. 

Re-Submit the Application Correctly 

Once everything is fixed, re-upload all updated documents through the SIRA portal. This usually includes revised drawings, equipment details, and installation confirmation. Submitting clean and accurate information reduces the chance of rejection. Working with a certified SIRA CCTV company in Dubai helps ensure your resubmission meets all regulatory expectations the first time. 

How a SIRA-Approved CCTV Company Helps You Get Re-Approved Faster 

Working with SIRA certified companies removes guesswork from the approval process and significantly speeds up re-approval. These companies understand SIRA’s technical expectations and design CCTV systems strictly according to SIRA requirements for CCTV, including correct camera types, full coverage of entry and exit points, and compliant storage duration. 

A SIRA certified company in Dubai also prepares accurate layout drawings, BOQs, and product lists using approved equipment only. Since documentation errors are a major cause of rejection, having compliant drawings and correct device details reduces the risk of another failure. In addition, they handle SIRA portal submissions, revisions, and inspection coordination, saving business owners time and preventing costly delays. 

Most importantly, working with a certified SIRA CCTV company in Dubai means your application is reviewed internally for compliance before submission. This proactive approach leads to faster approval timelines and fewer inspection issues. 

At GS IT, we act as a complete compliance partner for SIRA CCTV requirements in Dubai. From site survey and system design to installation, documentation, portal submission, and pre-inspection checks, we handle the entire process from end to end. As a trusted SIRA CCTV company in Dubai, we focus on fixing SIRA rejection issues quickly and ensuring your system meets all regulatory requirements with minimal disruption to your business operations. 

A SIRA CCTV rejection is a compliance issue that can be fixed with the right approach. Delaying action increases the risk of inspections, fines, or trade license delays, which can affect business continuity. Instead of making unplanned changes, correcting issues through a structured and compliant process leads to faster approval. 

For quicker re-approval and smoother compliance, an expert review makes all the difference. GS IT helps businesses identify gaps, correct compliance issues, and resubmit with confidence, ensuring CCTV systems meet SIRA standards and get approved without unnecessary delays.