SIRA Preventive System Manual 2025: What Changed and Why It Matters in 2026

Table of Contents 

• What Is the SIRA Preventive Systems Manual? 
• What Changed in the 2025 Manual and How It Applies in 2026   
• What Types of Systems Does the Manual Cover? 
• How the 2025 Manual Affects Businesses in 2026   
• Common Compliance Gaps the Manual Seeks to Address 
• How Businesses Should Approach Compliance Going Forward 

What Is the SIRA Preventive Systems Manual? 

The SIRA Preventive Systems Manual 2025 is an official regulatory guideline issued by Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). It outlines the security and safety system requirements that buildings and businesses in Dubai must follow under current and ongoing SIRA regulations in 2026. This manual acts as a clear reference that defines what is required for security system approval, inspection, and ongoing compliance. 

The manual focuses on preventive security systems, including CCTV surveillance, alarm systems, access control, and monitoring facilities. For this reason, businesses often work with SIRA certified companies to ensure that systems are installed correctly and in line with the manual requirements. 

During the SIRA approval Dubai process, SIRA authorities review the submitted security plans against the manual before granting clearance. If the systems do not meet the defined requirements, approval may be delayed until corrections are made. This is why many organizations choose to work with SIRA approved companies in Dubai, as they are familiar with the approval process and compliance expectations. 

The manual exists to ensure that all security systems in Dubai follow one consistent and enforceable standard under SIRA regulations. It helps authorities assess compliance fairly and gives businesses clear guidance on what is required to obtain and maintain SIRA approval. 

What Changed in the 2025 Manual and How It Applies in 2026 

The 2025 update introduces important structural and operational changes that continue to shape how security compliance is managed in 2026. One of the most noticeable updates is the reorganization of the manual, which is now structured more clearly by system type, facility category, and responsibility. This makes the requirements easier to interpret for businesses and every SIRA company in Dubai involved in preventive systems. 

The manual also introduces a broader and more clearly defined scope. Coverage across different facility types and risk levels has been clarified, reducing uncertainty for organizations applying for SIRA approval for CCTV and other security systems. This helps align expectations between facility owners and SIRA approved companies in Dubai. 

The 2025 manual also places a stronger emphasis on operational and management aspects required in 2026. Security is treated as an ongoing process, with clearer accountability for system performance, documentation, and compliance monitoring. This shift directly affects how organizations meet SIRA requirements for CCTV, moving beyond installation to lifecycle management. 

What Types of Systems Does the Manual Cover? 

The SIRA Preventive Systems Manual 2025 is designed to create a strong, future-ready security environment, not just compliant installations. It covers a comprehensive range of preventive and security systems that work together to protect people, assets, and business operations across Dubai. 

The coverage includes core technical systems such as CCTV surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and monitoring infrastructure. These systems typically require design and implementation through a SIRA approved CCTV company in Dubai, particularly when formal approvals are required. 

What truly sets the 2025 manual apart is its expanded focus beyond hardware. The coverage now clearly includes operational and management controls, emphasizing how systems are monitored, maintained, and managed over time. This ensures security does not stop at installation but continues to perform reliably every day. 

How the 2025 Manual Affects Businesses in 2026 

The 2025 manual directly impacts how businesses plan, approve, and maintain their security systems. New installations and upgrades must align with updated requirements before approval is granted, making early coordination with SIRA certified companies more important than ever in 2026. 

Inspections now go beyond checking whether systems exist. Authorities assess system performance, documentation, and operational readiness during audits and renewals. For existing facilities, this means systems approved under older standards may need to be reviewed to remain compliant during 2026 inspections and renewals. 

A key takeaway is that responsibility does not end in installation. Businesses are expected to actively manage their systems to maintain compliance with SIRA regulations over time. 

Common Compliance Gaps the Manual Seeks to Address 

One of the most common gaps is the assumption that system installation alone guarantees compliance. The manual clearly distinguishes between system presence and system readiness. 

A typical area where companies overlook compliance is in system integration and management. Cameras may be installed, but if they are not integrated with monitoring systems, lack proper power backup, or are not connected to central management tools, they may not consistently perform as required. SIRA expects systems to be part of a coordinated setup that functions effectively day in and day out, not just hardware sitting on site. 

Another common gap is documentation and operational readiness. Systems must be supported by documented procedures, assigned personnel, maintenance logs, and records of testing or updates. The manual requires that someone is responsible for daily operation and reporting of issues not merely the installation. 

The 2025 manual addresses these issues by emphasizing operational continuity, system health, and accountability as essential parts of compliance. 

How Businesses Should Approach Compliance Going Forward 

Businesses should treat the 2025 update as an opportunity to strengthen long-term security practices throughout 2026 and beyond. Reviewing existing systems against the latest manual helps identify gaps before inspections or renewals. 

Working with experienced SIRA approved companies in Dubai ensures that systems, documentation, and operational processes remain aligned with current expectations. Qualified professionals can help interpret requirements, support audits, and maintain compliance without disruption. 

Book a SIRA approval consultation or site survey in Dubai to assess your security systems against the latest SIRA regulations. GS IT supports businesses with structured reviews that focus on compliance, documentation, and operational readiness.