What Is SIRA, and Is It Mandatory for All Businesses?

Quick Overview 

• The Security Industry Regulatory Agency regulates CCTV and security systems in Dubai to ensure safety and compliance. 

• SIRA approval is mandatory for businesses such as warehouses, hotels, banks, malls, gold shops, and other regulated facilities in Dubai. 

• CCTV systems must use SIRA-approved cameras and recorders, and the installation must be carried out by a SIRA-approved CCTV company in Dubai to ensure compliance. 

• Camera footage retention must be a minimum of 31 days, with extended storage required based on business risk and site category. 

• Non-compliance can result in fines, approval delays, or licensing issues, impacting business operations. 

SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) is the regulatory authority in Dubai responsible for overseeing security services and technologies, including CCTV surveillance systems. It establishes mandatory standards to ensure that security solutions are designed, installed, and maintained in a controlled and standardized manner across the emirate. 

The security regulations in Dubai are designed to ensure that safety systems are implemented consistently and effectively. Through SIRA, the approval and compliance of security solutions such as CCTV, monitoring systems, and related infrastructure—are closely regulated to maintain public safety and operational integrity. 

Implementing effective CCTV and security systems requires strict adherence to these regulations. Partnering with a SIRA-approved CCTV company in Dubai ensures that installations are carried out correctly, monitored efficiently, and maintained in line with Dubai’s safety standards. This not only helps businesses protect their assets but also ensures full regulatory compliance. 

SIRA Approval for Your Business 

Dubai’s regulatory framework requires certain businesses to obtain SIRA approval for CCTV before installing or operating surveillance and other security systems. When navigating compliance, many businesses work with SIRA compliant CCTV providers familiar with regulatory procedures, documentation standards, and inspection protocols. This approach helps align installations with current SIRA expectations and reduces approval delays. 

Compliance is legally mandatory only for specific categories of businesses considered high-risk or handling sensitive environments. These include commercial complexes, hospitality establishments, industrial sites, and residential communities with shared security infrastructure. For organizations in lower-risk sectors, following SIRA requirements for CCTV is advised to maintain proper security practices, though it is not enforced by law. In many cases, engaging a CCTV installer approved by SIRA simplifies the approval journey by aligning system design with regulatory expectations. 

Working with SIRA certified companies simplifies the approval process, guarantees technical compliance and minimizes the risk of penalties. Proper documentation, adherence to installation requirements, and certified system commissioning are essential steps for lawful operation.  

The next section outlines the main business types required to obtain SIRA approval for CCTV in 2025 and 2026, providing organizations with a clear overview of their regulatory responsibilities. 

Which Businesses Must Have SIRA Approved CCTV in 2026? 

Businesses in Dubai must install SIRA-approved CCTV in high-risk areas to support safety, compliance, and accountability. Partnering with a trusted security solutions provider ensures your business meets SIRA requirements efficiently. 

Key categories include: 

• Banks and financial institutions: Facilities managing substantial cash and sensitive financial data require continuous monitoring to safeguard against fraud and theft while maintaining compliance with security regulations. 

• Gold and jewelry shops and high-value retail: Businesses storing or selling valuable items must maintain SIRA approved CCTV to protect against robbery and helps full traceability of incidents. 

• Shopping malls, supermarkets, and large retail outlets: Public-facing spaces with high foot traffic require approved surveillance systems to manage crowd safety, prevent theft, and support emergency response. 

• Hotels, hotel apartments, and major hospitality venues: Monitoring entrances, lobbies, and public areas is mandatory to align guest safety, staff accountability, and regulatory compliance. 

• Warehouses, logistics hubs, and industrial facilities: These sites often store goods of high value or hazardous materials, making SIRA compliant CCTV crucial for operational security and incident management. 

• Petrol stations, staff accommodations, labour camps, and certain residential/commercial towers: Locations with potential safety hazards or large populations require surveillance to protect people and assets while maintaining regulatory standards. 

SIRA periodically updates the list of businesses requiring approval. Organizations should stay informed or consult specialists to maintain compliance. Engaging a SIRA approved CCTV company in Dubai not only supports full compliance but also helps avoid penalties and simplifies ongoing system management. 

Key SIRA CCTV Requirements You Should Know in 2026 

Understanding key SIRA requirements for CCTV helps businesses stay compliant and streamline approvals in 2026. Meeting these standards is essential for securing SIRA CCTV certification in Dubai, and partnering with SIRA-certified companies ensures smooth inspections and audit readiness. 

Use of SIRA-approved equipment: All cameras, recorders, and storage devices must be certified by SIRA to guarantee compliance with technical and operational standards. 

Minimum continuous recording period: For typical residential and commercial properties, CCTV systems must retain recorded footage for a minimum of 31 days. High-security facilities, such as banks and data centers, are required to keep footage for at least 90 days. 

Adequate coverage of critical areas: Entrances, exits, cash handling or transaction zones, parking lots, and other high-priority areas must be fully monitored to maintain safety and accountability. 

Technical standards: Approved systems should meet resolution requirements, maintain high uptime, include backup power, and support secure connectivity for remote monitoring or audits. 

Documentation and inspection readiness: Businesses must maintain proper records of installations, system configurations, and maintenance. Systems should be prepared for routine SIRA inspections or audits to demonstrate compliance. 

What Should Your Business Do Next? 

To stay compliant, start by checking your trade license activities and overall risk exposure to determine whether SIRA approval for CCTV applies to your premises. If the requirement is unclear, arranging a compliance assessment or site survey provides clarity before any installation or upgrade decisions are made. 

Working with a SIRA compliant CCTV provider plays an important role in simplifying this process. Such providers handle system planning, prepare technical drawings, select compliant cameras and recording equipment, and manage the required documentation. They also coordinate directly with SIRA inspectors, helping the installation aligns with regulatory expectations and passes inspections without unnecessary revisions. 

GS IT, a leading SIRA approved CCTV company in Dubai, supports businesses through every stage of security compliance. The team focuses on aligning technical design with regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of fines, rework, or delays during license issuance or renewal. With certified solutions and hands-on guidance, businesses can move forward confidently while maintaining operational continuity. Early action allows businesses to plan timelines, budget accurately, and address compliance gaps before inspections begin. This proactive approach helps prevent last-minute changes that could disrupt operations or delay approvals across departments, locations, and stakeholders. 

Contact GS IT to schedule a SIRA compliance survey and get your security systems aligned with Dubai’s standards. Our experts will guide you on approved solutions and site requirements to help you avoid delays.