SAS ITThe Most Common CCTV Mistake Dubai Businesses Make
Most businesses either overbuy or underbuy. After 300+ CCTV installations across Dubai, here is how to get it right.
Step 1: What Are You Actually Protecting?
Answer these before buying anything:
- What are you protecting? (Inventory, cash, people, servers)
- Who are the threats? (External intruders, internal theft, disputes)
- Do you need real-time monitoring or recorded evidence?
- Do you need remote access from your phone?
Step 2: IP vs Analog
Analog: Lower upfront cost, requires coaxial cable, max 1080p, no analytics. Best for single-site tight budgets.
IP (Recommended): 2MP to 12MP resolution, runs on Cat6 cable, advanced analytics, remote access, scalable. Best for offices, warehouses, retail chains.
Recommendation: Always go IP unless you have existing analog infrastructure.
Step 3: Camera Types
| Camera | Best Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet | Parking, perimeter, entrances | Long range, visible deterrent |
| Dome | Indoor ceilings, lobbies | 360 degrees, vandal-resistant |
| PTZ | Large open areas, warehouses | Remote pan/tilt/zoom |
| Fisheye | Single-camera rooms | No blind spots |
| Thermal | Dark perimeters | Works in zero light |
Step 4: Resolution Guide
| Resolution | Use Case |
|---|---|
| 2MP (1080p) | Indoor general coverage |
| 4MP | Entrances, mid-range outdoor |
| 4K (8MP) | High-value areas, license plates, facial recognition |
Default recommendation: 4MP for most cameras. Upgrade to 4K only where detail matters.
Step 5: How Much Storage Do You Need?
| Cameras | Resolution | 30-Day Retention |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1080p | 1TB |
| 8 | 4MP | 3TB |
| 16 | 4MP | 6TB |
| 32 | 4K | 20TB |
Always use H.265 compression. Dubai minimum: 30 days retention.
Step 6: SIRA Compliance
For regulated Dubai businesses, SIRA requirements apply: minimum resolution per zone, minimum retention, approved equipment, SIRA-licensed installer.
Step 7: Top Brands
| Brand | Best For |
|---|---|
| Hikvision | Most commercial applications |
| Dahua | Large enterprise |
| Axis | Premium high-security |
| Uniview | Mid-range commercial |
| CP Plus | Budget SME |
CCTV Installation Costs in Dubai
| System | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| 4-camera basic | 1,800 to 3,500 |
| 8-camera office | 4,500 to 8,000 |
| 16-camera warehouse | 9,000 to 18,000 |
| 32+ enterprise | Custom quote |
Get a free CCTV site survey for your Dubai business. Contact us or call +971-526716178.
Related: Office vs Warehouse Camera Selection Guide | Commercial CCTV Installation Dubai | Access Control System Dubai
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About the Author
Reviewed by Mustafa Husain, Founder of SAS IT Services, with 10+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, networking, and security — alongside the same engineers who design, install, and support the work described on this site. SAS IT Services was founded on 22 February 2020 in Dubai and has since delivered 500+ projects for businesses across the UAE.
We specialize in Fortinet, Cisco, and Microsoft, among 17 vendor product lines we regularly install, configure, and support across networking, cybersecurity, CCTV, and cloud infrastructure — hands-on experience that informs the technical guidance in our articles.
Our work is independently rated 5.0 out of 5 from 17 verified Google Reviews. Every article is reviewed internally for technical accuracy before publishing and reflects practices we apply on real client deployments in Dubai and the UAE.
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