SIRA CCTV Requirements Explained: A Buyer's Guide Before You Install

What is SIRA and Why It Matters Before You Buy Anything

SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) regulates security systems in Dubai including CCTV, access control, and alarms. If you're installing a new system — a new outlet, a new office, or your first CCTV setup — getting the specification right before you buy saves you from paying twice: once for the wrong equipment, and again to replace it after a failed inspection.

Step 1: Work Out Your SIRA Risk Category

SIRA classifies regulated businesses by risk category (A, B, C), and your category determines how strict your requirements are:

• Category A (highest risk): jewellery stores, banks and exchange houses, high-value retail
• Category B: hotels and hospitality venues, healthcare facilities, larger retail
• Category C: general commercial premises, educational institutions, lower-risk retail

Check your trade licence sector or confirm directly with SIRA at www.sira.gov.ae — your category should be settled before you get a single quote, since it changes camera count, resolution, and retention requirements.

Step 2: Which Businesses Need SIRA-Compliant CCTV at All

• Hotels and hospitality venues
• Retail outlets (especially jewellery and electronics)
• Banks and exchange houses
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational institutions
• Government-licensed businesses

If you don't fall into a regulated sector, SIRA compliance isn't mandatory — but the same technical baseline is still good practice for any commercial CCTV install.

Step 3: SIRA Minimum Specifications to Put in Your Quote Request

Resolution: External cameras minimum 2MP. Entry/exit points minimum 4MP for facial recognition.

Frame Rate: Minimum 15fps. 25fps recommended for facial identification areas.

Storage: Minimum 30 days retention. NVR must be in a locked, secure location.

Coverage: All entry and exit points covered. No significant blind spots in high-risk areas.

Get these written into any installer's quote — a supplier who can't confirm these numbers on paper before installation is not the one to use for a regulated site.

Step 4: SIRA-Approved Brands

Hikvision, Dahua, Axis, Bosch, Sony, Samsung Hanwha. Always confirm the specific model — not just the brand — is on the current SIRA approved product list before purchasing, since approval is granted per model.

Step 5: Choosing a SIRA-Licensed Installer

SIRA requires installation by a licensed provider, and the installation certificate is something SIRA may request during an inspection. Before signing a contract, ask any installer for their SIRA licence number and confirm it directly with SIRA if the project is for a Category A site.

Already have a CCTV system and need to check if it passes? Use our SIRA compliance audit checklist. For a new SIRA-compliant installation, book a consultation | +971-526716178

Related: SIRA Compliance Audit & Fix Checklist | Commercial CCTV Installation Dubai | Access Control System Dubai