CCTV in Dubai is not "just cameras". If your system is not SIRA-approved, you are legally non-compliant, insurance may reject claims, and DED may fine you during audit. This short guide will save you from most of the mistakes UAE businesses make when buying CCTV.
1. What is SIRA and Why It Matters
SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) is Dubai's regulator for all security systems — CCTV, alarms, access control. In Dubai, only SIRA-licensed integrators can install commercial CCTV, and every project must be registered on the SIRA portal with drawings, camera schedules and completion certificate.
2. Camera Types — Match The Camera to The Job
- Bullet — long-range, outdoor, weatherproof. Parking, perimeter.
- Dome — vandal-resistant, discreet. Reception, retail, corridors.
- PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) — active monitoring. Warehouses, large yards.
- Turret — better IR performance than domes. Offices, showrooms.
- ANPR — number plate recognition. Compound gates, valet.
3. Resolution: 2MP vs 4MP vs 8MP (4K)
For most offices and shops, 4MP is the 2026 sweet spot — sharp identification without exploding your storage. 4K/8MP is worth it only where you need face-level detail across large areas (banks, jewellery, malls).
4. Storage Sizing — Don't Get Under-Sold
By SIRA rules most Dubai premises must retain 30 days of continuous recording. Rough guide for a 4MP camera at H.265, 15fps:
- 1 camera × 30 days ≈ 250 GB
- 16 cameras × 30 days ≈ 4 TB (use a RAID NVR, not a single disk)
- 32 cameras × 30 days ≈ 8 TB with 20% headroom
5. Typical CCTV Cost in Dubai (2026)
Approximate installed price per camera including cabling, NVR share, PoE switch and SIRA registration:
- 4MP Turret (indoor): AED 900 – 1,400
- 4MP Bullet (outdoor): AED 1,100 – 1,600
- 8MP with smart analytics: AED 1,800 – 2,600
- 4K PTZ: AED 6,000 – 12,000
Beware of quotes below AED 500 per camera — they usually skip SIRA, use fake-branded cameras, or install poor cabling.
6. 7 Questions to Ask Any CCTV Company in Dubai
- Are you SIRA-licensed? What is your license number?
- Which brands do you use? (Hikvision, Dahua, Uniview, Axis, Hanwha)
- Will I get a full SIRA completion certificate?
- What is the warranty on cameras, NVR and cabling?
- Do you provide mobile app access with remote view?
- Is 30-day retention guaranteed and how is it calculated?
- Do you provide AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) after installation?
7. Getting It Done Right
United IT Solution is a SIRA-registered integrator delivering CCTV surveillance systems for offices, villas, warehouses, showrooms and industrial sites across Dubai and the wider UAE — with full SIRA compliance, branded hardware, warranty and optional AMC.
Share your site details — we will design a system that passes SIRA and actually protects your business.
Request CCTV Quote →Related reading: Structured Cabling Guide UAE · Cyber Security Tips for UAE SMBs