SIRA Approval for Fit-Outs in Dubai: What to Plan For
SIRA regulates security systems in Dubai, and a fit-out that includes CCTV usually has to plan around its requirements. Most guides are written by CCTV vendors and disagree on key specifications. This one sets out what is consistent, what is not, and how to fit SIRA into a fit-out programme.
Dar Al Naseeb Engineering Consultants
Licensed Engineering Consultants · Dubai, UAE · Est. 2012
Use this as a checklist of questions for your SIRA-licensed installer.
| Topic | Status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed installer | Consistent across sources | Ask for the company's SIRA licence |
| Approved equipment | Consistent across sources | Check models against the approved list |
| Layout drawings | Consistent across sources | Show cameras, coverage, access points and storage |
| Camera resolution | Conflicting: 1080p, 2 MP and 4K all claimed | Confirm in the current manual for your sector |
| Footage retention | Commonly 31 days, longer for higher-risk sites | Confirm for your activity |
| Separate network and UPS | Claimed by some sources | Confirm before finalising MEP and IT design |
Why SIRA Belongs in the Fit-Out Design Stage
CCTV is often treated as a late add-on, and that causes rework. SIRA-driven requirements affect ceiling layouts, containment, power, comms rooms and storage. If they arrive after ceilings close, you pay twice.
Bring the SIRA-licensed installer in at design stage, and coordinate the camera layout with the fit-out drawings and fire-safety layouts.
The Usual Sequence
Published descriptions of the process are broadly consistent:
1. Appoint a SIRA-licensed company
2. Prepare the security layout showing cameras, coverage, access points and storage
3. Register the premises and connect the system to SIRA's platform
4. Install SIRA-approved equipment
5. Request the audit
One vendor quotes 1 to 3 weeks for the procedure. Treat this as a vendor estimate, and agree the dates with your installer.
Who Is Most Affected
Requirements tend to be most significant where public access, cash or high-value goods are involved, such as retail, jewellery, hospitality and healthcare. Ask whether your activity has specific requirements before you finalise the layout, because a standard office configuration will not necessarily translate to these sectors.
For sector approvals, see clinic fit-out, restaurant fit-out and hotel fit-out.
Free Assessment
Coordinate Security With Your Fit-Out From Day One
We bring SIRA requirements into the fit-out programme alongside DM, DDA and Civil Defence approvals. Free assessment in 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
01What is SIRA in Dubai?
02Who can install CCTV for a business in Dubai?
03What camera resolution does SIRA require?
04How long must CCTV footage be kept in Dubai?
05When should SIRA be considered in a fit-out?
Official Sources
Fees and procedures change without notice. Confirm any figure with the authority before you rely on it.