If you own or run a business in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, CCTV is not just a purchase decision. In both emirates the system is regulated: who designs and installs it, what the cameras and recorders must do, and what has to be approved before you can rely on it. Getting the order of steps wrong is the most common reason projects stall at handover. This guide walks through how the approval process generally works in each emirate, using only what the authorities publish. It is general guidance, not legal advice — always confirm the current requirements for your premises with the authority itself.
Who regulates CCTV in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Dubai: the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) regulates the security industry under Law No. (12) of 2016 Regulating the Security Industry in the Emirate of Dubai. The law states that no person may provide security services in the emirate without first obtaining a licence. Technical requirements are set out in SIRA’s Preventive Systems Manual, approved by SIRA Administrative Resolution No. (13) of 2025.
Abu Dhabi: the Monitoring and Control Centre (MCC), widely known as ADMCC, regulates monitoring and control devices in the emirate. It was established in 2011 and publishes the manuals and services that covered entities follow.
Other emirates have their own authorities. A system designed for one emirate is not automatically approved in another.
Does the rule apply to my premises?
The rules are written around premises categories, not just “businesses”. Typical covered categories include hotels and hotel apartments, banks and exchange houses, shopping centres, fuel stations, gold and jewellery shops, hospitals and clinics, schools, warehouses and commercial buildings. The exact list and the requirements for each category live in the authority’s current manual. Private villas usually carry lighter obligations, although a developer, community or building management may impose its own rules.
Start with the category, not the cameras. The category decides the coverage, recording and retention requirements, which in turn decide how many cameras you need and how much storage the recorder must hold. Buying hardware first and asking later is where most rework comes from.
The approval process in Dubai, in general terms
SIRA publishes a Security Plans Certification service for the approval of security system plans for important facilities and buildings. At the time of writing, the service page lists these steps for camera and alarm systems:
- Log in to SIRA’s e-services portal.
- Submit the security plan certificate application with the required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Obtain the security plan certification.
The listed documents are the trade licence, a planning map and the project plan. The page states a processing time of 3 business days and a service fee of AED 100 plus AED 10 knowledge and AED 10 innovation fees. Fees and steps can change, so check the live page before you budget.
In practice, the plan is prepared by a SIRA-licensed security company that designs the system to the current Preventive Systems Manual. SIRA’s published technical specifications have covered points such as minimum Full HD recording, visible (not hidden) cameras unless SIRA approves otherwise, a ban on audio recording without SIRA permission, and IP66-rated outdoor cameras suited to Gulf heat, humidity and dust. Treat these as examples of the level of detail involved, and design to the current manual.
The approval process in Abu Dhabi, in general terms
MCC’s framework follows the same logic, with its own documents and portal. In general terms, a covered entity:
- Confirms its category under MCC’s current manual.
- Contracts a company licensed by MCC to carry out the work.
- Has the system designed to the manual — coverage areas, camera schedule and drawings.
- Obtains the necessary approvals before installation.
- Obtains its compliance certificate through MCC’s entity compliance service, then keeps it valid with maintenance and inspections.
Service times, documents and renewal conditions are listed on mcc.gov.ae. Confirm the sequence for your site with MCC or your licensed company before works start.
What owners should check before signing a CCTV contract
- Licence: ask the installer for its current licence from the authority in the emirate where your site is, and check that the company name matches the quotation and trade licence.
- Design basis: ask which manual and version the design follows.
- Storage sizing: recorder storage must match the retention period for your category at the specified resolution and frame rate.
- Documentation: drawings, camera schedule, submittals and the certificate should be handed over to you, not kept by the contractor.
- Maintenance: understand what ongoing maintenance and inspection your certificate depends on.
- Cabling and power: cameras are only as reliable as the network behind them. Plan CCTV cabling and network switches with the camera design.
Privacy still applies
Approval does not remove privacy duties. Cameras should cover your own premises and legitimate areas, not neighbours’ private spaces, washrooms or changing areas. Restrict who can view and export footage, and keep it secure. Our overview of CCTV laws in the UAE covers privacy in more detail.
How AlphaStone Contracting LLC can help
AlphaStone Contracting LLC designs and installs CCTV and security systems and the structured cabling behind them. We can help you work out what your premises category needs and coordinate with the licensed parties your approval route requires. See our pages on Dubai SIRA requirements, Abu Dhabi ADMCC requirements and CCTV approvals.
Important: requirements change and vary by emirate and premises category. This article summarises what SIRA and MCC publish at the time of writing. Confirm specifics with the authority before you rely on them.
Planning CCTV for a UAE business?
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Contact AlphaStone ContractingFrequently asked questions
Do I need SIRA approval for CCTV in Dubai?
SIRA regulates the security industry in Dubai under Law No. (12) of 2016. Many commercial and important facilities need an approved security system plan, and security systems must be supplied and installed by a company licensed by SIRA. Whether your specific premises is covered depends on its activity and category, so confirm with SIRA or a SIRA-licensed company before you buy equipment.
How long does SIRA security plan certification take?
At the time of writing, SIRA’s Security Plans Certification service page lists a processing time of 3 business days once a complete application is submitted through its e-services portal. Design, installation and any inspection take longer, so plan the overall programme around the full process, not just the certificate.
Who approves CCTV in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi, CCTV and other monitoring systems are regulated by the Monitoring and Control Centre (MCC), often called ADMCC. Covered entities work through a company licensed by the centre, and approvals are obtained before installation. The current manuals and services are published on mcc.gov.ae.
Is a SIRA approval valid in Abu Dhabi?
No. SIRA covers Dubai and MCC covers Abu Dhabi. Each emirate has its own authority, standards documents and process, so a project in each emirate needs to follow that emirate’s route.
Can I install CCTV myself at my shop or office?
For premises that fall under the rules, generally no. The design, supply and installation are expected to be carried out by a company licensed by the relevant authority, and the plan or compliance certificate is applied for through that authority’s channel. Homes usually have lighter obligations, but community or building rules may still apply.