CCTV Regulations in the UAE
Understand CCTV regulations in the UAE: SIRA & ADMCC rules on cameras, storage, signage & privacy, and how to stay compliant.
CCTV Regulations
CCTV in the UAE is regulated to protect security and privacy. This guide explains the key rules — who needs approval, minimum camera specs, footage storage and retention periods, signage, and privacy obligations — under SIRA (Dubai) and ADMCC (Abu Dhabi), and how AlphaStone keeps you compliant.
- 10+ years delivering across the UAE
- SIRA, ADMCC & BICSI compliant
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- Maintenance & AMC support
Options we design & install
SIRA Compliance
Dubai design & submission
ADMCC Compliance
Abu Dhabi standard
Drawings & Submission
Authority paperwork
Inspection Support
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What the service covers
- Compliance gap assessment
- SIRA/ADMCC-spec design
- Approval drawings
- Application submission
- Storage & retention setup
- Signage & privacy guidance
- Inspection coordination
- Approval certificate handover
Key CCTV rules in the UAE
The core SIRA / ADMCC requirements — we build to all of them.
| Rule | Requirement | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Min 2MP (4K to spec) | Identifiable faces / plates |
| Retention | 31 days minimum | Evidence availability |
| Signage | Visible CCTV notices | Privacy & lawfulness |
| Storage | Secure, access-controlled | Tamper protection |
| Installer | SIRA / ADMCC approved | Legal compliance |
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Our delivery process
Free Site Survey
We assess your site, requirements and compliance needs.
Design & Fixed Quote
Clear scope, standards and transparent pricing.
Install & Test
Certified installation, tested and labeled, minimal downtime.
Handover & AMC
Documentation plus optional maintenance contracts.
SIRA & ADMCC framework
- Approved camera specs & resolution
- 31-day minimum retention
- Secure, compliant storage
- Mandatory signage & privacy
Industries & properties we serve
Who regulates CCTV in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
CCTV in the UAE is regulated emirate by emirate. The two you will meet most are SIRA in Dubai and the Monitoring and Control Centre (MCC, often called ADMCC) in Abu Dhabi. They run separate rules, separate approvals and separate technical manuals, so a design approved in one emirate is not automatically valid in the other.
| Dubai: SIRA | Abu Dhabi: MCC / ADMCC | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | Law No. (12) of 2016 Regulating the Security Industry; Implementing Bylaw, Resolution No. (1) of 2018 | Law No. (5) of 2011 establishing the Monitoring and Control Centre; Regulation No. (5) of 2015 |
| Technical rulebook | Preventive Systems Manual, approved by Administrative Resolution No. (13) of 2025 | Manual of Standards for Surveillance Devices, Version 2.0 (2023) |
| Recording retention | At least 31 days, at high quality and at least 10 frames per second (some categories need longer) | Set by premises category in the MCC manual. Check the current manual for your site. |
| Who installs | Security service providers licensed by SIRA | Service providers licensed by the MCC |
What this means on a real project
- Confirm the emirate and the premises category first. Coverage areas, retention and camera specification follow from that.
- Design camera positions and storage to the manual, not to a generic spec sheet.
- Use a provider licensed by the authority in that emirate, and keep the approval and handover documents on site.
- Keep private areas out of the camera view. Both regimes restrict where cameras may point.
- Recordings are personal data too. The UAE Personal Data Protection Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021) may also apply, depending on your setup.
Next steps: ADMCC compliance in Abu Dhabi, SIRA-compliant CCTV in Dubai, CCTV approval services and CCTV audits for existing systems. For the cabling behind it, see CCTV security system cabling.
Sources: Dubai Law No. (12) of 2016; SIRA Administrative Resolution No. (13) of 2025 (Preventive Systems Manual); Abu Dhabi Law No. (5) of 2011 and Regulation No. (5) of 2015; MCC Manual of Standards for Surveillance Devices v2.0 (2023). This is a general guide, not legal advice. Requirements change, so check the current rules for your premises category with the authority.
Frequently asked questions
How long must footage be kept?
Retention periods are set by SIRA/ADMCC by premises type — we configure storage to match.
Do I need signage?
Yes — visible CCTV notices are typically required.
Who must use approved installers?
Most commercial premises — see SIRA-Compliant CCTV.
Is SIRA approval handled for me?
Yes — we design to SIRA (Dubai) and ADMCC (Abu Dhabi) standards and coordinate the approval process with our approved partner where required.
How long is CCTV footage stored?
By default we configure a minimum of 31 days of footage retention in line with SIRA requirements, and size storage to your site category and how long you need recordings kept. Longer retention is available where regulations or your own policy require it.
Can I watch the cameras on my phone?
Yes. We set up secure live and playback viewing from your phone, tablet and desktop, with multi-site access and optional cloud recording — so you can check any camera from anywhere, with role-based access for your team.
Is ADMCC the same as SIRA?
No. SIRA regulates the security industry in Dubai under Law No. (12) of 2016. The Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC) regulates monitoring devices in Abu Dhabi under Law No. (5) of 2011. Each has its own manual and approvals. See ADMCC compliance.
Related services
Serving all seven emirates
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