SIRA Approved

SIRA certification ensures that the CCTV installation in your building or facility is in good condition, as per guidelines, and up-to-date with the latest technologies specified by SIRA.
It is now mandatory for the proper installation of security surveillance system at the building facilities. Fines are imposed for non-compliance and improper CCTV installation. Various types of buildings and institutions have different type of guidelines for CCTV installation specified by SIRA.
SIRA certification is essential to facilitate other licensing formalities as well. Dubai municipal authority also requires SIRA NOC for issuing a building completion certificate.

SIRA requires that all Hotels and Similar Activities, Malls, Shopping Centers, Banks, Money Exchanges, Jewelers, SIM card traders, Cinemas, Theatres, Sports Complexes, Multi-Tenant buildings, Shooting Rangers & Clubs, Military Equipment Stores, Hunting Equipment Stores, Gas Stations, Large and Diverse Stores ( Department Stores / Supermarkets), Electronic Game Shops, Place of Worship , Art Galleries, Recreation Parks , Nightclubs, Sports Clubs (GYM) and Restaurants. Some of these businesses are also required to install an intruder alarm system.
SIRA has published specific CCTV installation guidelines for the different types of businesses. These guidelines specify the installation locations of the cameras and the essential camera features. Other things defined are the Field of View (FoV) of cameras and the image sizes for different areas. The agency has also set the minimum acceptable resolution and frame rate of the video recording. SIRA has even specified the minimum period for which companies should maintain their CCTV video record at the site.
In 2018, SIRA issued a regulation that requires all critical businesses to connect their CCTV recorders to SIRA’s control room. For this purpose, SIRA provides a device called Video Guard. The Video Guard connects to the recorders locally and to the SIRA server over the internet. To know more about the SIRA installation guidelines, visit SIRA’s website.

SIRA manages the approval process for CCTV systems through its online portal. All SIRA approved Security Service Providers (SSPs) have access to this portal. If you are a Security Service User (SSU), then you also need to create a Facility Account on this portal. The approval process works as follows. First, the SSP uploads all the details of your CCTV system on the SIRA portal. These details include camera model numbers, IP addresses, and camera to recorder mapping. The SSP also uploads a schematic diagram and creates a maintenance agreement on the portal. Once the SSP has completed the installation and documentation, it requests for a SIRA audit.
On the receipt of the audit request, SIRA assigns an auditor to check your CCTV system. The auditor schedules time with the SSP and visits the site for an audit. If the auditor finds that your CCTV installation doesn’t meet SIRA’s requirements, he issues a FAIL report. In this report, the auditor lists the things that need to be rectified to get the inspection passed. Based on the auditor’s comments, the SSP rectifies your CCTV system and re-applies for inspection. The auditor again comes for inspection, and if your CCTV installation meets all requirements, the auditor passes it. However, if the auditor fails it again, then this cycle continues.
Submissions and changes need to be carried out within the approved timeline of 1 month, failing which resubmission charges are applicable. To avoid such reapplications, it is advisable to consult a CCTV installation SIRA certified installer who can guide you to ensure minimum variations, and avoid fines or application.
Changes, if any, suggested during the inspection like changing the CCTV from Analog to IP is required to be carried out within the timelines through SIRA CCTV installers like You Smart Communication Networks LLC.
Once the auditor has uploaded the PASS report on the portal, the SSP applies for and obtains the NOC. If you also have Video Guard installed at your site, then the approval process has an additional step. The SSP is required to obtain first the Video Guard connectivity certificate from SIRA. For this, the SSP uploads an SVG layout of your site on the Video Guard portal. The SSP also creates an E-map of the installed cameras and requests SIRA Approved Engineer to verify the connectivity. SIRA does a remote log-in to check the connection and to see if it can access all cameras. If successful, SIRA issues a connectivity certificate, which is an essential requirement for passing the SIRA inspection.

You Smart Communication Networks LLC is a SIRA certified vendor for CCTV installation and guidance with certification. As a one stop shop, You Smart Communication Networks LLC can help you with the inspection, documentation, vendor quotes, submission on SIRA portal, AMC and final certification. For more details call +971 4 355 1885/ +971 52 897 1263 or write to info@yousmart.ae