The questions
- Are you licensed to install security systems in Dubai? Law No. 12 of 2016 requires a licence to provide security services, which include installing security systems.
- Will you survey the site before quoting? A quote without a survey is a guess.
- What will each camera see? Ask for camera positions and the purpose of each one.
- Which brands and models are you quoting? Get exact models, not just “4MP camera”.
- How many days of recording will I get? Ask how storage was calculated.
- Does my premises type have SIRA requirements? For businesses, this affects the design.
- How will cables be routed and finished? Ask about conduit, trunking and outdoor protection.
- What is included at handover? Testing, app setup, user accounts and training.
- What happens if something fails? Ask about support and maintenance options.
- Who owns the passwords? You should receive the admin credentials for your own system.
Red flags
- A price over the phone with no questions about the site.
- Vague equipment descriptions with no brands or models.
- Default passwords left unchanged at handover.
- No clear answer on recording retention.