How long is CCTV footage stored in the UAE?

General guidance, not legal advice. Retention periods are set by the authority or rule that applies to your activity, and they change. Confirm yours in writing. Last reviewed: 28 October 2026.

People often ask for "the UAE rule". There is no single figure. Retention depends on whether the CCTV is at a home or a regulated business, and on the emirate.

Homes

For private homes we are not aware of a fixed legal minimum. Choose a retention you can afford and that suits your habits. If you travel for two weeks, 30 days is more useful than 7.

Dubai businesses

Dubai regulates commercial CCTV through SIRA. Industry guidance commonly cites about 31 days as the baseline for many commercial premises, with longer periods for higher-risk activities. Because sources differ, confirm the figure for your activity with SIRA or a SIRA-licensed company. See SIRA CCTV requirements.

Sharjah businesses

Commercial premises in Sharjah are commonly expected to keep around 60 days of continuous recording. Again, confirm it for your activity. See Sharjah Police CCTV requirements.

Abu Dhabi and other emirates

Abu Dhabi has its own authorities and we could not confirm a single published figure for all businesses. See Abu Dhabi CCTV requirements.

Sector rules

Banks, exchange houses, jewellers, schools and similar activities can have their own, longer requirements. Your licensing body or sector regulator will tell you.

Retention is not only a number

Even if the rule says 60 days, a system that has stopped recording gives you zero days. Check:

• All cameras show on the recorder and record continuously
• The hard disk status is normal and overwrite is on
• The date and time are correct
• A UPS protects against power cuts

If the system stops recording, see CCTV not recording: causes and fixes.

How to plan storage for the required days

1. Find your required number of days in writing.
2. Add a margin of 10-20 percent.
3. Use the formula in our storage calculator guide.
4. Verify after a week.

Do not keep footage forever "just in case"

Footage of people is personal data. Keep what you need, protect it and delete it when it is no longer required. Read the privacy guide.

Conclusion

Find the rule for your activity, size storage to match with a margin, and check it works. The number matters less than the system actually holding that many days.