Dubai’s shopping centres are world-renowned, attracting millions of visitors each year. With the vast foot traffic and commercial activity, ensuring security is paramount. To maintain high standards of safety, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) has established comprehensive regulations that shopping centres must follow. These guidelines not only protect the public but also enhance the reputation and operational efficiency of the establishments.
Overview of SIRA’s Security Requirements for Shopping Centres
SIRA’s regulations for shopping centres encompass several key areas, including surveillance, access control and the deployment of security personnel. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that shopping centres in Dubai meet the highest standards of safety and security.
- Comprehensive Surveillance Systems
Surveillance is at the heart of SIRA’s security requirements. Shopping centres are required to install fixed coloured cameras in various critical areas to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Entrances and Exits: Cameras must be installed at all entrances to capture clear identification views of individuals entering and leaving the premises.
Key Areas: Surveillance must cover assistance desks, elevator lobbies, escalators, and all emergency exits. Additionally, cameras must monitor ATM machines, public phones, and phone charging stations to provide recognition views.
Parking Areas: Entrances and exits of parking lots, drop-off areas, and loading/unloading zones must be equipped with automatic car plate number reading cameras. This ensures that all vehicle movements are tracked and recorded.
Crowd Gathering Areas: Performance areas, outdoor spaces, and seating areas must be monitored using detection-view cameras and PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras to manage large crowds effectively.
To ensure the system’s effectiveness, all cameras should provide a minimum of 1080P resolution, and footage must be stored digitally, guaranteeing high-quality recordings.
- Central Monitoring and Video Guard System
A critical component of SIRA’s regulations is the installation of a central monitoring system, commonly known as Video Guard. This system continuously monitors the performance of all CCTV systems and identifies faults, ensuring that the surveillance infrastructure remains functional at all times.
Remote Monitoring by SIRA: The Video Guard system allows SIRA to remotely monitor the shopping centre’s surveillance network, ensuring compliance and quick response to any security breaches or system malfunctions.
Control Room Operations: Shopping centres must also have a dedicated operations room equipped with the necessary communication tools to manage the surveillance systems. This room should be staffed with a security systems supervisor who coordinates with security personnel and emergency services when needed.
- Deployment of Security Personnel
In addition to technology, the presence of trained security personnel is crucial for maintaining a secure environment. SIRA mandates that shopping centres provide 24/7 security coverage.
Security Managers and Supervisors: A dedicated security manager and operations manager must be appointed to oversee all security activities. These roles are critical for maintaining the efficiency and responsiveness of the security operations.
Guard Coverage: Security guards must be stationed throughout the shopping centre at all times. In areas with high-value goods, such as gold and jewellery shops, static security posts are required to prevent theft. Additionally, female security guards must be available during official working hours to cater to female visitors and handle any gender-specific security concerns.
- Special Security Measures
Certain areas within a shopping centre require additional security measures due to their unique risks.
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM): SIRA mandates the installation of passive or active HVM barriers at main gates and areas where large crowds gather. These barriers are designed to prevent vehicle-based attacks and ensure the safety of visitors.
High-Risk Areas: In zones housing gold, jewellery or other precious items, static security posts are required to offer additional protection.
- Special Cases for Open-Air Establishments
For open-air shopping centres where entrances and lobbies are not clearly defined, SIRA allows the use of pixel density methods for camera placement. However, these cases require prior approval from SIRA to ensure that the alternative security measures meet regulatory standards.
In general, adhering to SIRA’s regulations is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a safe and secure environment for shoppers and employees alike. By implementing these stringent security measures, shopping centres in Dubai can protect their assets, enhance customer trust and maintain a reputation for excellence in safety.
For retail industry professionals, staying informed and compliant with SIRA’s guidelines is critical. Our team of experts can help you navigate these requirements and ensure your shopping centre meets all necessary security standards. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your security needs.
