The future is now for VSaaS, explains CEO of SIRA

ISJ hears exclusive insights from H.E. Khalifa Ibrahim Al Saleis, CEO & Executive Director, Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).

In light of rapid global digital transformation, video surveillance has become an integral part of institutional and governmental security infrastructure.

However, reliance on traditional systems with heavy architecture – such as local storage devices and closed centres – no longer aligns with the flexibility, accessibility and efficiency demanded by emerging security and technological challenges. 

This is where the video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) model has emerged as a transformative approach to building modern systems.

It is not merely about video storage; it redefines the concept of surveillance by transforming it into a cloud-based service that can be accessed from anywhere in the world – managed at lower operational costs, with higher security and instant integration capabilities.

This model is gaining traction in advanced security environments, particularly in critical infrastructure, airports, schools, shopping centres and government entities. 

Intelligence and integration 

What distinguishes VSaaS is not only its elimination of the need for heavy storage equipment, but also its ability to empower institutions with a flexible, scalable network.

This network can be managed through unified web-based interfaces, while offering built-in intelligent services. These capabilities, once exclusive to ultra-expensive systems, are now part of a standard package thanks to integration with AI and machine learning technologies.

This transformation has turned cameras from passive recording devices into active sensing points that inform decisions. 

International reports indicate that the global VSaaS market is witnessing remarkable growth, with its size reaching approximately US$5b in 2024.

It is projected to exceed US$10.7b by 2029, at a CAGR of over 16%.

This reflects not only the scale of demand but also a fundamental shift in how institutions perceive the role of surveillance; surveillance is no longer confined to documentation or evidence gathering – it has evolved into proactive analysis and rapid response before threats materialise.  

Herein lies the importance of VSaaS’s real-time interactivity: A facility manager located elsewhere can monitor live events moment by moment, make informed decisions based on live data, access instant recordings and receive behavioral analysis indicators through automated reports.

This level of agility is simply unattainable with traditional systems, regardless of their capacity. 

Cost efficiency stands out as one of the primary reasons driving countries and institutions to adopt this model. Instead of making large capital expenditures on equipment that may become obsolete within a few years, VSaaS offers a flexible monthly or annual subscription that includes automatic updates, technical support and advanced cybersecurity protection.

It also eliminates issues related to hardware failures, complex maintenance and data loss due to equipment damage. All of this enhances operational efficiency and frees up local IT teams from repetitive tasks. 

With AI becoming a core component of this model, cameras have evolved into instruments of cognition and analysis.

The system can detect repetitive patterns, anticipate unusual movements and issue alerts the moment a breach or suspicious behaviour occurs; it can compare live footage against databases to identify individuals or assess potential threats.

This means the institution doesn’t just receive a record of what happened, but an analysis of what might happen. 

One key feature, “Smart Patrol Points”, integrates security guard movements with the cloud-based platform.

It enables real-time tracking of patrol rounds, automatically displaying the camera feed linked to the specific geographic location the guard is passing through or triggering an alert if a checkpoint is not reached within a timeframe.

The system monitors not only the environment but human activity, enhancing patrol effectiveness and improving accountability and discipline. 

However, despite this strength, the model is not without challenges. Cloud security, data protection and content sovereignty remain legitimate concerns that require clear governance.

An organisation must know where its recordings are stored, who has access and whether data falls under foreign legal jurisdiction, particularly in the event of legal disputes or accidental leaks.

Moreover, compliance with international regulations demands strict transparency and thorough documentation of every step in the video storage and operation process. 

A strategic decision 

The UAE emerges as one of the most forward-thinking countries in recognising the importance of this technology and is working to adopt it within a framework of legislation and infrastructure.

The UAE has not only regulated the use of cloud services but has also launched advanced strategies to promote the shift toward smart platforms, placing AI at the core of modern security system design.

With the expansion of smart cities, digital infrastructure and e-governance solutions, the adoption of VSaaS by government entities, shopping centres, schools and airports has become a reality. 

And since transformation is not solely technical, institutions seeking to adopt VSaaS must manage this shift wisely.

The first step begins with selecting a globally trusted service provider with a robust infrastructure, followed by implementing a small-scale pilot project to measure performance and evaluate interaction before expanding.

It is also recommended to establish an in-house team trained in managing the cloud platform and understanding capabilities, in addition to setting internal policies for use and documenting procedures in line with local and international data protection regulations.

Furthermore, building partnerships with private sector is key to developing integrated solutions that combine smart devices and services within a realistic, secure operating environment. 

The adoption of VSaaS is a strategic decision that reflects an institution’s vision for the future.

It marks a transition from a traditional surveillance environment limited by walls and cables to an intelligent system unrestricted by distance, unaffected by location and guided by indicators.

Surveillance is no longer just an “eye that watches,” but a “mind that analyses, suggests and alerts.” 

In this landscape, the nations and institutions that begin by building robust VSaaS infrastructures today will find themselves in a more advanced security position tomorrow, with more efficient administration and financial sustainability.

The real difference will not lie merely in the type of camera used – but in the mindset driving this transformation.