A closed circuit television system is a highly secure system as it casts transmission to a single point through a secure authentic network. CCTV cameras are connected to CCTV monitors that are designed to receive transmitted signals from the camera. This makes the transmission secure and reliable. Some CCTV surveillance systems are attached to an access control system which restricts user access. CCTV cameras are mainly used in retail stores, supermarkets, malls, banks, jewelry shops and government establishments. They are also used to monitor traffic, carry traffic surveys, football stadiums and manufacturing.

Some advanced applications of CCTV surveillance systems include recording inside a baking oven to detect problems, time lapse the recorded footage of a crime to detect suspects and they are also used on a drama stage to show obscured parts of a set. Infrared CCTV cameras are used to reproduce the infrared vision of a gold fish and capture aerial photographs from helicopters and hot air balloons. A simple CCTV system comprises of a CCTV camera attached to a bracket mounted to a wall. The camera is connected to the CCTV monitor using a coaxial cable. The camera and monitor are connected to a common power source. Some commonly used CCTV cameras are Dome cameras, pan tilt and zoom cameras, bullet cameras, 360 degree cameras, C-mount cameras, infrared cameras and network connected cameras. Other CCTV cameras include wireless cameras, high definition cameras and night vision CCTV cameras. Some popular locations to find retailers who sell CCTV cameras in UAE are Sheikh Zayed road, Mina Road, Murror, Musaffah, Rolla Street, Deira, Silicon oasis, SAIF zone, Industrial area 13 Sharjah, International city, Electra Street, Ras Al Khor, Fatima Al Sharsi building, Al Quoz, Gold square, Al Quasis and Al Garhoud.