The 21st edition of Intersec, the world’s leading security, safety, and fire protection trade show, opened doors in Dubai today. More than 1,300 exhibitors from 59 countries, including 18 of the world’s top 20 commercial security providers, are participating at Intersec 2019, which is taking place from 20th-22nd January at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The annual three-day event, organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, covers the seven sections of Commercial Security; Fire & Rescue; Perimeter & Physical Security; Safety & Health; Homeland Security & Policing; Information Security; and Smart Home & Building Automation.
According to analysts 6WResearch, the Middle East market for commercial and cybersecurity, fire protection, smart home solutions, and drones, worth a combined $7 billion in 2018, will grow to $16.4 billion in 2024.
Commercial security, comprising video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection, holds the lion’s share of that figure. Valued at $2.9 billion in 2018, the regional commercial security market will grow to $7.4 billion in 2024 according to 6WResearch, driven by increased infrastructure investments and stringent regulatory policies.
The Middle East fire safety systems and equipment market will also increase by eight percent annually, valuing $3 billion in 2024, from an estimated $1.9 billion in 2018, while the markets for cybersecurity (from $1.4 billion in 2018 to $2.7 billion in 2024), smart home ($344 million to $869 million), and drones ($507 million to $2.4 billion), are also in-line for solid double-digit annual growth.
According to the organisers, this all sets the scene for three days of busy networking and knowledge-sharing at Intersec 2019, which returns with the key support of long-standing Government partners such as the Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Police Academy, Dubai Municipality, and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).
The increasing global significance of the annual showpiece will also be underlined by a number of new international partners coming on-board, with Intersec’s show director Andreas Rex confirming the Kuwait Fire Protection Association, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), among new official supporters.
“Intersec 2019’s content-led forums will host innovative formats, key debates, strategic and technology discussions featuring a wide range of subjects by regional and international security experts,” added Rex.
“A two-day Future Security Summit will raise key issues on Artificial Intelligence, security integration, emergency preparedness and response, data protection, IoT and much more. A range of practical workshop sessions are also being organised for security managers to support skills development, professional expertise on security risk intelligence, threat identification, and disaster management.
“The SIRA Forum is also returning with the latest updates in security law and industry regulations in Dubai, while a one-day Fire Safety and Protection Conference will involve authorities, fire chiefs, engineers, fire fighters and emergency response professionals.”
Major General Rashid Al Matroshi, the Head of Dubai Civil Defense, said the UAE’s leading role in adopting the latest international standards and technologies has become a milestone in the world today, “In the field of security and safety, the UAE and its wise leadership spare no effort to introduce the latest security technologies to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, residents and visitors,” said Al Matroshi.
“Intersec, therefore, has become a global leader in the security, safety and fire prevention sector in the region, and its leading role in bringing together the world’s pioneering manufacturers and experts as well as enhancing regional safety and security.”
Commercial Security is the largest section on Intersec 2019’s exhibition floor, with more than 450 exhibitors including Swedish manufacturer Axis Communications.
Fire & Rescue is the next largest section at Intersec 2019, with more than 400 exhibitors expected, followed by Safety & Health (150 exhibitors) Homeland Security & Policing (100 exhibitors); Perimeter and Physical Security (100 exhibitors), and Information Security (50 exhibitors).
The 2019 edition also includes popular features such as the Drone Zone, an Outdoor Demo Area, a Smart Home Pavilion and the Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion. More than 150 exhibitors will be participating for the first time, while Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, and the USA comprise the 15 country pavilions.
Intersec 2019 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
