Intersec 2025 to focus on supply chain security vulnerabilities in the Middle East

As reported by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organisations across the Middle East are increasingly facing risks within their supply chains due to human behaviour.

These challenges will be explored at the upcoming Security Leaders’ Summit during Intersec 2025, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 14-16 January 2025.

The event will bring together key figures in the security industry to discuss how human fallibility impacts supply chain security.

Stuart Frost, BEM, Head of Enterprise Security and Risk Management for the UK Government, emphasised the issue, saying: “The primary risk in any supply chain is not just the failure of security controls, but the fact that humans are fallible and make mistakes simply because they are human.”

The role of human error in security risks

Frost highlighted that security often takes a back seat when awarding contracts, with business and financial considerations taking priority.

The UAE’s contracts market, for instance, saw a substantial increase in contract awards, reaching US$79.5 billion in 2023, up from US$29.7 billion in 2022.

However, Frost explained that this focus on commercial imperatives can overshadow the need for rigorous security measures.

He noted the importance of conducting thorough risk analysis and ongoing post-contract assurance to mitigate these risks.

“Post-contract assurance should be performed at least annually to ensure the controls are still effective and the risk position is managed,” Frost added.

Geopolitical factors compounding risks

The unique geopolitical and economic environment in the Middle East compounds the risks for organisations operating in the region.

Frost warned that many businesses fail to properly assess the risks posed by lower-tier suppliers in their supply chains.

This oversight can lead to breaches that threaten organisational survival, especially if resilience measures are not in place.

The Security Leaders’ Summit at Intersec 2025 will address these issues, offering valuable insights into how organisations can strengthen supply chain security in light of these complex challenges.

Intersec 2025 and key conference highlights

Intersec 2025 is set to be the largest edition of the event, with over 1,200 exhibitors from 60 countries and an anticipated 52,000 visitors.

The Security Leaders’ Summit will serve as a focal point for discussions on sustainable security practices and geopolitical risks.

Grant Tuchten, Portfolio Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “As supply chains become increasingly complex and intertwined, understanding the risks and implementing effective security measures are paramount.”

In addition to the Security Leaders’ Summit, Intersec 2025 will feature several other key conference programmes, such as the Safety & Health Conference, Fire & Rescue Conference, and the newly introduced Intersec Policing Conference.

Intersec 2025 to focus on supply chain security vulnerabilities in the Middle East: Summary

Intersec 2025, to be held in Dubai from 14-16 January 2025, will address the increasing vulnerabilities in Middle Eastern supply chains due to human error and geopolitical factors.

Stuart Frost, Head of Enterprise Security and Risk Management for the UK Government, will discuss the critical risks posed by human fallibility in supply chain security.

He noted that while business priorities often overshadow security in contract awards, post-contract assurance and risk analysis remain essential.

The event, expected to be the largest in its history, will feature over 1,200 exhibitors and 52,000 visitors.