International Fire and Safety Journal takes a closer look at the innovative technologies and inspiring knowledge exchange at the world’s leading trade fair for safety, security, and fire protection in Dubai

The curtains closed on Intersec 2024, the world’s leading trade fair for safety, security, and fire protection, on the 18^th of January, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

The event, commemorating its 25^th anniversary stood as a testament to industry resilience and innovation, uniting global thought leaders, exhibitors, and experts.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Border Security Council, Intersec 2024 unfolded across a record-breaking 13 expansive halls, solidifying its status as the largest edition in its quarter-century history.

The event hosted 1,050 exhibitors from over 60 nations, a 20% increase from the previous year, reaffirming its pivotal role as a global networking hub and an unrivalled showcase for cutting-edge fire and safety technology.

Intersec 2024 is not limited to the confines of exhibition floors, elevating its significance through a robust conference programme that delves into the latest trends, challenges, and advancements across diverse sectors.

As a gathering ground for industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners, the event serves as a dynamic forum where insights are shared, discussions unfold, and collaborative solutions are explored to address the ever-evolving landscape of security challenges.

Structured into five strategic pillars – Fire & Rescue, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Homeland Security & Policing, Safety & Health, and Cyber Security – Intersec 2024 offered tailored solutions for diverse industry needs.

The event’s alignment with government bodies, including Dubai Civil Defence, SIRA, Dubai Municipality, and the Cyber Security Council, underscored the UAE Government’s unwavering commitment to pivotal industries.

Beyond trade

Intersec 2024 buzzed with energy as it showcased various innovative features, creating a dynamic ambience beyond the ordinary trade fair experience.

The event kicked into high gear with live activations spanning all sectors represented at the exhibition.

The Attack Zone, a standout among these activations, invited exhibitors, including renowned forced-entry specialists like Frontier Pitts, A1 Fencing, ABUS, and NAFFCO, to subject their products to rigorous testing under the discerning eye of the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB).

This unique opportunity challenged each product against LPCB standards, pushing the limits to ascertain breaching time and breakthrough capabilities.

The live demonstrations, a visual feast for visitors, captivated and spotlighted the industry’s resilience and unwavering commitment to innovation.

Simultaneously, the Intersec Innovators feature carved out a space for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products, fostering connections with potential investors.

Meanwhile, the Safety Walk featured an engaging catwalk display of industrial safety gear sponsored by industry leaders such as EnSafe Evacuation Chair, Jutec, and Teijin.

This showcase added a dynamic element to the exhibition, blending functionality with flair.

Intersec 2024, with its live demonstrations and innovative features, offered an immersive and engaging experience that reflected the cutting edge of industry trends and advancements.

A global showcase of cutting-edge innovation

Intersec 2024 featured a globally diverse array of exhibitors, totalling more than 1,050 from 60 countries across the five sectors of the show.

Hochiki Middle East FZE, a life safety solutions provider with a century-long legacy, commented on the evolving landscape of fire safety technology and key industry trends.

Shahab Anjum, the Head of Sales at Hochiki Middle East, said: “The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote monitoring and management technologies.

“Fire alarm systems with remote access capabilities now allow for real-time monitoring, diagnostics and maintenance without needing physical presence.”

He added: “AI advanced sensor technologies improve the accuracy and reliability of detection while reducing false alarms, and cloud-based fire alarm solutions offer scalability and accessibility.”

The diverse representation of global exhibitors underscored Intersec’s role as a premier platform for showcasing the latest advancements and solutions across various security sectors.

Setting the stage for a safer world

The conference addressed the complex security risks and governance challenges associated with the widespread adoption of Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, by UAE and Middle East organisations.

Discussions delved into the existing landscape of governance and regulations within the region, emphasising the UAE’s National Strategy for AI 2031 and its governance objectives to enhance cybersecurity in AI deployment.

Faheem Siddiqui, Group Director – Information Security, Majid Al Futtaim, highlighted the imperative for organisations to understand the security risks and proactively establish robust compliance frameworks.

The Fire & Rescue Conference, hosted by the Dubai Civil Defense, stands out as a pivotal meeting ground for global leaders in fire and emergency services.

Within this forum, dialogues converged on challenges, prospects, benchmarks, regulations, and technological innovations, resonating with the unique market dynamics of the UAE.

This conference provided a well-structured avenue for learning, fostering connections, encouraging collaborative interaction, and empowering participants to capitalise on evolving trends to advance fire protection and safety collectively.

Key themes of the Fire & Rescue Conference included Emergency Response Planning and Management, Building Fire Safety and Compliance, Fire Safety in High-Rise and Complex Structures, Industrial Firefighting and Hazmat Response and Fire Safety in Critical Infrastructure, among others.

Similarly, the Safety & Health Conference acknowledged the dynamic, adaptive, and forward-looking nature of the safety and health industry in our ever-evolving world.

The delegates heard how the UAE is leading in advancing occupational and workplace health and safety standards, exemplifying a significant stride in the region’s dedication to fostering safer workplaces and sustainable industries.

Dr.

Waddah S.

Ghanem Al Hashmi, Hon Chairman of the Energy Institute Middle East and Chairman of the Federal Occupational Health and Safety Committee, highlighted these advancements at the Intersec 2024 Safety & Health Conference.

Dr.

Al Hashmi emphasised the substantial progress made in developing frameworks and practices for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) across the broader Middle East, with sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and aviation showcasing advanced systems and construction steadily improving.

At Intersec, the Thought Leadership Pavilion by the Access Control Executive Brief showcased cutting-edge innovations, such as virtual reality solutions, anti-drone technology, and futuristic access control solutions.

The themes for the Thought Leadership Pavilion included emerging trends in access control, innovations in smart lock technology, best practices, and the future of the access control and smart lock industry.

Additionally, the Emergency Crisis Management & Communication Workshop provided participants with hands-on experience in applying principles and strategies discussed throughout the day.

The workshop concluded with a practical crisis simulation exercise, ensuring attendees left with heightened preparedness and proficiency in emergency crisis management and communication.

These events collectively contributed to the overall success of Intersec by fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and practical skills development in the security industry.

As Intersec 2024 concluded, it left an indelible legacy of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in the global safety, security, and fire protection industry.

The event’s success reaffirmed its role as the vanguard of industry advancement and a crucial platform for shaping the future of security technology.

The ripple effects of Intersec 2024 will undoubtedly resonate across the industry, inspiring new heights of innovation and collaboration in the years to come.

The Intersec Awards

The 3rd Intersec Awards took place at the Palazzo Versace in Dubai on Wednesday 16 January, marking a celebration of innovation and commitment within the fire, safety, and security sectors.

The event, which was part of the 25th edition of Intersec, saw a 38% increase in finalists, with 76 entries making it to the final round.

Grant Tuchten, Portfolio Director at Intersec organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, shared his views on the quality of entries: “The entries to the Intersec Awards 2024 demonstrate an impressive calibre and quality, highlighting the steadfast commitment and innovative spirit that characterises the industry.

“The winners of the Intersec Awards 2024 truly exemplify the pinnacle of excellence across the region and beyond.”

He also reflected on the significance of the awards: “The Intersec Awards not only honour achievements by the brightest in the industry but also inspire further excellence and progress in these essential domains, serve as a testament to the cutting-edge solutions and dedication that propel our sector forward.”

This year’s Intersec Awards introduced several new categories, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industries.

Among them, the Fire Safety Excellence Project Award was won by Reacton for their work on protecting UAE school buses for Emirates Transport.

The Security Project of the Year – Middle East and Africa Award went to the Virtual Technology Centre of Dubai Police for their Smart Security awareness project, and SYSNAV clinched the Outstanding Safety Solutions Award.

Other winners included Ramtech in the Fire Safety Excellence Award category, and Alyaa Alkaabi from the UAE Ministry of Interior, who won the Women Trailblazers in Security or Fire Safety Award.

Additional awardees included Drydock World, D-Fend Solutions, Garrett, Axis Communications, OTORIO, Shaima Basaeed from RTA, and Red Sea Global.

International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ) is proud to have been the exclusive media partner for this prestigious event.

The awards ceremony, which celebrated innovation and dedication in the fire, safety, and security sectors, saw a host of distinguished winners, reflecting the high calibre of entries this year.

IFSJ, along with International Security Journal (ISJ), played a crucial role as the exclusive media partners, providing extensive coverage and insights into the event.

Iain Hoey, Editor of IFSJ, along with James Thorpe, Editor of ISJ, returned as members of the esteemed judging panel, contributing their expertise to the selection of winners.

Commenting on the event, Hoey said: “The Intersec Awards this year have once again set a high benchmark in the realm of fire, safety, and security.

“The quality of entries and the winners from the fire sector especially were impressive, showcasing a blend of innovative solutions and a deep commitment to safety and excellence.

“As the exclusive media partner, IFSJ is honoured to have been part of this event that recognises and celebrates such outstanding achievements.

“These awards highlight the current success in the industry, encouraging continuous innovation and collaboration for future advancements.

“The partnership between IFSJ, ISJ, and the Intersec Awards is a testament to the collective effort in driving industry standards higher.

“Through such collaborations, IFSJ continues to commit itself to acknowledge and promote outstanding achievements in the fire and security sectors.”

This article was originally published in the March 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.