Messe Frankfurt Middle East reports record exhibitor numbers at Intersec 2026

Intersec 2026 visitor and exhibitor participation

Intersec 2026 brought together 44,764 trade visitors from 151 countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre during its three-day programme.

Messe Frankfurt Middle East reported that the 27th edition was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.

Attendance included a 60 per cent domestic and 40 per cent international split.

The exhibition covered more than 65,000 square metres of gross exhibition space.

A total of 1,180 exhibitors from 56 countries participated, supported by 10 international country pavilions.

The programme included 14 conferences and specialist features addressing operational and regulatory topics.

International exhibitors accounted for 82 per cent of participants, with representation from the United States, China, India, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

The United Arab Emirates was the largest domestic exhibiting market.

Exhibitors presented technologies and systems across homeland security and policing, cybersecurity, commercial and perimeter security, fire and rescue and health and safety.

These included solutions focused on infrastructure protection, emergency response, workforce safety and crisis preparedness.

Intersec 2026 introduces Intersec Global identity

Messe Frankfurt Middle East announced the Intersec Global identity during the event as part of a broader restructuring of its sector framework.

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “This edition represents a pivotal moment for the platform, highlighting its expanded scale and the increased engagement from the global safety and security community.

“The launch of the Intersec Global identity reflects the on-the-ground reality, emphasising an international ecosystem rooted in Dubai, with increasing involvement from both established markets and high-growth regions.

“With a significant increase in international exhibitors and visitors, the quality of dialogue has been excellent.

“From strategic policy discussions to frontline operational challenges, the focus has been firmly on real-world resilience, readiness and collaboration.

“The breadth of engagement from government authorities, critical infrastructure operators, emergency services and the private sector reinforces Intersec Global’s role as an international platform where meaningful partnerships are formed, knowledge is shared, and industry progress is accelerated.”

The revised structure includes National Security and Resilience, Cybersecurity, Surveillance and Physical Security, Fire, Rescue and Emergency Response and Safety and Wellbeing.

This framework links national-level security priorities with workforce protection and individual safety across different operational environments.

Awards presented and future dates confirmed

Messe Frankfurt Middle East confirmed that the Intersec Awards 2026 recognised achievement across 17 categories during a gala event in Dubai.

Khalid Mubarak of Dubai Municipality received the H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Emirati Rising Star Award.

Albadr Jannah of Saudi Aramco was named Industry Leader of the Year.

Jazyah Aldossary of Saudi Aramco received the Women Trailblazers in Security, Fire Safety and HSE award.

Government partners included the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).

The next edition of Intersec will take place from 12 to 14 January 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.