Intersec 2026 returns to Dubai with expanded Fire & Rescue programme
Iain Hoey
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Intersec 2026 brings NFPA and ASFP to Dubai stage
Intersec has announced the return of its Fire & Rescue sector at Dubai World Trade Centre from 12 to 14 January 2026.
The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.
Fire & Rescue is one of five core sectors at Intersec 2026 and will combine a dedicated exhibition with a multi-day conference programme.
The platform is designed to bring together manufacturers, regulators, engineers, civil defence authorities and frontline responders.
UAE initiatives and technology developments
The 2026 Fire & Rescue programme is linked to recent emergency preparedness initiatives across the UAE, including Dubai Civil Defence’s “1 Billion Readiness Project” launched earlier in 2025.
The initiative aims to educate one billion people on fire prevention and establish additional fire stations.
The National Fire Protection Association joined the initiative shortly after its launch.
In Abu Dhabi, civil defence authorities are working with the Advanced Technology Research Council on the use of artificial intelligence in emergency response and training.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has reviewed autonomous firefighting robots equipped with 3D mapping technology designed for use in hazardous, smoke-filled environments.
Dubai Civil Defence has stated an ambition to reduce carbon emissions from fire incidents by 80 percent by 2050.
NFPA sessions on codes and leadership
The Fire & Rescue conference will include sessions supported by the National Fire Protection Association, with a focus on leadership, collaboration and the role of codes and standards in safety practice.
Dana Kamal, Regional Director for MENA at NFPA, said: “The NFPA Day 2 educational programme will spotlight the leadership and collaboration needed to shape a safer future.
“It will demonstrate how innovation drives progress and how codes and standards serve as the foundation of safety for every sector that depends on them.”
NFPA is a key supporter of the Fire & Rescue conference programme.
Exhibition halls and returning exhibitors
The Fire & Rescue exhibition will cover fire suppression systems, fire detection, passive fire protection and integrated life safety technologies.
Returning exhibitors include NAFFCO, Hochiki, UL, Bristol Fire Engineering, FM Approvals and ATEIS.
Intersec 2026 will span ten exhibition halls.
The wider event is expected to host more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries and attract more than 50,000 trade visitors.
Intersec will expand by almost 12,000 square metres through the addition of two new halls, bringing total gross exhibition space to 67,000 square metres.
Conference programme and Passive Fire Day
The Fire & Rescue conference agenda will address artificial intelligence in early fire prediction, integration of building life safety systems, decision-making psychology under crisis conditions and human behaviour in emergencies.
Sessions will also examine the impact of climate change on fire dynamics, best practice in passive fire protection, the evolution of fire doors and international regulatory developments.
Conference sponsors for 2026 include NAFFCO, Saudi Sicli, NFPA, Fike, FM Approvals and Aman Engineering.
The programme will feature a dedicated Passive Fire Day delivered in collaboration with the Association for Passive Fire Protection.
Show director comments on sector focus
Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The importance of fire and rescue has never been more globally relevant or in greater need of strategic alignment.
“As this sector evolves, Intersec provides an opportunity to bring together manufacturers, civil defence teams, consultants and regulators in one space.
“This gathering supports knowledge sharing, showcases new technologies and helps align approaches to fire safety.
“We are proud to offer a platform where these conversations and connections can take place at scale.”
Intersec continues to receive support from the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
For fire and rescue services, the 2026 programme places operational practice, emerging technology and training considerations within a single exhibition and conference setting.
For fire engineers, consultants and system designers, the agenda highlights passive fire protection, life safety system integration and evolving regulatory frameworks across international markets.
For manufacturers and suppliers, the scale of the exhibition and the mix of returning exhibitors and sponsors indicate the level of procurement, specification and partnership activity expected in Dubai in January 2026.
For training leaders and incident commanders, sessions on decision-making under pressure, human behaviour in emergencies and the use of artificial intelligence in early fire detection provide direct relevance to operational planning and preparedness.
