What global experts revealed at Intersec Saudi Arabia’s opening day

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025 opens in Riyadh

Prince Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Bin Ayyaf Al Muqrin, Private Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Vice Minister of Interior, has officially opened the 7th edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia.

The event is being held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) until Wednesday 1 October.

Organisers expect attendance to reach 27,000 visitors over the three days.

The exhibition is described as the Kingdom’s largest platform for security, safety and fire protection, uniting international experts and industry leaders.

Watch highlights from day one

Exhibitors and visitors gather from across the world

This year’s edition is the largest in the event’s history, featuring more than 380 exhibitors from over 36 countries.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and in association with the General Directorate of Civil Defense.

Prince Dr. Abdulaziz toured the exhibition floor following the opening ceremony and highlighted the event’s role in fostering collaboration across the security, safety and fire protection industries.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said: “Intersec Saudi Arabia focuses specifically on the needs of the Kingdom, bringing together global innovators, government leaders and industry pioneers to strengthen national resilience, enabling future growth and prosperity.”

Fire and security summits begin alongside exhibition

Two major conferences are running alongside the main exhibition: the Fire Protection and Technology Summit and the Future Security Summit, powered by ASIS International – Dharan Chapter.

The Fire Protection and Technology Summit opened with a keynote address from Saudi Civil Defense, setting the framework for three days of sessions focused on the future of fire protection.

Speakers include Matt Sutcliffe, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, and Phil Garrigan, Chair of the UK’s National Fire Chiefs Council.

Sutcliffe discussed “Human Vulnerability and Emerging Risks: Why Fire Protection Must Keep Pace With AI Advancements.”

Garrigan addressed the importance of collaboration between police, fire and ambulance services in emergency management.

Cybersecurity and AI lead Future Security Summit discussions

Artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity dominated the opening day of the Future Security Summit.

Bader W. Alkhaldi, Director of the Cybersecurity Protection Department at Aramco, delivered a keynote speech titled “Securing AI: Building a Resilient and Sovereign AI Ecosystem.”

Justin Vaughan, Director – Public Safety Technology at PwC Middle East, spoke about “Unlocking potential of next generation Border & Maritime Command Centres.”

Vaughan’s session examined how advanced sensors, AI and autonomous systems are transforming border protection and helping governments strengthen resilience.

Riham Sedik, Exhibition Director – Intersec Saudi Arabia at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The Future Security Summit and the Fire Protection and Technology Summit bring together leading voices from across the world to exchange knowledge and address the most pressing challenges in fire protection and security.

“It also reflects Saudi Arabia’s priorities and the global momentum toward safer and more resilient communities.”

NFPA to lead second-day programme

On Tuesday, Intersec Saudi Arabia will host a full-day programme in association with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The sessions will include panel discussions and technical presentations offering insight from international fire protection experts.

Topics will include electric vehicle fire risks, lithium-ion battery safety, emergency response, and the relationship between code compliance and code equivalency.

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025 occupies Halls 1–7 of RICEC and a purpose-built outdoor display area.

The event features five core product sectors: Commercial and Perimeter Security, Homeland Security and Policing, Fire and Rescue, Safety and Health, and Cybersecurity.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025 is directly relevant to senior fire and rescue officers, procurement specialists, system designers, fire engineers and safety managers seeking international collaboration opportunities.

The Fire Protection and Technology Summit’s focus on AI integration, human vulnerability and emergency response coordination provides insight into how technological change is influencing operational strategy.

Sessions led by Saudi Civil Defense, UK fire chiefs and NFPA delegates highlight the shared global priorities of improving preparedness, strengthening inter-agency cooperation and refining regulatory standards.

For fire-protection contractors, engineers and decision-makers, the event provides access to new equipment, technical discussions and safety frameworks shaping future projects in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025 opens in Riyadh: Summary

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025 was officially opened by Prince Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Bin Ayyaf Al Muqrin, Private Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Vice Minister of Interior.

The event is being held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) until 1 October with more than 380 exhibitors from 36 countries and 27,000 visitors expected.

Intersec Saudi Arabia is held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and in association with the General Directorate of Civil Defense.

Alongside the exhibition, the Fire Protection and Technology Summit and Future Security Summit are hosting key discussions on AI, cybersecurity, fire protection and emergency coordination.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will host a full-day programme on electric vehicle fire risks, lithium-ion battery safety and regulatory alignment.

This article contains information from the following source: Intersec Saudi Arabia