Dubai, UAE - Intersec 2020, the world’s leading security, safety, and fire protection trade show, held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, today opened its doors to the latest security safety solutions and three days of agenda-setting discussion, as global industry sources tip the Middle East security sector for 10% annual growth over the next two years.

With more than 1,100 exhibitors from 56 countries, Intersec was officially inaugurated by Major General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director General of Dubai Civil Defence; Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the General Department of Organisations Protective Security & Emergency at Dubai Police, and Major General Khalifa Ibrahim Al Sulais, CEO of the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).

The delegation met top-level dignitaries and representatives from Dubai Police; Came, a leader in automated security solutions; Netherlands-based Nedap, a specialist in systems for long-range identification, smart parking and vehicle access control; Chinese technology giant Huawei, and Axis Communications, a Swedish manufacturer of network cameras for physical security and video surveillance industries.

“As the region’s premier show for commercial security, fire protection and safety, Intersec plays a crucial role in shaping the future of these industries,” said HH Sheikh Mansoor. “Protecting our people and assets is a principal responsibility for the UAE and with the Expo 2020 fast-approaching, the implementation of new best practices and technology will solidify the UAE’s position as a leader in security.”

Andreas Rex, Show Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, which organises Intersec, added: “No sector is exempt from technological advancement. The emergence of automation, biometrics, artificial intelligence and machine learning is transforming the face of the security sector and helping to address growing concerns surrounding unmanned aerial, cyber and identity fraud risks. As security risks become more complex, so too must the solutions designed to combat them.”

As Intersec 2020 welcomed the global security industry to Dubai, the bullish security sector growth forecast was issued by Business France, the French government organisation charged with fostering French exports and promoting inward investment into the country.

France, one of 15 international country pavilions at the three-day show at Dubai World Trade Centre, is debuting the most advanced technology emerging across seven broad product sectors: commercial security, smart home, cybersecurity, fire and rescue, safety and health, homeland security and policing, as well as perimeter and physical security.

“The Middle East region represents a particularly attractive market for the safety and security sector, which is expected to grow around 10% per year to 2022,” said Frederic Szabo, Managing Director, Business France Middle East, which is hosting 15 French companies at Intersec – 11 of which specialise in fire and rescue.

“Increasing the capabilities of infrastructure, securing power plants and oil complexes, protecting sites and people for major events to come are all excellent reasons for French experts to extend their presence in the region,” added Szabo.

The Czech Republic pavilion is hosting a similar contingent of companies including COMINFO, a manufacturer of turnstiles, gates and access control systems, which is leveraging Intersec to launch EasyGate Superb – the world’s slimmest, fully-equipped speed gate for access control.

COMINFO’s regional launch of EasyGate Superb is one in hundreds of major transformative technology breakthroughs at the fair, where the scale of next-generation security risks and the intelligent technology required to prevent and defend against security threats are being explored by local, regional and global industry leaders at Intersec’s comprehensive conference programme.

The four-pronged programme, which includes the Intersec Arena, the Future Security Summit and Intersec Fire Conference, and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) forum, has drawn experts from more than 50 countries to Dubai.

During a keynote address at the Intersec Arena on Sunday, Eng. Khalid Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Security Professionals Association (SPA), the first association for security professionals in the Middle East, announced the launch of SPA for SIRA, the Dubai agency tasked with ensuring the highest standards of security and safety in the emirate.

SPA is a platform that allows security professionals to share and enhance their knowledge of industry best practices.

“The industry is advancing towards technologies such as AI and machine learning applications, which will be used as part of the security protocols of Expo 2020,” said Eng Al Hammadi.

“This is sure to create an array of job opportunities for individuals within the security sector, and SPA for SIRA will be there to act as a platform that bridges the gap between security professionals and regulators, as well as fostering a platform for knowledge exchange and development.”

“Participating in Intersec enables our members to interact with a global network of security experts and learn about the latest security applications and trends within the industry. This event showcases the latest cutting-edge innovations and technologies in one of the most important years for the UAE, which will support the safe and secure logistics of Expo 2020 Dubai,” noted Al Hammadi.

At the conference, representatives from 35 governments, trade associations and non-profit institutions spanning the hydrocarbon, banking and finance, municipality, police, customs and healthcare sectors in the Middle East, Europe and the USA will map out the future security agenda over coming days. Digital security challenges, AI implementation, biometric innovations security loopholes in business ecosystems and the integration of digital and physical security to address critical threats are all key topics under the microscope.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Intersec is supported by Dubai Police, Dubai Police Academy, Dubai Civil Defence, SIRA and Dubai Municipality.

Intersec is a trade exhibition and conference open to trade professionals only. The show is open from 10am – 6pm on 20 and 21 January and is held in Halls 2-8, Trade Centre Arena and Sheikh Saeed Halls 1-3 at Dubai World Trade Centre.