The Middle East security, safety, and fire protection industries are in sharp focus as the countdown begins for Intersec 2019. With the regional market for commercial and cyber security, fire protection, smart home ­solutions, and drones being right on track for double-digit growth, the three-day trade show intersec in Dubai host 1,300-plus exhibitors with 15 country pavilions, and a brand-new conference format.

The countdown has begun for the 21st edition of one of the leading security, safety, and fire protection trade show in Dubai, with global suppliers zooming in on a Middle East market that is estimated to more than double in value over the next six years.
More than 1,300 exhibitors from 59 countries, including 18 of the world’s top 20 commercial security providers, are set to participate at Intersec 2019, which takes place from 20-22 January at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The annual three-day event, organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, covers the seven sections of:

• Commercial Security Fire & Rescue
• Perimeter & Physical Security
• Safety & Health
• Homeland Security & Policing
• Information Security
• Smart Home & Building Automation

Numbers and Expected Growth Rates
It will arrive as regional demand for these solutions soars at a compound annual growth rate of 15 percent from 2018 to 2024. According to analysts 6WResearch, the Middle East market for commercial and cyber security, fire protection, smart home solutions, and drones, worth a combined US$7 billion in 2018, will grow to US$16.4 billion in 2024.
Commercial security, comprising video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection, holds the lion’s share of that figure. Valued at US$2.9 billion in 2018, the regional commercial security market will grow to US$7.4 billion in 2024 according to 6WResearch, driven by increased infrastructure investments and stringent regulatory policies.
The Middle East fire safety systems and equipment market will also increase by eight percent annually, valuing US$3 billion in 2024, from an estimated US$1.9 billion in 2018, while the markets for cyber security (from US$1.4 billion in 2018 to US$2.7 billion in 2024), smart home (US$344 million to US$869 million), and drones (US$507 million to US$2.4 billion), are also in-line for solid double-digit annual growth.
Looking at the industry verticals, retail and banking currently are at the forefront of the regional market according to 6Wresearch, with an 8.6 percent (US$249 million) and 7.5 percent (US$217 million) share respectively.
Meanwhile, the two Gulf nations of Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the largest contributors to the Middle East commercial security market, with Saudi Arabia holding a 31 percent stake (US$899 million), and the UAE 24 percent (US$696 million).

Government Partners
This all sets the scene for three days of busy networking and knowledge-sharing at Intersec 2019, which returns with the key support of long-standing Government partners such as the Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Police Academy, Dubai Municipality, and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).
The increasing global significance of the annual showpiece will also be underlined by a number of new international partners coming on-board, with Intersec’s show director Andreas Rex confirming the Kuwait Fire Protection Association, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the National Examination Board in ­Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), among new official supporters next year.

The Show Director Explains
“The Perimeter Security Suppliers Association (PSSA) and the Pakistan Safety Council have also confirmed their support for Intersec 2019, joining more than 35 official international government partners, trade associations, and professional non-profit institutions aimed at advancing the global security, safety, and fire protection landscape,” said Rex.
“Based on square meterage covered, exhibitor numbers and an expected audience of more than 30,000 visitors from 120 countries, we expect Intersec 2019 to be the world’s largest trade fair of its kind, highlighted by 15 country pavilions and an Ontario region Pavilion from Canada that is participating for the first time.”
“The Middle East commercial security market has evolved significantly over the years and Intersec exhibitors in this area have always stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to presenting new technologies and innovations for varied end-user verticals, from retail and hospitality, to banking, transport, government, aviation, and smart city concepts. New-age solutions are all about automation, AI, and resource efficiency, and Intersec 2019 will showcase a wide spectrum of the latest developments in the commercial security sector.”
Intersec 2019 returns early next year with a revamped conference line-up, including a three-day Intersec Future Security Summit raising key issues on Artificial Intelligence and related topics. Rex says: “The Future Security Summit will raise key issues on Artificial Intelligence, security Integration, emergency preparedness and response, data protection, IoT and much more. A range of practical workshop sessions are also being organised for security managers to support skills development, professional expertise on security risk intelligence, threat identification, and disaster management.”
“The SIRA Forum will also return with the latest updates in security law and industry regulations in Dubai, while a one-day Fire Safety and Protection Conference will involve authorities, fire chiefs, engineers, fire fighters and emergency response professionals.”
Rex said plans for a new three-day conference format is also underway, bringing together equipment manufacturers, integrators, consultants and services providers with regulatory agencies and government authorities: “Intersec 2019’s content-led forums will host innovative formats, key debates, strategic and technology discussions featuring a wide range of subjects by regional and international security experts,” added Rex.
Major General Rashid Al Matroshi, the Head of Dubai Civil Defense, said the UAE’s leading role in adopting the latest international standards and technologies has become a milestone in the world today: “In the field of security and safety, the UAE and its wise leadership spare no effort to introduce the latest security technologies to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, residents and visitors,” said Al Matroshi.
“Intersec, therefore, has become a global leader in the security, safety and fire prevention sector in the region, and its leading role in bringing together the world’s pioneering manufacturers and experts as well as enhancing regional safety and security.” Commercial Security will again be the largest section on Intersec 2019’s exhibition floor, with more than 450 exhibitors. Fire & Rescue is the next largest section at Intersec 2019, with more than 400 exhibitors expected, followed by Safety & Health (150 exhibitors) Homeland Security & Policing (100 exhibitors); Perimeter and Physical Security (100 exhibitors), and Information Security (50 exhibitors).

Returning popular features in 2019 include the Drone Zone, an Outdoor Demo Area, a Smart Home Pavilion and the Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion. More than 150 exhibitors will be participating for the first time, while Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, and the USA comprise the 15 country pavilions.
Intersec 2019 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.