The inaugural edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia got underway, with 170 exhibitors from 26 countries zooming in on the Middle East’s largest commercial security and fire safety market.

Running for three days at the Jeddah Centre for Forum and Events, Saudi’s foremost security, safety, and fire protection trade show targets the Kingdom’s burgeoning market where, according to analysts Frost & Sullivan, the spend on commercial security, homeland security and fire safety was worth US$5.4 billion in 2016, comprising a 42 per cent share of the Middle East market that year.

The impressive opportunities are underlined by a full house of leading manufacturers and suppliers this week in the Red Sea port city, with the show’s 22 official launch partners at the forefront global players eager to boost business opportunities.

With 73 per cent international participation, more than 500 brands, three country pavilions, and an enlightening three-day conference programme, Intersec Saudi Arabia caters to growing demand for an integrated platform providing crucial access to one of the world’s most promising markets. Jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East and Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE Group), Intersec Saudi Arabia is held under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalid Al Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Region.

The show was inaugurated today on his behalf by HH Saud Bin Abdullah Bin Jalawi Al Saud, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region for Security Affairs.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “We’ve been building our portfolio of world-class exhibitions in Saudi, and we’re delighted to add Intersec Saudi Arabia to the mix, bringing the Kingdom’s security market to the doorsteps of key stakeholders, where international players can increase their market share, and Saudi visitors can keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and services available in the market.

“A vast product range will ensure all visitors this week will be privy to the latest innovations and solutions to protect their critical assets and people, or improve their bottom-lines, whether through cutting-edge video analytics, access control and fire detection, or the latest fire-rated clothing and Personal Protective Equipment,” added Pauwels.

Hadi Al-Harith, the CEO of ACE Group, added: “It’s with great pride and pleasure that we announce the premiere of Intersec Saudi Arabia 2017 in Jeddah.  This will be the first security exhibition of its kind in the Kingdom, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khaled Al Faisal. 

“There’s a huge amount of spending on critical infrastructure security and fire protection in Saudi, and the next three days will shine the spotlight on a varied range of cutting-edge products and solutions.”

The annual three-day event also features country pavilions from India, China, and the Czech Republic, while the Safety Design in Buildings Conference on 2 May, and the Intersec Middle East Security Forum from 3-4 May puts a dual spotlight on security upgrades and construction safety as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.