His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum opens Intersec 2017

Intersec 2017, the world’s largest trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, got underway at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre ysterday (22 January), featuring 1,304 exhibitors from 58 countries.

The 19th edition of the annual showcase was flagged off by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was accompanied by senior government officials, organisers, and high-ranking representatives from the regional security industry.

Running for three days and spanning 56,300sqm, Intersec 2017 is five per cent larger than the previous edition, underscoring the prevalent opportunities in a regional security and fire safety market that will more than double in size over the next five years.

According to analysts Frost & Sullivan, the Middle East commercial security, homeland security, and fire safety market was worth a combined US$12.9 billion in 2016, and is estimated to grow 15 per cent annually, reaching US$26.3 billion by 2021.

At the opening ceremony today, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor, said: “The UAE is committed to using the latest in security technologies to ensure the safety and welfare of all its residents and visitors.

“As the foremost international trade fair for the security industry, Intersec provides an important platform for engagement and interaction with leading international experts and plays a key role in enhancing the safety and security of the region.”

Intersec 2017 spreads over seven sections of Commercial Security, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, Homeland Security & Policing, Information Security, Smart Home & Building Automation, and Physical & Perimeter Security.  The international significance is emphasised by the presence of 13 country pavilions from Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, UK and the USA.

“The continued growth of Intersec draws attention to the fact that there remains a tremendous amount of potential to be unlocked in the Middle East security, safety, and fire protection markets,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser, Messe Frankfurt Middle East.

“With 83 per cent of exhibitors based outside of the UAE, Intersec is truly a global event.  Its role is not only to provide a vital business networking platform, but to educate and inform about the latest technologies and trends driving the market.”

Commercial Security is the largest section at Intersec, with 486 exhibitors, including 17 of the world’s top 20 security solutions providers.  Milestone Systems from Denmark is participating for its 8th straight year, and is bringing its largest stand yet with the latest video management software and open platform IP video technology in tow.

Thomas Lausten, the Vice President for Milestone Systems in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), said: “The Milestone organisation in the Middle East and Africa has seen an extensive expansion over the past few years, with several large implementations.”

“From protecting key tourist areas and cultural treasures to leading shopping mall, retail and leisure pioneers, Milestone and its partner community effectively manage multi-site surveillance and security operations across the MENA region.  Pairing our unique technology with the best people in the industry has proven a successful combination and we are proud to now be the market leader in EMEA.”

Elsewhere, CCTV manufacturer and system provider Pelco by Schneider Electric is launching Exsite Enhanced – a high definition explosion proof camera designed to handle harsh environments such as Oil & Gas facilities.  Pelco Global Vice President of Sales, Philippe Roux, said their key focus is on industry verticals such as Oil & Gas, municipal surveillance, hospitality and commercial, and he sees positive years ahead in the wider region.

“The security systems market continues to grow in the Middle East and Africa with major countries gearing up for large global events like the Dubai Expo 2020, and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” said Roux.

“The price of oil is also showing an upward trend, which will revive some of the large projects in the Oil and Gas market, while most Middle East Governments have increased their security budgets for 2017.

“These developments indicate continued growth in the professional surveillance and security market, and we anticipate owning a major share of this growth as we introduce new and exciting technologies, system solutions and product offerings with the best support in the industry,” added Roux.

Meanwhile, British car maker Jaguar Land Rover will rub shoulders with 98 other exhibitors in the Homeland Security & Policing section, and will shine the spotlight on its purpose-built armoured vehicles, including the Range Rover Sentinel.

John Graham, the Global Strategy Manager for Armoured Vehicles at Jaguar Land Rover said the company is hoping to make further inroads in the regional market through Intersec 2017, and is making the Range Rover Sentinel available for immediate sale.

“We’re particularly interested in reaching police and security services, government bodies, embassies and very high net worth persons with security requirements,” said Graham.  “There’s a growing awareness that OEM armoured products are superior in terms of holistic protection than aftermarket vehicles, and threats are becoming more severe resulting in a need for higher levels of armoured protection.”

Key features this week at Intersec 2017 include an Outdoor Demo Area & Drone Zone, a Jobs & Careers Pavilion, the Techtextil Pavilion, a Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion, and a Smart Home and Building Automation Pavilion.

A three-day conference programme, meanwhile is spearheaded by the Fire Safety Conference on 22nd January, where the Dubai Civil Defence is announcing the updated codes on UAE Fire Safety and Life Protection; and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) Forum, where details about Dubai’s new Regulation of Security Industry Law will be provided.

Intersec 2017 is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and officially supported by Dubai Police, the Dubai Civil Defence, and Dubai Police Academy.