Login
Intersec, the world’s leading trade and networking event for security, safety and fire protection, is set to celebrate two decades of remarkable success when it opens doors in January 2018 in Dubai.
The 20th anniversary edition will feature more than 1,300 exhibitors from 58 countries, while over 31,000 visitors from 128 countries are expected to attend as they seek the latest solutions across seven show sections of Commercial Security, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, Homeland Security & Policing, Perimeter & Physical Security, Cyber Security, and Smart Home & Building Automation.
Occupying 60,000sqm across 13 halls at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre with 10 per cent growth, Intersec 2018 has added a new Drones Pavilion and indoor Drone Zone, while a Wearable Security Pavilion will put the spotlight on advanced textiles including head-up displays, body cameras, embedded sensors, exo-skeleton communications and more.
From humble beginnings in 1999, when it featured 61 exhibitors from 13 countries, Intersec has developed into a global powerhouse, with 19 of the world’s top 20 security solutions providers among the 1,300-plus exhibitors on board in 2018.
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Intersec, which takes place from 21-23 January 2018, said: “Societies, governments and corporates are increasingly pulling out the stops to combat various threats and ensure the security of people, infrastructure, property and information. This has led to a resultant surge in demand for the latest safety and security products and solutions.
“From the beginning, Intersec has paved the way for leading safety and security providers to access regional markets and facilitated many of the beneficial partnerships and relations forged over the years. By continuing to prioritise the showcasing of the cutting edge new developments and the latest technologies, we hope to continue to play a constructive role in making the region a safer and more secure place,” Pauwels added.
Long-standing exhibitors mark two decades of global growth
As preparations continue ahead of Intersec 2018, the 20th anniversary edition will be a notable milestone for a number of exhibitors that have grown with the exhibition since its inception in 1999.
NAFFCO is one of 13 exhibitors at Intersec 2018 that participated in the inaugural edition. Since then, the UAE-based company has established itself as one of the world’s leading suppliers of life and fire safety solutions, with a global network spanning over 100 countries.
From a 12sqm stand 20 years ago, NAFFCO will occupy more space than any other exhibitor at Intersec 2018. The global powerhouse will cover 1,700sqm at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, from where it will showcase its vast range of UAE-made firefighting equipment, protection systems, trucks and vehicles.
Pelco by Schneider Electric is another ‘original’. The American-based provider of security cameras, CCTV, and video surveillance systems had no direct presence in the Middle East until 2003 when it opened an office in Dubai, and has since established itself as a major regional player.
Pradeep Nair, Pelco’s Regional Sales Director for the Middle East and India, said: “Even with direct presence in Dubai, it took us abit longer to establish our offices in other Middle East cities and Intersec helped as the major platform to meet new and current customers in a single place.”
“Today, with a much larger presence and increased market share in the region, we see Intersec as a key platform to launch our new products and show our presence to the market.”
Nair said the Middle East continues to show tremendous opportunities in all business categories, which has been reflected in substantial growth for the regional security industry, while the market has easily adapted to the transition from Analogue to IP and advanced industry technologies.
He added: “Today, Pelco’s product portfolio includes the best performing IP products in the Industry, which are completely open and offer great benefits to end-users.
“This has helped us win some key projects in the region and maintain a large market share over the last several years. Some of our major regional references include shopping malls, metros, city surveillance, airports, prestigious hotels and many large oil and gas facilities. Our revenue has grown exponentially from 1999 to 2017, and from the first Pelco employee on the ground in 2003, we now have more than 30 employees across the region in various sales and support roles.”
Other companies at Intersec 2018 that exhibited at the inaugural edition in 1999 include Teleste, Corodex, Dafoos Fire Protection, Siemens, Zener Electronics, Technoalarm, Kidde Fire Protection, Kidde International, Vicon Industries, and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), which works with the UK Government to support British security companies trade internationally.
The BSIA and supporting government partner the UK Department for International Trade (DIT), Defence and Security Organisation, will bring more than 150 UK companies to Intersec 2018, compared to the less than 10 that exhibited 20 years ago.
Simon Everest, Director for Operations and Security at the UK DIT, Defence and Security Organisation, said: “UK companies at Intersec grow every year and that’s testament to what they get out of participating at the show in their ability to meet people, both with older acquaintances and to meet new contacts.
“The UK has a long history in securing major events, most recently the London Olympics so we’re excited about the opportunities that will arise as a result of the Expo 2020 in Dubai. That will be a fantastic event and a really good opportunity to showcase the number of innovative products and technologies from UK providers.”
Added Everest: “There’s an increasing interest from UK companies in the Middle East and that comes back to Intersec where the fact that we have more than 150 companies, shows that they all think there’s significant business to be done here in terms of forming new partnerships and building on existing relationships.”
