Safety, fire protection and security remain high on the priority lists of governments and corporate companies worldwide given the current uncertain scenario in many parts of the world. The Middle East region, replete with its crucial reserves of oil and natural gas, and boasting some of the fastest growing economies within its ranks, is being viewed as a vitally important part of the world by the global safety, security and fire protection industries. This emphasis on greater security is felt in many ways including growing expenditure on security infrastructure, equipment and personnel by regional authorities as well as an increasing awareness in society about the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Given all this, it’s not really surprising that Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Intersec, the region’s safety, security, fire protection and policing trade and networking exhibition, is expecting the 2014 edition to be the biggest yet.
With over 80% of exhibition space already sold out, Intersec 2014 looks set to break all previous records in terms of both participation and attendance. Already all of the world’s ten largest security companies have confirmed attendance, including Honeywell Security, Bosch Security Systems, ASSA ABLOY, FLIR Systems, AXIS Communications, Samsung Techwin and Tyco International* along with 150 exhibitors making their regional debut.
According to Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the continued success of Intersec is being driven by the rapid development of the safety and security industry regionally. “Across the Middle East authorities are improving security infrastructure, enhancing policing and crime fighting capability and concentrating on maintaining a peaceful environment. Furthermore, with the renewed vigour in the construction sector and an increase in projects at finishing stage, demand within the private sector also continues to rise. This all makes the region a high-priority market for international manufacturers and suppliers.”
“Intersec continues to work closely with local authorities and regional players to better reflect the needs of the region onto the international stage,” Pauwels added.
Intersec 2013 featured products and services from 990 exhibitors spread out over 39,000 sqm across ten halls of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event attracted 21,549 trade visitors, buyers and industry professionals from as many as 116 countries, making it the most international trade event of its kind in the world.
As with previous years, Intersec 2014 will comprise of four main focus areas: Commercial Security & Information Security; Safety & Health; Fire & Rescue and Homeland Security & Policing.
The Commercial & Information Security section includes control & surveillance equipment, access control, monitoring & recording systems, and information security. This is the largest product section of the exhibition and features key names such as Assa Abloy, Axis, Bosch, CP Plus, Harco and Honeywell Security.
The Fire & Rescue section, the fastest growing segment, covers products and services within fire prevention & protection, firefighting equipment, emergency alarm & warning systems and rescue equipment. Within the Fire & Rescue section prominent companies including Bristol/Corodex, Draeger, DuPont, Naffco, Sffeco, Siemens and Underwriter Laboratories will be participating.
Safety & Health includes Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), environmental protection at work, safety at work equipment and health at work. This section regularly features key industry names including Ansell, Karam Safety and Safetix.
Homeland Security & Policing focuses on armour protection, perimeter security, forensic science and laboratory equipment, physical security, detection and disposal equipment, optics, electronics, as well as specialised training and consulting for government entities. This area is of particular interest to governmental agencies and includes Dubai Police, UAE Civil Defence as well as private companies such as Al Fajer, Gatekeeper Security, Macneille, Madoors Systems, Nedaa and Streit Group.
On the sidelines of Intersec 2014 will be a full complement of fringe events and features including the popular Intersec conference programme and the outdoor demo area.
Intersec is part of Messe Frankfurt’s global network of security trade fairs which also include Secutech India, Secutech in Taiwan, Secutech Thailand, Intersec Buenos Aires, Secutech Vietnam and Seguriexpo Buenos Aires.
*a&s 2012 Security Industry Report