Intersec 2024: Shaping a safer and more secure world
James Thorpe
Share this content
As Intersec celebrates 25 years of innovating security technology, Official Strategic Media Partner, International Security Journal, previews the 2024 edition – its largest ever.
The 25th anniversary edition of Intersec, the largest edition ever of the international exhibition for security, emergency services, fire, safety, policing and cybersecurity, will take place from 16-18 January 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
This international exhibition has been the platform for innovation in the security industry for 25 years and this year is being held under the theme of ‘Innovating security tech for a quarter century’.
The exhibition is expecting a remarkable 20% year-on-year increase in international exhibitor participation and more than 45,000 trade visitors from around the world.
Innovation and digital security will take centre stage at Intersec 2024 as security and safety professionals from around the world look to collaborate, innovate and actively seek new technologies to meet the industry’s rapidly changing needs.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Silver Jubilee Edition of Intersec will host 1,000 exhibitors from more than 60 nations, with around a quarter of these appearing for the first time.
The exhibition is expected to be 20% larger than 2023, reaffirming its status as a critical networking hub for global security, safety and fire protection industries.
Divided into five broad pillars, the event provides tailored solutions for Commercial & Perimeter Security, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health and Cyber Security, fostering innovation and connectivity across sectors.
Bringing together buyers, sellers and decision-makers, Intersec serves as a hub for networking, deal-making and the global debut of state of the art technology and innovations in Dubai.
Industry attendance from around the world
The exhibitor list at Intersec 2024 reflects the exhibition’s significance across the entire value chain, underscored by a comprehensive representation across all five sectors.
The Commercial & Perimeter Security sector will host companies such as IDIS, a global security company that designs, develops and manufactures delivers video solutions, GESAB from Spain and many first time exhibitors including LenelS2, UAE, SIGUR, Russia and Aiphone, Japan.
The Homeland Security sector will feature many new exhibitors for 2024, such as Vita Detection, Canada, Rapiscan, UAE, alongside returning companies like Comelit from Italy and Garrett from the US.
The Safety and Health sector features global representatives such as Carrington Textiles, UK, Kivanc, Turkey and Texport from Austria returning, joined by inaugural appearances from Wenaas, Norway and Leathertext Gloving from Pakistan, among others.
The Cyber Security sector serves as a focal point for cyber-solutions and expertise, with participants ranging from national leaders to private sector professionals.
Noteworthy exhibitors include Dell, Amstergi, Zycoo and TP Link.
In the Fire & Rescue sector, over 400 exhibitors from around the world will converge, embodying the sector’s global resonance.
Among them, NAFFCO, a founding partner of Intersec, stands out as a world renowned producer and supplier of top tier firefighting equipment, fire protection systems and safety engineering systems.
Each aspect of Intersec is aligned with corresponding government bodies, reinforcing the UAE government’s dedication to these pivotal industries.
The security sector is associated with Dubai Police and the Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA); the Fire & Rescue segment collaborates with Dubai Civil Defence; the safety sector receives support from Dubai Municipality and the cyber sector is emphasised by the Cyber Security Council and Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC).
Show highlights
in{:cyber} provides a dedicated space exclusively for cybersecurity, showcasing the latest advancements, strategies and technologies.
Attendees will engage with cutting edge solutions and connect with a global community of cybersecurity experts and innovators, emphasising Intersec’s commitment to staying at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.
It also includes the purpose-built Future Defenders Hack Arena, which offers specific tracks for school students, universities and CISOs; as well as the debut of Intersec Innovators, bringing together new SMEs within the security sector to showcase their products and services to real investors with real purchasing power.
Intersec Innovators, located in the in{:cyber} pavilion will include a diverse range of startup companies and a dedicated content area supporting the discussion of new business ideas in the sector, business pitching, networking and more.
Hosted by the Loss Prevention Certification Board, the Attack Zone will offer manufacturers a platform to present and demonstrate their latest perimeter security solutions, including smash-resistant glass, doors, fencing and other reinforced materials, undergoing rigorous testing for LPCB certification.
And, finally, the Safety Walk provides a unique catwalk show of industrial safety gear, sponsored by EnSafe Evacuation Chair, Jutec & Teijin.
Driving industry knowledge
Intersec Conferences have been an integral part of the exhibition for many years and this year there will be even more sessions, speakers, knowledge sharing opportunities and workshops on the exhibition floor.
These conferences offer a comprehensive platform for industry professionals to gain insights, exchange ideas and collectively contribute to the advancement of safety and security.
The Intersec Security Leaders’ Summit (ISLS), scheduled for 16-17 January, will bring together security leaders and practitioners across every industry and sector to gain the knowledge and capabilities needed to translate thought leadership into action.
This strategic summit will feature a keynote session on ‘Countering Terrorism & Violent Extremism in the Digital Age: Challenges, Opportunities & Approaches for Broader Cooperation,’ by Mauro Miedico, Director of the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).
Following this thought provoking keynote, Miedico will be joined by other leading industry experts like Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzooqi, Director General, International Affairs Bureau, UAE Ministry of Interior; Dr. Daria Daniels Skodnik, Senior Scholar, International Security and Defence and Former Deputy Commandant and Dean, NATO Defence College, Slovenia; Col. John Pumphrey, Military Police and Security Executive, Canadian Armed Forces; Hamad Al-Melaihi, Head of Industrial Security Operations Planning & Performance, Saudi Aramco and Craig Jones, Director of Cybercrime, Interpol to explore the critical components that underpins sustainable security.
Similarly, the Intersec Cyber Security Conference, scheduled for 16-17 January, serves as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, led by the UAE Cybersecurity Council.
With use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) predicted to grow by more than 25% each year for the next five years, Faheem Siddiqui, Group Director, Information Security at one of the largest conglomerate in the UAE, will explore steps that organisations are taking to build foundational elements of Gen AI’s security and governance, based upon the current understanding of its evolving risks.
In addition, Shahmeer Amir, Third Ranked Bug Bounty Hunter and Top Ten Hacker MS/FB, will discuss ‘Uncharted Territory: The Art of Hacking Transportation – Planes, Trains and Automobiles.’
SIRA will again host the SIRA Forum at Intersec 2024, providing a platform for the global commercial security community to exchange ideas, share knowledge and collaborate for a sustainable, safer, smarter and more connected world.
The Safety & Health Conference, scheduled for 16-17 January, covers themes such as Zero Harm in Action, ESG Practices for Sustainable OSH Excellence, From Regulation to Enforcement, Innovative Horizons in Technology, Climate Change & OSH Nexus, Next-gen Training Methods, Rising Above in Fall Protection, and Road Safety Paradigm, beginning with updates on the UAE Standard for occupational health and safety governance and leadership from Dr. Waddah S Ghanem Al Hashmi, Senior Director, ENOC and Chairman of the Federal Occupational Health and Safety Committee and HoD to the TC283, ISO (45001).
The Fire & Rescue Conference at Intersec, hosted by Dubai Civil Defence, will take place from 16-17 January, stands as a pivotal gathering point for global leaders in fire and emergency services, while the Thought Leadership Pavilion by Access Control Executive Brief at Intersec is a two-day event featuring thought-provoking sessions by some of the industry’s leading thinkers.
Scheduled for 16-17 January, this event will cover a wide range of topics related to access control and the smart lock industry. Open to anyone interested in these fields, attendees can join for two days of insightful discussions and networking opportunities with global industry experts.
Themes for the Thought Leadership Pavilion include Emerging Trends in Access Control, Innovations in Smart Lock Technology, Best Practices and The Future of Access Control and Smart Lock Industry.
This pavilion provides a valuable opportunity to explore breakthrough innovations, including virtual reality solutions, anti-drone technology and futuristic access control solutions.
Additionally, the Drone Threats & Counter Measures Workshop, scheduled for 18 January, addresses the challenges posed by drones emerging as a cost-effective means for gathering intelligence and presenting potential security threats.
This workshop delves into understanding the nature of these threats, anticipating potential modes of attack and providing strategies to counter risks. It aims to safeguard personnel, assets and critical infrastructure.
The Emergency Crisis Management & Communication Workshop, also scheduled for 18 January in Hall Three, culminates in a practical crisis simulation exercise.
Participants gain hands-on experience in applying the principles and strategies discussed throughout the day.
This immersive learning approach ensures that attendees leave with a heightened level of preparedness and proficiency in emergency crisis management and communication.
Intersec Awards
The Intersec Awards 2024 have been developed to shine a spotlight on excellence in the security domain, recognising outstanding contributions that redefine industry standards and bolster global safety.
The awards cover 16 categories, each celebrating innovation, strategic thinking and impactful solutions across fire and safety, security and industry.
Professionals vying for the coveted ‘Security Product of the Year’ are those whose innovative products have not just met but surpassed conventional expectations, reshaping the landscape of security paradigms.
The ‘Premier Homeland Security Solutions Award’ acknowledges exceptional contributors dedicated to safeguarding nations and citizens, a testament to the critical role played in maintaining global security.
For businesses seeking comprehensive security solutions, the ‘Outstanding Commercial Security Solutions Award’ awaits those who excel in delivering protection tailored to businesses and assets.
The ‘Exemplary Perimeter Security Solutions Award’ spotlights those at the forefront of developing cutting edge solutions that fortify critical assets by enhancing perimeter security.
The ‘Outstanding Cybersecurity Product/Service of the Year’ category recognises the crème de la crème in this growing field, emphasising excellence in safeguarding data and systems.
Sustainability takes centre stage with the ‘Sustainability Champion Award’, acknowledging initiatives that promote eco-friendly practices within the industry, while the ‘Security Project of the Year – Middle East & Africa’ category will reward groundbreaking security projects with a substantial regional impact.
The Intersec Awards Gala Dinner 2024 unites over 300 nominees, key players and government representatives in a splendid evening dedicated to excellence and innovation.
Beyond the recognition of the industry’s best and brightest, this gala serves as a networking hub, fostering opportunities to strengthen relationships and connect with influential figures.
Held at the Palazzo Versace Hotel, Dubai on the evening of 17 January 2024, the awards not only honour those who continuously push boundaries, but also promise an elegant celebration and further networking prospects during Intersec 2024.
As Intersec marks its 25th anniversary, the commitment to advancing the field of security remains steadfast. With groundbreaking exhibitions, live demonstrations and thought-provoking conferences, Intersec 2024 is set to redefine the trajectory of the security industry.
Join this celebration of innovation, knowledge and collaboration, shaping a safer and more secure world for the next quarter-century.
