World’s largest trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection kicks off in Dubai

Dubai / WAM

Intersec 2017, the world’s largest trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, got underway at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday featuring 1,304 exhibitors from 58 countries.
The 19th edition of the annual showcase was flagged off by H.H. Sheikh Mansour 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 on Sunday, HH Sheikh Mansour, 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,” HH added.
Intersec 2017 spreads over seven sections of Commercial Security, Fire and Rescue, Safety and Health, Homeland Security and Policing, Information Security, Smart Home and Building Automation, and Physical and 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.”