Intersec 2014, the 16th edition of the largest international trade and networking event for safety, security and fire protection serving the region, is set for another record-breaking run at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre when it takes place next week from Sunday January 19th to Tuesday January 21st.

This was announced by organiser, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, at a press conference held at Dubai's H Hotel yesterday (Tuesday, January 14th). The briefing was attended by Major General Dr Mohammed bin Fahad, Director General of Dubai Police Academy; Lt. Col. Jamal Ahmed Ibrahim, Director of Preventive Safety Department, Dubai Civil Defence; Col. Humaid Mohammed Alansari, Director, Sports Affairs Department, General Department of Community Services, Dubai Police; Mark Horton, Regional Sales Director, G4S and Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Mohammed bin Fahad said: “Intersec is today one of the world's most significant exhibitions for the safety and security industry. Dubai aspires to be a global leader in the exhibition industry with its strategic location, world-class services, infrastructure and facilities. The emirate is a role model in sustainable development and we are confident that Intersec 2014 will be a big success and look forward to further growth in the coming editions.”

Spreading over 44,000 sqm of exhibition space the three-day exhibition and conference will bring together 1,210 exhibitors from 54 countries, a 22% increase on last year. The continuing success of Intersec underlines the growing demand in the region for the latest in safety and security measures.

According to market research conducted by G4S, the total Middle East security market is estimated at US$ 6.3 bn with a CAGR of 10% expected in the next 4 years. Intersec organisers expect this growth is being driven by the ongoing development the region is experiencing, particularly in terms of infrastructure. The surge in demand is also apparent at Intersec where there is a steady increase in the number of leading international safety and security majors interested in doing business in the region.

The 1,210 exhibitors at Intersec 2014 is almost double the number that participated in Intersec as recently as 2007, and the current exhibition is nearly four times larger than in 2007, testament to the growing safety, security and fire protection market.

“Dubai is in an excellent position and this is helping to drive our business forward. The recent announcement of Dubai's success for Expo 2020 further reinforces its stance as a business hub.  Intersec 2014 is not only larger and more representative than past editions, but it will also highlight a number of key issues and concerns that are vital to the regional security community,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser, Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “As the safety and security industry grows in both relevance and stature, Intersec will continue to reflect the latest and the best for the benefit of our partners.

“The greater Middle East region is of increasing significance to us as one of the world's leading security groups. As awareness spreads of the need to be prepared for eventualities and threats of various kinds in today's uncertain environment, events such as Intersec serve a fundamental role in bringing together leading international suppliers and service providers with clients from across the region,” said Mark Horton, Regional Sales Director of G4S.

With as many as 13 official country pavilions from China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom and USA as well as debut pavilions from Dubai SME and Techtextil, Intersec 2014 will serve up a comprehensive range of security and safety solutions for the trade visitor.Of vital interest to the large number of health, safety, security and fire protection professionals attending will be the series of conferences and seminars on the sidelines of the exhibition, which will highlight key concerns affecting the industry today.

As before Intersec 2014 has reason to thank the Dubai Police, Dubai Police Academy and UAE Civil Defence for their unstinting support and strategic counsel. The authorities have also thrown their weight behind two of the headline conferences taking place alongside the exhibition.

The seminar on Mobile Phone Crime is being organised by the Department of Protective Systems of Dubai Police in association with ICSS while the Safety Design in Buildings Conference is being held under the patronage of the Directorate General of Civil Defence – Dubai. Also on the conference calendar are the IOSH Middle East Occupational Health Seminar,  the IWMA Seminar and the Techtextil Middle East Symposium.

With eleven events, Messe Frankfurt is one of the world's leading organisers of fairs and congresses for the expanding international field of safety and security technology. Eight trade fairs and three high-grade congresses in Germany, Asia, the Middle East and South America provide optimum opportunities for gaining a foothold in these dynamic growth markets.