The Middle East physical security market is expected to value US$10.9 billion by 2020, from its 2014 level of US$3 billion, growing at a phenomenal 23.7 per cent, double the global average rate. By 2020 the Middle East will represent 10 per cent of the global security market.

These figures from global analysts Frost & Sullivan, were announced today at a press conference for the 17th edition of Intersec, which takes place next week from 18-20 January 2015 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The press conference was attended by Ahmed Pauwels, CEO, of Intersec’s organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East; and representatives of the show’s supporting partners, including Lt. Col. Jamal Ahmed Ibrahim, Director of Preventive Safety Department, Dubai Civil Defence; Colonel Humaid Al Ansari, Head of Sport Affairs, Dubai Police; and Lt. Col. Nasser Ibrahim Kazim Director of International Centre for Security and Safety Dubai Police Academy.

The searing growth in demand for physical security in the region is being fuelled by rapid infrastructural development and a surge in business and commercial activities in the region.

This has led to a strong market for access control systems (locks, fencing, walls, bollards, fireproof safes) and surveillance and notifications systems such as fire protection (water sprinklers, smoke detectors), intrusion detectors, alarm systems and cameras.

The latest physical security equipment and other related security, safety, and fire protection products and services will come to the fore when the largest ever edition of Intersec opens its doors for the 17th time in Dubai next week.

With 1,237 exhibitors from 52 countries, Intersec 2015 will occupy 48,000 sqm of exhibition space and will open 10 per cent larger than in 2014. As the world’s largest trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, Intersec 2015 will feature 13 country pavilions from Germany, UK, USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UAE.

Speaking at the event’s press conference today, Ahmed Pauwels said: “For many years now, Intersec has played a leading role in shaping the security industry worldwide.  And it’s no coincidence that the Middle East is home to the world’s foremost security showpiece event.

“The region’s security market is growing at more than double the global average growth rate, while upcoming high-profile events such as the Dubai Expo 2020 only serve to place more emphasis on the importance of proper security and safety measures to protect people and assets in the wider Middle East and African region.

“To that end, Intersec serves as not only a business platform, but more importantly as a crucial knowledge-sharing platform that strengthens the competence and ability of both public and private sector workforces by making more knowledge available to a larger audience, in one place, at one time,” he said.

Colonel Humaid Al Ansari, added: “Dubai Police has supported Intersec since the very first show 16 years ago, as we believe the exhibition adds great value to the security industry in Dubai and the wider Middle East region.”

“The increase in exhibitors participating year by year is testament to how the global security, safety, and fire protection industries value Intersec, and we look forward to another successful edition in 2015.”

Other speakers at today’s press conference included Niju Vijayan, Director, Automation & Electronics Practice, Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, Frost & Sullivan; and Baraa Dakhel, Regional Manager, Business Development, Bosch Security Systems.

Commenting on the thriving regional physical security market, Niju Vijayan of Frost & Sullivan said: “The key drivers for the physical security market are infrastructure development and heightened commercial activities. The focus on enhanced automation is also leading to increasing value addition in the projects.

“The growth of value added services also reflects the growing demand for Managed Services within this space. Greater emphasis is attached to real-time video recording and Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) technology.”

Intersec 2015 features five show sections, with Information Security becoming a standalone section this year given the surge in demand for cyber security. The other sections are Commercial Security, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, Homeland Security & Policing.

The German Pavilion, with 60 exhibitors, is the largest it has ever been at Intersec, while the UK continues its strong association with the show, as 175 exhibitors comprise the largest ever participation of UK companies at any trade show outside of Britain.

A new addition this year is the General Police Equipment Exhibition & Conference (GPEC) Pavilion, which beefs up the Homeland Security & Policing section, while the Dubai SME Pavilion will bring some of the leading safety, security, and fire protection providers from the UAE into the limelight. The popular Techtextil Pavilion is also back with the stress on safety wear and protective clothing.

The power-packed line-up of four dedicated conferences covering fire safety, commercial security, occupational safety, and safety design in buildings will be the venue for productive discussions and key interactions on the latest developments and trends in the industry, with a large number of international and regional experts present.

Intersec 2015 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The three-day event is the largest and most international trade fair of Messe Frankfurt’s global network of security and safety exhibitions, which include Secutech India, Secutech Taiwan, Secutech Thailand, Intersec Buenos Aires, Secutech Vietnam, Seguriexpo Buenos Aires, TB Forum powered by Intersec in Moscow, and SecProtec EastAfrica powered by Intersec in Nairobi.