- National initiatives, global partnerships, and artificial intelligence innovations position the UAE at the forefront of transforming emergency response
- The Fire & Rescue sector is returning to Intersec from 12-14 January 2026 with an expanded exhibition footprint with the show set to welcome over 1,400 exhibitors and featuring a high-impact conference programme
Dubai, UAE: As fire safety challenges continue to evolve worldwide, the UAE remains at the forefront through innovation, investment, and international collaboration. Both the public and private sectors are increasingly focused on strengthening resilience, improving emergency response, and incorporating smarter technologies into fire protection strategies. In response to these dynamics, the Fire & Rescue sector returns to Intersec 2026 as a comprehensive exhibition and conference platform, bringing together global manufacturers, regulators, engineers, civil defence authorities, and frontline responders under one roof. Taking place from 12 - 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, fire and rescue remains one of the five key sectors at Intersec and is set to provide critical insight and innovation as part of the largest edition of the show to date. The UAE is strengthening its position as a global leader in emergency preparedness, particularly in the fire safety sector. Earlier in 2025, Dubai Civil Defence launched the “1 Billion Readiness Project,' a global initiative aimed at educating one billion people about fire prevention and establishing fire stations. This initiative is crucial for enhancing community safety and preparedness in the face of emergencies. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a key supporter of the Fire & Rescue conference, joined the initiative shortly after its launch, further emphasising the sector's commitment to improving firefighting and rescue strategies worldwide. Eng. Dana Kamal, NFPA Regional Director for MENA, and a member of the Fire & Rescue Conference advisory committee, said: “The NFPA Day 2 educational program will spotlight the leadership and collaboration needed to shape a safer future. It will demonstrate how innovation drives progress and how codes and standards serve as the foundation of safety for every sector that depends on them.” This initiative is part of a broader series of national reforms and investments. In Abu Dhabi, civil defence authorities have partnered with the Advanced Technology Research Council to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into emergency operations and training. Meanwhile, in Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, reviewed new autonomous firefighting robots equipped with 3D mapping technology, designed for use in hazardous, smoke-filled environments. These advancements align with the UAE's commitment to sustainability, as Dubai Civil Defence aims to reduce carbon emissions from fire incidents by 80% by 2050. The Fire & Rescue exhibition at Intersec 2026 will showcase the latest advancements in suppression systems, fire detection, passive fire protection, and integrated life safety technologies. Notable returning exhibitors include NAFFCO, Hochiki, UL, Bristol Fire Engineering, FM Approvals, and ATEIS, highlighting the commercial importance of this platform for global suppliers. Spanning ten exhibition halls, the event reflects the growing global demand for advanced and future-ready fire and emergency response solutions. Running in parallel, the Fire & Rescue conference will feature a comprehensive programme shaped by a diverse advisory committee consisting of regulatory, engineering and operational experts. Key topics will include the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in early fire prediction, integration of building life safety systems, the psychology of decision-making under crisis conditions, human behaviour in emergencies and the impact of climate change on fire dynamics. Additional sessions will examine best practice in passive fire protection, the evolution of fire doors and emerging international regulatory frameworks. The 2026 conference is sponsored by Naffco, Saudi Sicli, NFPA, Fike, FM Approvals and Aman Engineering, underscoring the growing importance of regional expertise in fostering critical fire safety dialogue. The conference will also feature a dedicated Passive Fire Day in collaboration with the Association for Passive Fire Protection (ASFP), highlighting the sector’s shift toward professionalisation through early design engagement, competency development and updated performance standards. Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, commented: 'The importance of fire and rescue has never been more globally relevant or in greater need of strategic alignment. As this sector evolves, Intersec provides a unique opportunity to bring together manufacturers, civil defense teams, consultants, and regulators in one space. This gathering enables the sharing of knowledge, showcases innovations, and advances a unified vision for fire safety. We are proud to offer a platform where these critical conversations and connections can take place at scale.' The 27th edition is expected to welcome more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries, representing various sectors including Homeland Security & Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue, and Health & Safety, and more than 50,000 trade visitors. To meet increasing international demand, the exhibition will expand by nearly 12,000 square metres through the addition of two new halls, bringing the total gross exhibition space to 67,000 square metres. Intersec 2026 continues to enjoy support from the support of the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense, and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA),
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