World's leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection attracts 35,889, trade buyers and professionals from 126 countries
Dubai, UAE: A new record in visitor numbers has underlined what has been the most successful edition yet for the world's leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection in Dubai.
The 21st edition of Intersec, which concluded its three-day run on 22nd January 2019 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracted 35,889 visitors from 126 countries, a 23 per cent year-on-year increase over the previous 
year (29,000 in 2018).
With 1,212 exhibitors from 54 countries, six show sections, 15 country pavilions, live outdoor demonstrations, a drone zone, and the new Future Security Summit, Intersec was at its very best, where new business partnerships shared the stage with innovative product launches.
Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, Intersec 2019 took up a sprawling 60,000sqm at its Dubai venue, with Fire and Rescue forming the largest section, comprising 431 exhibitors.
Commercial Security was the next largest with 375 exhibitors, followed by Safety & Health (142 exhibitors), Information Security (120 exhibitors), Homeland Security & Policing (90 exhibitors), and Physical & Perimeter Security (54 exhibitors).
Andreas Rex, Intersec's show director, said: “We put in a lot of effort into making this edition of Intersec the most comprehensive yet in terms of increasing the diversity of our exhibitor range and offering a more engaging conference format, while at the same time returning with improved popular highlights such as the outdoor live demonstration area.
“A lot of exhibitors used Intersec 2019 to not only announce important strategic business partnerships, but to launch their latest products for the global marketplace. The visitor response has certainly been the most pleasing aspect of the show this year and with the Dubai Expo 2020 coming up, we expect the 22nd edition of Intersec in 2020 to be even more successful,” Rex added.
Intersec is supported by the Dubai Police, Dubai Police Academy, Dubai Civil Defence, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), and the Dubai Municipality. A further 35 international government partners, trade associations, and non-profit institutions also participated this year.
Dubai Police was among the hundreds of exhibitors launching their latest solutions, and this year unveiled a hydrogen-powered drone which will be used to survey mountainous and marine areas.
Nearly two-thirds of the world's top 50 security manufacturers were also on-board, including 17 of the top 20 incumbents comprising Hikvision, Dahua, ASSA ABLOY, Bosch Security Systems, Axis Communications, FLIR Systems, Hanwha Techwin, Tiandy Technologies, Avigilon, Infinova, Optex, VIVOTEK, CP Plus, Nedap, Raysharp, Milestone Systems, and Kedacom.
Dubai-based Bristol, a global leader in fire protection services and equipment, unveiled the latest innovative firefighting technologies, including a UAE-built fire truck, fire suppression systems and powerful water pump solutions.
Meanwhile, smarter and safer cities were key themes that resonated throughout Intersec 2019. This was underlined by a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the show between Smartworld, a UAE systems integrator, and Honeywell Building Solutions – the global leader in connected buildings – to implement digitally transformed, sustainable, safe and efficient buildings across the UAE.
The resounding visitor response to Intersec 2019 comes as demand for security, safety, and fire protection in the Middle East continues to climb. According to analysts 6Wresearch, the regional market for physical and perimeter security, commercial and information security, fire protection, and drones, is currently estimated to be worth US$14.5 billion, with this estimated to grow to be worth US$31 billion in 2024.
Attracting the most attention on the show floor were AI-based security and surveillance systems with applications across safe city and smart home security systems.
High-definition IP-Network cameras and analytics software used across various industries ranging from banking and retail to hospitality and oil & gas were also among those drawing greatest interest.
Intersec is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The 22nd edition returns in 2020. More information is available at: www.intersecexpo.com
About Messe Frankfurt Safety, Security& Fire
Safety and security are increasingly important basic needs and, therefore, stand for a growing global market. With eleven trade fairs, congresses and forums around the world, Messe Frankfurt brings together demand and supply worldwide with progressive, connected products, applications and services focusing on commercial security and the protection of buildings, spaces and people. The Safety, Security & Fire business cluster offers access to the dynamic markets of the Arabian Peninsula, Asia, Europe and South America.
Further information at www.safety-security.messe frankfurt.com
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is the world's largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With more than 2,500* employees at 30 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €715* million. Thanks to its far-reaching ties with the relevant sectors and to its international sales network, the Group looks after the business interests of its customers effectively. A comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
*preliminary figures 2018
About Messe Frankfurt Middle East
Messe Frankfurt Middle East's portfolio of 16 exhibitions includes Automechanika Dubai, Automechanika Jeddah, Automechanika Riyadh, Beautyworld Middle East, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Hardware + Tools Middle East, Intersec, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Leatherworld Middle East, Light Middle East, Materials Handling Middle East, Materials Handling Saudi Arabia, Middle East Cleaning Technology Week, Paperworld Middle East, Prolight + Sound Middle East, SPS Automation Middle East, The subsidiary also organises a series of conferences and seminars including the Worker Health Protection Conference, the Business in Beauty Summit, Think Light, and the International Conference on Future Mobility. For more information, please visit our website at www.messefrankfurtme.com
