I returned to Intersec after a span of a few years in Dubai in January 2026 for its 27th edition, at a time when the global safety, security, and fire protection sectors are undergoing rapid transformation. The mega-show proved a delight for security professionals, system integrators, consultants, and trade journalists like me, and a treasure trove of opportunity for exhibitors.
Intersec Dubai 2026 was held from 12–14 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking the 27th edition of the global security, safety, and fire protection exhibition. The event was the largest in Intersec’s history, covering 67,000 m² – 13 percent more than the previous year. It featured over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and attracted an estimated 50,000 trade visitors.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and supported by Dubai Civil Defense and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency, Intersec continues to reflect the UAE’s emphasis on safety, resilience and infrastructure protection, with the country having been ranked the world’s safest in 2025.
Dishan Isaac, Show Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said the scale of the 2026 edition cements Intersec’s position as a key convening platform for both industry and government, a context that also explains its rechristening as “Intersec Global,” announced at a press conference during the show.
“Intersec continues to set the benchmark for advancing global dialogue and partnerships in security, safety and fire protection,” he said. “The growth of the 2026 edition reinforces the event’s role as a platform where industry leaders, innovators, and government stakeholders come together to shape the future of emergency response and infrastructure protection.”
He added that Intersec 2026 marks a significant milestone for both the event and the global security, safety, and fire protection community. “The scale and growth of this edition reflect the urgency with which organisations are seeking clarity, collaboration, and future-ready solutions.”
Intersec 2026 showcased cutting-edge technologies, frontline solutions and integrated strategies across five core product sectors: Homeland Security & Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue, and Health & Safety. Together, these sectors provide an overview of how organisations, governments, and critical infrastructure operators are responding to increasingly complex physical, digital, and environmental risks.
Intersec has evolved into a platform where leadership, innovation and operational realities converge. It was certainly the largest and most globally representative edition to date, solidifying its position as a key platform for global collaboration, knowledge exchange and business development.
A cornerstone of Intersec 2026 was its expanded conference and knowledge programme, delivering high-level insight and practical guidance across multiple dedicated platforms from more than 250 experts. The International Security Leaders’ Summit returned as a flagship forum, bringing together senior decision-makers responsible for national security, critical infrastructure, crisis management and organisational resilience. Sessions addressed topics including AI governance, crisis leadership, human risk, public-private collaboration and aligning security strategy with national visions.
The Fire & Rescue Conference examined advancements in fire prediction, building life-safety systems, passive fire protection and emergency response, with contributions from global fire authorities, engineers and frontline responders. Meanwhile, the Health & Safety Conference focused on workforce protection, behavioural safety, wellbeing and the evolving responsibilities facing organisations in high-risk environments.
Cyber resilience also took centre stage at the InCyber Briefing, where CISOs and digital risk leaders explored AI, post-quantum readiness, data sovereignty, and cyber crisis simulation, while specialist theatres, including the Access Control Theatre, Control Room Innovation Theatre, and the SIRA Forum, delivered targeted technical insight and regulatory perspectives.
The IFPO Certified Security Supervision and Management (CSSMP) Workshop and Challenge Exam is an interactive session designed for security professionals looking to advance their supervisory and management skills and includes scenario-based exercises to prepare participants for the final exam and real-world application.
The Passive Fire Day and the FCIA–NFCA PFPCON ’26 Dubai, a co-located event that connects global experts, innovators, and practitioners to advance standards, competency, and collaboration across the passive fire sector, round out the features.
Intersec 2026 also launched a series of exclusive, invitation-only Executive Roundtables led by PwC and Kearney that bring together senior leaders from government, industry, and technology for focused, high-level dialogue on the most pressing challenges facing the security, safety, and fire protection sectors.
In addition to conferences and workshops, visitors experienced live features and immersive demonstrations, including real-world response scenarios and innovation showcases that bridge strategy and on-the-ground execution.
The Intersec Awards 2026, recognising excellence across security, fire safety, cybersecurity and HSE, also took place during the week, celebrating the leaders and organisations shaping the future of the industry.
Intersec 2026 continues to benefit from the strategic support of key UAE authorities, including the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), underlining its alignment with national resilience and safety priorities.
