- Intersec 2026 recorded its largest event to date
- The 27th edition saw 44,764 trade visitors
- 1,180 exhibitors from 56 countries presented their products
Intersec 2026 has recorded its largest, most internationally diverse and strategically significant edition to date.
The three-day event, marking its 27th edition, was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council. It welcomed 44,764 trade visitors from 151 countries, with a 60/40 domestic versus international split, cementing its position as a key global meeting point for government authorities, regulators, industry leaders and solution providers shaping the future of security, safety and resilience.
Spanning more than 65,000 square metres of gross exhibition space at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event featured 1,180 exhibitors from 56 countries, supported by 10 international country pavilions and a comprehensive programme of 14 conferences and specialist features. Organisers said the scale reflected the growing complexity and convergence of physical, digital and human safety and security.
Global participation remained a defining feature of the 2026 edition, with 82% of exhibitors coming from international markets. Exhibitors represented leading safety, security and technology markets, including the United States and China, alongside high-growth economies such as India and South Korea, and major European industrial and innovation hubs, including France, Germany, Italy, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
The United Arab Emirates remained the largest and most influential domestic exhibiting market, highlighting the country’s increasing prominence across the global security, safety and fire protection landscape. This growth has been driven by national initiatives aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks, accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and embedding resilience and innovation across the sector.
Across five core sectors – Homeland Security & Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue, and Health & Safety – exhibitors showcased next-generation technologies, integrated systems and operational solutions. These addressed challenges such as infrastructure protection, emergency response, cyber resilience, workforce safety and crisis preparedness.
The event also marked a milestone with the unveiling of the Intersec Global identity during a press conference attended by strategic partners and industry leaders.
Organisers said the new identity reflects a macro-to-micro narrative, ranging from National Security & Resilience and Cybersecurity at a sovereign level, through Surveillance & Physical Security and Fire, Rescue & Emergency Response, and culminating in Safety & Wellbeing aligned with ESG priorities and workforce protection.
Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “This edition represents a pivotal moment for the platform, highlighting its expanded scale and the increased engagement from the global safety and security community. The launch of the Intersec Global identity reflects the on-the-ground reality, emphasising an international ecosystem rooted in Dubai, with increasing involvement from both established markets and high-growth regions.
“With a significant increase in international exhibitors and visitors, the quality of dialogue has been excellent. From strategic policy discussions to frontline operational challenges, the focus has been firmly on real-world resilience, readiness and collaboration. The breadth of engagement from government authorities, critical infrastructure operators, emergency services and the private sector reinforces Intersec Global’s role as an international platform where meaningful partnerships are formed, knowledge is shared, and industry progress is accelerated.”
Industry achievement was celebrated at the Intersec Awards 2026, held during a gala dinner in Dubai. Now in their fifth year, the awards recognised excellence across 17 categories, highlighting leadership, innovation, talent and impact.
Headline winners included Khalid Mubarak of Dubai Municipality, who received the H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Emirati Rising Star Award, and Albadr Jannah of Saudi Aramco, named Industry Leader of the Year for his contributions to advancing security and resilience at regional and global levels.
The Women Trailblazers in Security, Fire Safety and HSE award was presented to Jazyah Aldossary of Saudi Aramco, in recognition of her leadership in driving professional excellence, inclusion and safety culture.
“Now in their fifth edition, the Intersec Awards highlight the individuals and organisations setting the pace for leadership, innovation and impact across security, safety and fire protection. This year’s winners reflect the depth of talent shaping the industry, from rising Emirati professionals and women leaders to global figures whose work continues to strengthen resilience and best practice worldwide,” concluded Isaac.
Intersec benefits from the strategic support of key UAE authorities, including the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).
The event will return to Dubai from 12–14 January 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, continuing its role as a leading global platform for advancing safety, security and resilience across nations, infrastructure and communities.
