security events New record at Intersec 2019 Intersec in Dubai 20–22 January 2019 attracted some 35,889 visitors from 126 countries – a 23 percent yearon-year increase. Smarter and safer cities were key themes at the show. Andreas Rex, Intersec’s show director, says: “We put 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.” The 21st edition of the Intersec show delivered on its promise of an action-packed three days featuring the latest market trends, innovations and exciting new opportunities. A new record in visitor numbers has underlined what has been the most successful edition yet for the trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection in Dubai. The number of visitors increased from 29,000 in 2018 to 35,889 this year. The show had 1,212 exhibitors from 54 countries, six show sections, 15 country pavilions, live outdoor demonstrations, a drone zone, and the new Future Security Summit. Many Chinese exhibitors Fire and Rescue made up the largest section comprising 431 exhibitors and Commercial Security was the next largest area with 375 exhibitors, followed by Safety & Health (142 exhibitors), Information Security (120 exhibitors), Homeland Security & Policing (90 exhibitors), and Physical & Perimeter Security (54 exhibitors). In total, Intersec took up some 60,000 square metres. 87 per cent of the exhibitors were international and 13 per cent domestic. Most exhibitors were Chinese (247), UAE had 162, UK 117 and India 85. However, more than half of the visitors were domestic (more than 18,000). Other common nationalities were Saudi Arabia (almost 3,000), India (1,112), Egypt (951) and Iran (858). There were 619 visitors from the United Kingdom, which was the most from a Western country. Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, South Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, UK and USA had their own country pavilions and there was also a pavilion for safety design in buildings. Market leaders were present 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, year unveiled a hydrogen-powered drone which will be used to survey mountainous and marine areas. Continued big demand Show Director Andreas Rex was very pleased with the show. He says: “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 Intersec in Dubai 20–22 January 2019 attracted some 35,889 visitors from 126 countries – a 23 percent year-on-year increase. 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. Optex, Vivotek, CP Plus, Nedap, Raysharp, Milestone Systems, and Kedacom. 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 certainly been the most pleasing aspect of the show this year.” According to the organiser, 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 14.5 billion US dollars, with this estimated to grow to be worth 31 billion dollars in 2024. dete kto r in te r n at i on al • 47