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2023-02-01

Intersec 2023 Keeps Focus on Smart, Secure Society

Bringing together 850 exhibitors from 55 countries all under one roof — Intersec 2023 — held at Dubai World Trade Centre from January 17—19 produced a wide-ranging agenda perfectly fitting for the 24th edition of the leading trade fair for safety, security and fire protection.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Border Security Council, inaugurated the grand event. He was briefed by executives from Saudi Arabia’s National Security Services Company (SAFE) on latest initiatives to elevate the standards and image of the Kingdom’s security sector. He also visited the Dubai Civil Defence stand, as well as the German and UK pavilions and NAFFCO, the Dubai-based leader in manufacturing firefighting products.

All the three days witnessed productive, action-packed events.

New collaborations, dedicated product showcases for commercial and perimeter security, homeland security, fire and rescue, safety and health and cybersecurity, special features, and a powerful conference and knowledge-sharing programme were part of the events.

Digital Hayya Card

A Middle East security innovation implemented at last month’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 could be the future of public security at major events to ensure easier and more efficient travel as well as a safer, problem-free visa process, according to Helmut Spahn, FIFA’s Director of Safety, Security, and Access.

The digital Hayya Card was implemented in place of an entry permit throughout the month-long world football showpiece in Qatar, providing authorities with key security data, including fans’ travel and accommodation plans and ensuring every spectator was accounted for.

Addressing a high-powered Security Leaders’ Summit on the opening day of Intersec 2023, Spahn discussed the key takeaways of last month’s tournament and the lessons that can be implemented at major events, including the next World Cup in 2026, which spans three countries across North America, U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Attack Zone

The BRE Group ran its first day of the Attack Zone, demonstrating to delegates the resistance assessments it carries out before its Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), awards internationally recognised security ratings to companies offering security solutions.

It is the first time the BRE Group performed live demos at the fair.

Working behind a Perspex screen and faced with two standalone Assa Abloy steel doors — one uncertified; one certified — a BRE tester used a series of tools, from hammers and hacksaws to crowbars and axes, to attempt to open each.

The tester broke through the uncertified door within minutes, smashing the lock as well as forcefully removing the hinges with a screwdriver. Moving to the certified door, several additional security elements were highlighted as the tester struggled to gain access.

Focus on Drones

On the Tech Stage, drones were in focus as D-Fend Solutions, a leading global provider of cyber-takeover, counter-drone solutions for sensitive and challenging environments, outlined the multiple security risks now in play as a result of the growing use of drones.

By focusing on the most dangerous drones, its technology enables organisations to maintain full control, safety, and continuity during incidents, while preparing for future threats.

“Drones have been used not only in a war arena, but also for law enforcement. In terms of homeland security, the FBI is treating drones as a real and immediate threat within the country,” said Udi Lowy, adding his company has created an air drone incident tracker to monitor threats around the world.

Start Smart

In the Start Smart Zone, start-ups could connect with decision-makers, buyers, and investors while the purpose-built Future Defenders Hack Arena offered a hive of activity for futurist cybersecurity teams from schools, universities and chief information security officers competing for prizes and industry recognition.

The Safety & Health Stage proved popular among attendees, particularly a seminar on strategy and leadership led by Rob Cooling, Executive Director of health, safety, environment, and quality (HSEQ), NEOM.

The session detailed how the goal of a major programme is to realise the outcomes and benefits of strategic relevance.

Connected Society

Dubai Government’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) Forum took place as part of the Safety & Health Conference, providing the international commercial security community a place to discuss issues, share expertise, and work together to create a more sustainable, secure and connected society.

Asma Abdelhamid, Customer Happiness Manager at SIRA, presented a session outlining the “Journey to a Smart-Safe City”, highlighting digital innovations both at home in Dubai and abroad in cities such as Barcelona, Singapore, and Tokyo.

She explained that levels of smartness can be measured using four criteria: Infrastructure based around technology, environmental initiatives, effective and highly functional public transportation, and people’s ability to live and work using the city’s resources.

She said that 90 per cent of Dubai Government services are now available via the Dubai Now mobile application.

Safety Walk

For the first time, this year’s show featured a ‘Safety Walk’ in which brands such as MSA Safety, KIVANC Group, Centurion, Drager, Sensor Zone, and others paraded their latest safety equipment and protective gear on a catwalk.

Unveiling its latest line of protective clothing and gadgets, MSA Safety showcased an MSA Bristol X4 firefighting jacket, an F1XF helmet, and a LUNAR Connected Device that provides Firefighting Assistance Search Technology that combines direction and distance data with thermal imaging to decrease response time and connect separated teammates.

Surveillance & Cyber-Learning

Intersec, which among its key partners count the UAE Cyber Security Council, Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC), and Huawei, also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE Ministry of Interior and Chinese state-owned video surveillance company HIK Vision.

Under the terms of the MoU, which was signed by Brigadier Ahmed Humeid Al Suwaidi from the Ministry of Interior, and Xi Ming Xu, Senior Vice President at HIK Vision, the two parties will work together to develop solutions that will benefit and maintain the safety of residents and visitors to the Emirates.

DESC, as the main regulator and facilitator of cybersecurity in Dubai, also showcased its partnership with Thales Group, as well as its establishment of a Cyber-Node programme dedicated to training, testing, and experimentation.

The partnership has led to an innovation centre for cyber-learning, with the new facility providing support in the advancement of Dubai’s mission to be the safest city in cyberspace.

Intersec Awards

Among the winners of Intersec Awards 2023 were Dubai Police, UAE based Atos and Protec Fire Detection from the UK, as well as individuals from Aman Security Training and NAFFCO.

The Awards, which recognise the people, products and companies for exceptional performance in the fire, safety and security industries across 10 categories attracted almost 1,300 entries.

The People categories reward those who challenge industry standards, are exceptionally skilled at inspiring transformation and bringing about substantial change, and who have achieved great success as industry experts in their particular field.

Silver Jubilee Edition

Next year marks the silver jubilee edition of the event, which will be held from January 16 – 18, 2024 in Dubai.

The edition is set to return with dedicated product showcases for commercial and perimeter security, homeland security, fire and rescue, safety and health and cybersecurity, special features, and a powerful conference and knowledge-sharing programme

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