Intersec Saudi Arabia, the premier trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection in the country, has officially commenced, featuring 310 participating companies—a 25% increase compared to last year. The event was inaugurated by Aali M Al Zahrani, Governor of the Higher Commission for Industrial Security, alongside Major General Dr. Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defence. This year’s exhibition has seen a remarkable 34% increase in exhibition space, covering a total area of 23,000 square meters across five halls and additional outdoor space.
The event runs from October 1 to 3 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC).
Latest Technologies on Display
The opening keynote address, delivered by Major General Dr. Al-Faraj as part of the Fire Protection and Technology Summit, emphasized the directorate’s commitment to employing the latest technologies for national safety through preventive awareness measures aimed at fostering a risk-free society.
The summit’s opening day also addressed critical topics such as the Saudi Code for Fire Protection, presented by Eng. Mohamad Al Sabbagh from Saudi Civil Defence; Promoting Fire Safety Awareness and Preparedness by Colonel Abdullah Al Sherani; and the Effectiveness of Deployed Technologies in Fire Detection, discussed by Assistant Commissioner Ryan Ong of the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
Several panel discussions took place, including one titled “Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management.” This session featured experts such as Neil Odin, Chief Fire Officer from the UK National Fire Chiefs Council; Jamal Al Ghamdi, Corporate Process Safety Director at Sadara Chemical Company; and Fahad Al-Hassan, Manager of Fire & Emergency at Ma’aden. They explored essential phases following a fire incident and shared best practices and innovative recovery approaches.
The first day also saw the launch of the Future Security and Safety Summit, featuring a series of presentations. The keynote address was delivered by His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulqader Al Abu Issa, Assistant Governor of the HCIS for Engineering Affairs and Licensing. He highlighted the significance of hosting such exhibitions and the vital role the Authority plays in organizing the security, safety, and fire protection sectors.
Fostering Security Innovation
The summit sessions included topics such as “Roadmap to a Successful Security Career” by Meshal Al Johani, Security Operations Specialist at Saudi Aramco; “Drones: The Vanguard of Modern Security” by Scott Henderson, General Manager of The Drone Centre; and “Threat Risk Assessments: Detect, Respond and Prevent” by Abdullatif H Alboali, Head of Internal Audit at Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City.
Riham Sedik, Show Manager of Intersec Saudi Arabia at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, stated, “We have gathered many industry thought leaders to present a range of innovative and insightful sessions designed to facilitate in-depth discussions on the most pressing challenges faced by security professionals today. For the next three days, Saudi Arabia will be at the forefront of creating a safer and more secure future.”
The exhibition floor features five product categories: Commercial and Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security and Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health.
Organized by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, Intersec Saudi Arabia is held in partnership with the High Commission for Industrial Security and the General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defence. The exhibition is set to return for its sixth edition from October 1 to 3 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC).
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, remarked, “With over 17,000 visitors expected throughout the three days of the exhibition, Intersec Saudi Arabia reinforces its status as a hub for the global security market, facilitating networking, discussing the latest trends, and securing business deals.”