Increasing concern worldwide over security issues is driving up spending on security technology, apparatus and appliances, according to experts.

This trend is reflected in the Middle East also with countries in the region set to spend around Dh7.71 billion ($2.1 billion) on security-related equipment and services with the spending  expected to increase by 50 per cent until 2013.

“Countries in the Middle East region are prime players in the market for security-related products and services,” said Ahmed Pauwels, chief executive officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organisers of Intersec, the region’s foremost networking and trade platform for safety and protection.

“The economy of fighting terror threats is one of the fastest growing in the world today, with average spending globally estimated to be around Dh6.16 trillion annually,” he added.

“Security consciousness is widespread across the region today. A recent study by the Homeland Security Research Corporation indicated that spending on homeland security in the UAE alone is expected to double from Dh20.2 billion ($ 5.5 billion) to Dh36.7 billion ($10 billion) over the next ten years,” Pauwels stated.

Industry leaders have estimated that over the next few years more than 60,000 buildings in Dubai will be fully equipped with direct alarm systems, to bring them in line with international safety best practices being actively promoted by the local authorities.

Additionally, the market for fire detection and suppression systems in the Gulf is expected to surge to Dh4.11 billion ($1.12 billion) in 2013, up from Dh2.33 billion ($635 billion) in 2008.

Having attracted over 19,000 trade visitors and buyers in its last edition, Intersec trade fair and conference remains the platform of choice for those with a stake in the safety, security, health and protection industries in the region and beyond. Over 700 exhibitors from 50 countries participated in the 2010 event, which will be next held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from January 16 to 18, 2011.

Intersec 2011 will be divided into different main areas of interest: Commercial Security & Information Security, Aviation Security, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire & Rescue and Safety & Health. - TradeArabia News Service