Homeland security, biometric technology, perimeter security and access control are expected to be amongst the key areas of interest at Intersec trade fair and conference 2011.

The premier trade and networking event for commercial security, homeland security and policing, safety and health, fire and rescue and aviation security will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from January 16 to 18.

According to organiser, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, security and safety concerns are increasingly gaining the attention of government and corporate managements, as awareness grows about the need for greater preparedness to combat and prevent terrorist and criminal threats. As a result, the market for homeland security, surveillance systems and policing gear and equipment in the region is on a strong growth path.

Recent research estimates that UAE spending on homeland security is set to double from $5.5 billion to $10 billion in the next 10 years. Also the country ranked fourth place worldwide in total arms expenditure at approximately $6.5 billion set in the 2005 to 2009 period.

The key drivers of this growth are expected to be biometric security, IT and infrastructure security and border and perimeter protection. The Middle East region is an increasingly significant market for homeland security with heightened awareness on the needs for enhanced safeguards to protect vital infrastructure and installations which are continually developing.

Recent incidents have underlined the importance of CCTV and video surveillance in sensitive areas. As a result, Dubai police has announced that it will spend a further $130 million plus, to enhance CCTV surveillance in blind spots over the next few years. 

Intersec 2011 is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and enjoys the support of key government and trade organisations including UAE Civil Defence, Dubai Police, Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and  Secutech .

“Intersec has always been more than just a trade event. We engage with all stakeholders in an effort to enhance the levels of safety and security in our environment,” said Ahmed Pauwels, chief executive officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “Thanks to the invaluable help of local authorities and government bodies, we are glad to be able to work together to ultimately achieve that goal,” he added.

There is also strong interest for the Intersec Security Conference running alongside the trade event which will be the most comprehensive series of conferences and workshops staged at Intersec to date. This year, the conferences bring together about 30 international safety and security experts, who will share their views and learnings on issues of vital concern to the industry.

Intersec 2011 will also feature the UAE International FireFit Championship – a test of skills and tactics for firefighters from international and regional squads, the Indoor Demo Area, an extensive outdoor demonstration of counter terror and tactical deployment methods and the Exhibitor’s Experts Forum. – TradeArabia News Service