Intersec 2026 to address early security design for Gulf megaprojects

by EventsFeatured NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

Intersec summit to address early security design

Intersec 2026 will use its International Security Leaders’ Summit in Dubai, UAE to focus on embedding security early in Gulf megaprojects.

The summit is scheduled for 12-14 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Intersec said the programme will focus on early-stage security design, multi-stakeholder coordination and alignment between technology, people and processes.

Panel to examine megaproject security integration

Intersec said a panel titled Regional Vision, Global Solutions: Embedding Security Innovation into Megaprojects will take place on the opening day of Intersec 2026.

Malcolm Smith, Public Safety Excellence Director, Royal Commission of AlUla, described how projects such as AlUla, NEOM and Diriyah are reshaping the relationship between public safety and urban development.

Smith said: “Security is now embedded as a core pillar of the master planning process rather than a late-stage operational consideration.”

Giga-project risks and coordination challenges

Smith said the region’s giga-projects span tourism, heritage, energy, transport and residential development, which can create varied risk profiles and operational needs.

Smith said: “Integrating systems that serve both public and private domains is challenging.”

Infrastructure security and AI perceptions

Jake Phillips, Group Security Director at IHS Towers, said security innovation is also tied to the resilience of communications infrastructure.

Phillips said: “We’re seeing a very proactive approach to reorganising security and adopting or integrating newer methods of providing security.

“The hope is that when people look at what is available, rather than seeing a dark dystopian future, they see the entryway to a more secure reality.”

Intersec said the panel will also include Abu Ahmed, Deputy Director, Head of Joint Security & Resilience Centre – Homeland Security, UK Home Office, Scott Paterson, Director of Security Operations – EMEA at The Walt Disney Company, and Eddie Reyes, Senior Vice President & Founder, RTSG.

Intersec said the session will also examine procurement practices, challenges for new technologies and lessons learned from recent megaprojects.

Scale of Intersec 2026 programme

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Intersec’s conference programme is designed for senior professionals tasked with securing national assets, critical infrastructure, and emerging smart environments.”

Intersec said the 2026 edition will host more than 1,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries across Homeland Security & Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue and Health & Safety.

Intersec said more than 50,000 visitors are expected across 65,000 gross square metres of exhibition space.

Intersec said the wider programme will include the Fire & Rescue Conference, Health & Safety Conference, Access Control Theatre and the SIRA Forum.

Intersec said the event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and has strategic support from the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).

Dubai Civil Defense launches new institutional identity with updated logo

by Breaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

Dubai Civil Defense refines falcon motif

The General Command of Dubai Civil Defense has launched a new institutional identity featuring an updated logo and a new military uniform, according to the Government of Dubai Media Office.

The announcement was published on Tuesday 30 December 2025.

The organisation said the launch forms part of a wider effort to modernise its visual identity.

It added that the update aligns with Dubai’s focus on public safety and emergency preparedness.

Dubai Civil Defense slogan restates mission

Dubai Civil Defense said the new identity carries the slogan ‘Safeguarding Lives and Property’.

It said the slogan reaffirms the Command’s mission and its commitment to strengthening protection and safety systems.

The organisation added that the updated logo reflects the Command’s strength and standing.

It said the design also sits within a wider civil defence identity framework at the national level.

Logo design elements and colours

The Government of Dubai Media Office said the visual identity uses an integrated system of contemporary colours and typography aligned with the new logo.

It said the design includes symbolic elements intended to reflect the vision and values of civil defence.

The wreath symbolises the nobility of the profession.

The seven stars represent the emirates and the unity of leadership.

The falcon represents strength, pride and national heritage.

At the centre of the emblem is a shield bearing the UAE flag.

The organisation said gold is the primary colour alongside the colours of the UAE flag.

It added that the falcon motif has been refined and the elements streamlined to support clarity and effective use across digital platforms.

Commander-in-Chief comments on purpose

His Excellency Lieutenant General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Civil Defense, said: “the new institutional identity reflects a firm commitment to the fundamental mission of safeguarding lives and property.

“He added that the step supports Dubai Civil Defense’s continued progress in public safety through an approach grounded in institutional excellence and sustainable innovation, while keeping pace with future requirements and preserving the organisation’s legacy and deeply rooted national identity.”

He said the new identity strengthens the Command’s institutional presence and unifies its visual communication.

He added that it reinforces Dubai Civil Defense’s position as a government entity committed to the highest standards of quality and integration.

IAFC joins DCD fire safety campaign aims to train one billion people by 2027

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsSafety

IAFC joins Dubai Civil Defense in international fire safety campaign

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has announced its involvement in the Dubai Civil Defense-led “Billion Readiness Campaign“, a global fire safety initiative.

According to the IAFC, the campaign aims to reach and train one billion people between 2025 and 2027. The initiative focuses on increasing public and responder awareness of fire safety practices across 34 countries in collaboration with 18 major firefighting organisations.

The Dubai Civil Defense is funding the initiative. Activities began in September 2024. The IAFC has committed to supporting this effort through quarterly updates on member outreach and encouraging global fire services to submit local engagement data.

Campaign goals include training and outreach on global scale

The Billion Readiness Campaign aims to deliver fire safety training and educational outreach to one billion individuals by the end of 2026. The UAE-led initiative includes humanitarian aid and public awareness efforts designed to reduce fire risks.

The programme is intended to enhance safety knowledge, reduce fire incidents and improve community security. It also aims to create a consistent reporting structure through regular feedback from global partners.

The IAFC will contribute data through quarterly outreach reports and encourages fire departments to complete a recurring survey capturing engagement figures and activities.

IAFC issues call for participation from member agencies

The IAFC has outlined specific reporting milestones to track campaign progress. These include five key dates between April 2025 and October 2026, during which fire departments are asked to submit summaries of their outreach.

The reporting periods include estimated achievements for 2024, biannual reviews for 2025 and 2026, and a final update in October 2026. These reports will form part of the IAFC’s overall contribution to the campaign’s evaluation.

Departments are asked to submit details on outreach activities and the estimated number of individuals reached.

Fire services urged to contribute to local-level training efforts

IAFC members are being encouraged to support the campaign by delivering community-level outreach and education programmes. Each agency is asked to document and submit their activities as part of a coordinated global effort.

The IAFC described its role in the campaign as an opportunity to demonstrate the scale of impact that fire and emergency services can have when working together.

The association has called for broad participation from its network of professionals to meet the campaign’s ambitious target.

Fire safety campaign aims to train one billion people by 2026: Summary

The IAFC has confirmed it will partner with Dubai Civil Defense on the Billion Readiness Campaign.

The campaign began in September 2024 and continues through 2026.

Its objective is to reach one billion individuals with fire safety training.

The initiative includes participation from 34 countries and 18 firefighting organisations.

The IAFC will support the campaign through outreach and quarterly reporting.

Participating agencies are asked to submit data on training and engagement levels.

The first reporting milestone is 1 April 2025.

The final campaign report is due on 1 October 2026.

All submissions are intended to help measure the campaign’s reach and effectiveness.

The campaign is funded by Dubai Civil Defense.

IAFC members are encouraged to contribute at the local level.

NFPA join ‘Billion Readiness Initiative’ led by Dubai Civil Defense

by Breaking NewsPeople

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that it will be an active member and contribute to the “Billion Readiness Initiative” led by Dubai Civil Defense.

This global initiative seeks to enhance fire safety awareness and reduce fire-related incidents worldwide. It aims to educate and train 1 billion people across the globe from 2025 to 2027, encouraging communities to respond effectively and safely to fire emergencies.

A total of 34 countries and 18 major firefighting organisations, including the NFPA, are involved in the effort.

Director, International Business Development, MENA, NFPA, Dana Kamal’s statement

Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development, MENA, NFPA said: “As a global leader in fire and life safety, NFPA is proud to be part of the Billion Readiness Initiative, the largest of its kind. We are excited to share our expertise to help raise fire safety awareness worldwide.

“Working alongside Dubai Civil Defense, our goal is to use our knowledge, information and expertise to create a safer, more resilient future. We achieve this by empowering individuals with the resources and tools they need to prevent fires and protect lives on an unprecedented scale.”

Collaboration and communication

As part of this initiative, NFPA will continue to collaborate and communicate with governments and regulatory bodies throughout the region to promote its codes and standards, encouraging their use and effective implementation through workshops and training sessions aimed at reducing fire-related incidents and the emissions that they cause.

It will also support countries in developing policies that align with the campaign’s objectives while addressing emerging risks and technological advancements.

In addition to policy adoption, NFPA will encourage subject matter experts to stay updated with code requirements and technical developments in their fields.

In addition, NFPA is also a member of the World Fire Emission Reduction Alliance (WFERA), launched at COP28, which aims to reduce global fire-related emissions by 80% by 2050.

This initiative unites countries and firefighting organizations in a global effort to tackle the environmental impact of fires and improve fire safety worldwide.

`Billion Readiness Initiative’ joined by NFPA: Summary

The NFPA has joined Dubai Civil Defense’s `Billion Readiness Initiative’, a global initiative designed to promote fire safety awareness and reduce fire-related incidents worldwide.

Dana Kamal, Director, International Business Development, MENA, NFPA said the goal is to use knowledge, information and expertise to create a safer, more resilient future.

Dubai Civil Defense initiates worldwide safety and fire hazard prevention programme

by Breaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Projects

Dubai Civil Defense launches global ‘1 Billion Readiness’ initiative

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Civil Defense has unveiled the ‘1 Billion Readiness’ initiative.

This global programme, the largest of its kind in fire hazard prevention, aims to train and raise awareness among 1 billion people between 2025 and 2027.

The initiative will focus on prevention techniques and fire safety awareness, according to a release by Dubai Civil Defense.

It is an international collaboration led by the UAE and involves 34 countries and 18 firefighting organisations.

Supporting developing countries through the Hope Convoys project

A major aspect of the programme is the Hope Convoys project, which will assist developing nations by supplying essential firefighting equipment and establishing fire stations.

The project aims to enhance preparedness and improve emergency response capabilities in areas lacking resources.

Dubai Civil Defense stated that this effort would help strengthen international relationships in safety and firefighting.

Certified training and awareness campaigns

Lieutenant General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi explained: “This initiative will raise global awareness about fire prevention and the importance of safety procedures through comprehensive awareness campaigns.

“These efforts will be supported by specialised digital platforms available in multiple languages worldwide.”

Participants will receive certified electronic certificates upon course completion.

These will be issued by the Global Wildfire Monitoring Center and the Dubai Civil Defense Readiness Program.

Targeting local and global audiences

On a local level, the programme will include awareness campaigns aimed at individuals, government institutions, private organisations, and schools.

According to Al Matrooshi, these campaigns will ensure that the initiative reaches the widest audience possible and promotes a culture of fire safety across all segments of society.

Dubai Civil Defense initiates worldwide safety and fire hazard prevention programme: Summary

Dubai Civil Defense has launched the ‘1 Billion Readiness’ initiative under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Running from 2025 to 2027, the global programme will train 1 billion people on fire prevention and safety.

The initiative involves 34 countries and 18 firefighting organisations.

A key project, Hope Convoys, will assist developing nations by providing equipment and establishing fire stations.

The programme features multilingual digital platforms and certified courses issued by the Global Wildfire Monitoring Center.

Awareness campaigns targeting various sectors will also be conducted locally to foster a culture of fire safety.

Dubai Civil Defence partners with FIRE AID to deliver wildfire vehicles to Africa

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsVehicles

DCD and FIRE AID Partnership brings wildfire vehicles to African countries

A new partnership between Dubai Civil Defence and FIRE AID has been announced to deliver wildfire-specific vehicles to African countries.

This initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of wildfires while enhancing firefighting capabilities across the continent.

The first phase of the project involves working with UK-based Angloco Limited to design and manufacture specialized wildfire response vehicles.

These vehicles will be donated to Kenya, Morocco, and Ghana, marking the first time such equipment has been deployed in these regions.

By enhancing the capacity to respond to wildfires, the vehicles will aid in reducing emissions and protecting communities from the destruction caused by fires.

Repurposing decommissioned vehicles for sustainable impact

In the second phase of the project, Dubai Civil Defence will donate decommissioned vehicles to several African countries.

These vehicles will be fully equipped and serviced before deployment, ensuring they remain operational and extend their service life.

The initiative will help FIRE AID continue its work in countries like Malawi, The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Kenya.

This repurposing of vehicles represents a sustainable approach, preventing usable equipment from being scrapped while supporting firefighting efforts across Africa.

Comprehensive training will be provided for local fire services, ensuring that the vehicles are used effectively in managing wildfires.

Global collaboration on wildfire response

This collaboration exemplifies the growing trend of global partnerships focused on firefighting and environmental protection.

By working together, Dubai Civil Defence and FIRE AID are helping to build stronger fire response capabilities across Africa.

The involvement of Angloco Limited, the Department for Business and Trade, and various African fire services further highlights the international commitment to reducing the impact of wildfires.

The initiative will also contribute to global data collection on fire-related emissions.

Data from the usage of these vehicles will be integrated into Dubai Civil Defence’s fire tracking systems, providing a valuable resource for improving wildfire response strategies worldwide.

Leadership perspectives on the initiative

Lt Col Essa Almutawa, representing Dubai Civil Defence, emphasised the significance of this initiative: “This initiative is a testament to our leadership’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global solidarity.

“It reflects our core belief that we must always strive to do more, extending our expertise and resources to where they are needed most.”

David O’Neill MBE, Chair of FIRE AID, also commented on the partnership’s potential: “Leveraging our established networks throughout the continent to bolster the objectives of the Dubai Civil Defence represents an effective approach to swiftly enhance capability in the region, improve environmental conditions, and ultimately save lives.”

Dubai Civil Defence and FIRE AID partner to deliver wildfire vehicles to Africa: Summary

Dubai Civil Defence and FIRE AID have announced a partnership to deliver wildfire-specific vehicles to African countries.

The project aims to reduce the environmental impact of wildfires and improve firefighting capabilities across Africa.

The first phase involves the delivery of newly designed wildfire vehicles to Kenya, Morocco, and Ghana.

In phase two, decommissioned vehicles will be repurposed and donated to several other African nations.

The project is part of a broader collaboration involving Angloco Limited, the Department for Business and Trade, and fire services across Africa.