Dubai law sets new safety rules for public spaces and events

by Breaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

Dubai safety law to take effect in June

Dubai has issued Law No. (2) of 2026 on public safety, creating a new framework for venues, events, buildings, pools, beaches, products and daily activities across the emirate.

Gulf News reported that the law was issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, and that it will come into effect on 1 June 2026.

The legislation is intended to protect lives and property, reduce accidents and support sustainable growth in the city.

It replaces Local Order No. (11) of 2003 on Public Health and Community Safety in Dubai, with existing rules under that order remaining in effect until new guidelines are issued, provided they do not conflict with the updated law.

The law sets requirements for public venues and events, including standards for equipment, lighting, ventilation, entry points and exit points.

It also requires firefighting equipment, alarm systems, emergency evacuation plans, first-aid supplies, trained safety supervisors, clear signage and a public safety management plan.

Noise levels and crowd sizes are also addressed, with the aim of reducing overcrowding and protecting hearing.

Duties for operators, residents and owners

Gulf News also reported that the law extends to occupied buildings, homes and recreational areas, including swimming pools and beaches.

Maintenance work in occupied buildings must follow strict safety standards, especially where electrical equipment or other higher-risk tasks are involved.

Property owners, operators and service providers are responsible for complying with the standards and with related regulations issued by authorities.

Residents and visitors are expected to follow safety procedures, cooperate with safety supervisors and comply with evacuation instructions during emergencies.

Beach users must respect designated swimming times, avoid restricted staff areas and follow guidance when using equipment.

The law also prohibits the handling of explosives, fireworks, toxic substances and flammable materials without authorisation.

It bans the sale or use of tools, devices and products that fail to meet safety requirements or create a risk to public safety.

Products covered by the law must include safe-use instructions in Arabic and English.

Penalties and transition period

Gulf News reported that fines for breaches range from Dh500 to Dh1 million, with repeated violations within a year allowing the fine to rise to Dh2 million.

Dubai Municipality and authorised staff from other authorities can record violations, issue reports and involve the police where necessary.

Those affected by decisions made under the law can submit a written appeal within 10 working days.

A committee appointed by the Director General of Dubai Municipality or a relevant authority will review appeals within 30 days, and its decision is final.

Affected parties must fully comply with the law within two years, with a one-time extension available if approved by the Executive Council on the Municipality’s recommendation.

The law states that Dubai Municipality and other authorities are not liable for damages caused by an owner’s failure to comply, with responsibility resting with the owner.

Fire contained near US consulate in Dubai after drone incident

by Featured NewsIncidentsMiddle East - Breaking News

Dubai fire near US consulate contained

A fire near the US consulate in Dubai was contained and later fully extinguished after what was described as a drone-related incident, with no injuries reported.

Dubai’s media office posted online that authorities had confirmed the fire was successfully contained and that emergency teams responded immediately.

Dubai’s media office wrote: “Dubai authorities have confirmed that a fire resulting from a drone-related incident near the US Consulate has been successfully contained.”

Dubai’s media office later described the fire as fully extinguished and said no injuries were reported.

What was reported about the drone strike

The incident involved a drone striking a parking lot adjacent to the consulate building.

The Guardian reported that a US official and Dubai’s government media office provided details to the Wall Street Journal, describing a drone strike on the consulate parking lot, and that video footage shared on social media showed black smoke rising near the consulate.

BBC News reported that bystander video verified by the BBC showed an explosion followed by flames and smoke from a building next to the consulate.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “All personnel are accounted for. As you’re aware, we began drawing down personnel from our diplomatic facilities in advance of this.”

Related embassy updates reported in the region

The incident followed reports of drone strikes affecting other US diplomatic facilities in the region.

The Guardian reported that the US embassy in Saudi Arabia was struck by two drones on Monday, that the embassy urged Americans in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran to shelter in place, and that the US embassy in Kuwait announced it would be closed until further notice.

Rubio also described efforts to help Americans in the Middle East leave, including charter flights, military flight options and expanded commercial flight options.

The State Department efforts Rubio described were discussed after airspace closures affected some flights.

Iran missile interceptions linked to fire incidents at Gulf aviation, port and energy facilities

by Breaking NewsIncidentsMiddle East - Breaking News

Gulf airport, port and refinery sites report fire incidents following Iran attacks

Iranian missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, launched in retaliation after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, have reportedly caused damage and secondary fires at multiple sites in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), primarily from falling debris of intercepted projectiles.

These affected Dubai’s aviation, hospitality, and port infrastructure, including Dubai International Airport, the Burj Al Arab and Fairmont The Palm hotels, and Jebel Ali Port.

A separate incident in Saudi Arabia saw two Iranian drones intercepted near Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, with debris triggering a limited fire and prompting a precautionary operational shutdown.

Executive Brief – MENA Escalation and Infrastructure Impact

According to a March 2 security advisory issued by global risk consultancy MAX Security, hostilities across the Middle East have broadened following U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran, with Hezbollah and Iran-backed Iraqi militias entering the conflict between March 1–2.

The update reports continued Iranian missile and UAV attacks targeting Gulf states, identifying Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait as among the most heavily affected.

Projectiles and debris have reportedly impacted civilian and economic infrastructure, including airports, ports and high-rise buildings across the Gulf.

On March 2, an Iranian UAV struck Saudi Arabia’s Aramco refinery in Ras Tanura, causing a fire and a temporary suspension of operations.

The advisory also references maritime incidents involving commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, alongside airspace closures and flight suspensions across multiple states.

The report assesses that the security environment across the Levant and Gulf remains volatile, with continued retaliatory activity and operational disruption likely in the short term.

UAE air defence interceptions and reported casualties

The UAE Ministry of Defence said the country’s air defence forces detected 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones since the start of the Iranian attacks on February 28.

It reported that 152 ballistic missiles and 506 drones were intercepted, while other munitions were destroyed or fell into the sea or within UAE territory, causing material damage, according to the Bahrain News Agency.

The Ministry also reported three fatalities and 58 minor injuries linked to the attacks and their effects, as carried by the Qatar News Agency. Casualty reporting was also covered by TIME.

Dubai: hotel and landmark sites affected

Dubai International Airport (DXB): Reuters reported that a concourse sustained minor damage in an incident that was “quickly contained,” and that four people were injured, citing statements carried by Dubai’s media office.

Burj Al Arab: Reuters also reported damage at the landmark hotel. Additional reporting from Al Jazeera and coverage from The New York Times described incidents in Dubai linked to debris from intercepted drones or missiles, including a minor façade fire that was brought under control.

Fairmont The Palm (Palm Jumeirah): A fire near the entrance/lower levels of the hotel during the attacks was reported by BBC News, with additional video coverage from The Guardian. Authorities said the blaze was brought under control and injuries were reported.

Jebel Ali Port: berth fire and operational disruption

A fire broke out at a berth at Jebel Ali Port after debris from an intercepted projectile fell at the site, according to imagery and reporting from Reuters. Broader disruption to Gulf transport and business operations was further detailed by Reuters and covered by BBC News.

Regional aviation disruptions

Air travel across the Middle East remained affected as the conflict moved into its third day, with airlines urging passengers to check flight status amid shifting airspace restrictions, according to Euronews. Broader logistics and business impacts across the Gulf were also reported by Reuters.

Saudi Arabia: Ras Tanura refinery incident

On March 2, Reuters reported that Saudi Aramco shut its Ras Tanura refinery (550,000 barrels per day capacity) after a drone strike, citing an industry source.

The report stated that the incident caused a small fire, with no reported injuries, and that operations were halted as a precaution while damage was assessed.

Additional reporting from Bloomberg and Anadolu Agency also covered the drone incident and resulting operational suspension.

Conversations that count: IFSJ Leaders returns in May 2026

by Breaking NewsEventsMiddle East - Events

Hosted by IFSJ, the invitation-only Leaders conference returns in May 2026 with a programme shaped around real responsibility and real-world risk

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference 2026 will return to the Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai Marina on 7 May, bringing senior fire and safety leaders together for a one-day, invitation-only meeting shaped around real decisions, shared responsibility and practical consequence.

Hosted by International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ), the conference has developed into a forum where leadership-level discussion sits at the centre of the day, with a format deliberately shaped to give senior figures the time and space required to engage properly with the issues they manage.

The aim is clear: bring decision-makers into one room, remove distraction and allow discussion to move quickly from context to action.

A forum shaped around leadership responsibility

From its earliest editions, IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety has been built with a specific audience in mind.

These are people who approve budgets, manage risk portfolios, oversee operational delivery and carry accountability when systems fail or incidents escalate.

The conference programme is designed to serve that audience directly.

The 2026 edition continues with a full schedule of keynote sessions, expert briefings and panel discussions, supported by structured networking held alongside the main conference hall.

The setting supports longer conversations and follow-up questions, which allows discussion to stay grounded in operational reality rather than theory.

Attendance remains limited to senior figures from civil defence, government, major developers, infrastructure operators, consultancies and manufacturers.

This shapes the tone of the day.

Speakers address peers who understand constraint, scrutiny, operational pressure and consequence, while delegates engage with content through the lens of decisions they need to make within their own organisations.

Intellectual partners guiding programme direction

Programme development for 2026 is once again supported by the conference’s intellectual partners, Dubai Civil Defense, National Fire Protection Association and Institution of Fire Engineers.

Their continued involvement anchors the agenda in codes, standards and professional practice, while keeping a clear line of sight on how those frameworks operate across different regions, building types and operational contexts.

Sessions are shaped around implementation and interpretation, ensuring discussion stays relevant to leaders responsible for compliance, assurance and delivery.

A selective partner structure for 2026

The partner model for 2026 follows the same principle that has defined the conference since its early years, with participation limited to a small group of organisations whose work aligns closely with the audience and agenda.

Dafo Fomtec AB joins the conference as Platinum Partner, supported by Gold Partners Global HSE Group and Britannia Fire.

RelyOn Fire Academy participates as Silver Partner.

Additional partners for 2026 include Reacton Fire Suppression, Apollo Fire, Detnov and VdS, with Performance Advantage Company returning as Food and Beverage Partner.

This structure supports direct engagement between delegates and partners, allowing conversations to focus on performance, suitability, application and long-term support.

For many attendees, these discussions form the starting point for future procurement decisions, training programmes or system reviews.

Themes shaped by current pressure points

While the final programme for 2026 will be announced closer to the event, the direction is well established and closely aligned with the challenges senior leaders are already managing.

Battery risk and energy storage continue to demand attention across buildings, transport systems and industrial environments, where design choices, suppression strategy and emergency response planning intersect.

Alternative fuels and new vehicle systems introduce different fire behaviour and operational demands, requiring updated guidance, revised training approaches and careful site planning.

Firefighter health remains central to discussion, with continued focus on contamination control, PPE handling, long-term exposure management and the systems teams use day to day.

Regulation and competence also remain under scrutiny, particularly where organisations must demonstrate accountability, assurance, governance and alignment with evolving standards.

Digital tools and data systems feature as part of this conversation, with sessions focused on how information supports operational decision-making, improves preparedness and informs leadership judgement without adding unnecessary complexity.

Why the location matters

Dubai brings together regional and international fire and safety communities in a way few cities can, with public authorities, private operators, developers and global organisations working side by side across fast-moving development programmes.

This context makes the city a natural setting for leadership-level discussion on risk, regulation and readiness.

The Grosvenor House Hotel provides an environment suited to senior engagement, supporting both formal sessions and extended private discussion throughout the day, while allowing delegates to step away from daily pressures and focus fully on the agenda.

Looking towards May 2026

IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety 2026 builds on experience gained through delivery, bringing together people who influence outcomes across the built environment, industry, infrastructure and public safety.

The conference offers a concentrated day where leaders test thinking, compare approaches and leave with clearer priorities to take back into their organisations.

Further details on speakers and sessions will be announced in the months ahead.

This was originally published in the February 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Messe Frankfurt Middle East reports record exhibitor numbers at Intersec 2026

by Breaking NewsEventsMiddle East - Breaking News

Intersec 2026 visitor and exhibitor participation

Intersec 2026 brought together 44,764 trade visitors from 151 countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre during its three-day programme.

Messe Frankfurt Middle East reported that the 27th edition was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.

Attendance included a 60 per cent domestic and 40 per cent international split.

The exhibition covered more than 65,000 square metres of gross exhibition space.

A total of 1,180 exhibitors from 56 countries participated, supported by 10 international country pavilions.

The programme included 14 conferences and specialist features addressing operational and regulatory topics.

International exhibitors accounted for 82 per cent of participants, with representation from the United States, China, India, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

The United Arab Emirates was the largest domestic exhibiting market.

Exhibitors presented technologies and systems across homeland security and policing, cybersecurity, commercial and perimeter security, fire and rescue and health and safety.

These included solutions focused on infrastructure protection, emergency response, workforce safety and crisis preparedness.

Intersec 2026 introduces Intersec Global identity

Messe Frankfurt Middle East announced the Intersec Global identity during the event as part of a broader restructuring of its sector framework.

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “This edition represents a pivotal moment for the platform, highlighting its expanded scale and the increased engagement from the global safety and security community.

“The launch of the Intersec Global identity reflects the on-the-ground reality, emphasising an international ecosystem rooted in Dubai, with increasing involvement from both established markets and high-growth regions.

“With a significant increase in international exhibitors and visitors, the quality of dialogue has been excellent.

“From strategic policy discussions to frontline operational challenges, the focus has been firmly on real-world resilience, readiness and collaboration.

“The breadth of engagement from government authorities, critical infrastructure operators, emergency services and the private sector reinforces Intersec Global’s role as an international platform where meaningful partnerships are formed, knowledge is shared, and industry progress is accelerated.”

The revised structure includes National Security and Resilience, Cybersecurity, Surveillance and Physical Security, Fire, Rescue and Emergency Response and Safety and Wellbeing.

This framework links national-level security priorities with workforce protection and individual safety across different operational environments.

Awards presented and future dates confirmed

Messe Frankfurt Middle East confirmed that the Intersec Awards 2026 recognised achievement across 17 categories during a gala event in Dubai.

Khalid Mubarak of Dubai Municipality received the H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Emirati Rising Star Award.

Albadr Jannah of Saudi Aramco was named Industry Leader of the Year.

Jazyah Aldossary of Saudi Aramco received the Women Trailblazers in Security, Fire Safety and HSE award.

Government partners included the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).

The next edition of Intersec will take place from 12 to 14 January 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Get ready for IFSJ Leaders 2026

by Breaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

Senior decision makers will gather in Dubai on 7 May 2026 for the fourth IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference, held in partnership with Fomtec

International Fire and Safety Journal is welcoming senior decision makers to the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference in Dubai for its fourth edition on 7 May 2026.

The event has become a recognised meeting point for senior fire and safety professionals, bringing together regulators, operational leaders, engineers and technical specialists for a day of focused discussion on the issues reshaping the sector.

This year’s edition is held in partnership with Fomtec.

Last year’s conference demonstrated both the maturity of the format and the breadth of topics now driving fire and safety conversations in the region.

Delegates examined practical challenges across high-rise design, cladding safety, lithium-ion battery hazards, foam transition pathways, alternative fuel risks, digital readiness, firefighter health and the operational pressures created by rapid urban development.

The conference continues to build on a format that has proven effective: a curated programme, a senior audience and structured space for detailed, uninterrupted conversation.

With global attention on how regulatory reform, technological change and new risk profiles are altering the responsibilities of fire and safety leaders, the 2026 gathering returns at an important moment.

What defines the 2026 edition?

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference remains shaped around senior figures who influence policy, design, regulation, emergency planning and organisational development.

The emphasis is on meaningful exchange rather than volume.

Sessions are designed to encourage debate, test assumptions and examine the practical implications of new technologies, codes and risk environments.

As in previous years, the theatre-style main hall will host the keynotes and panel discussions, with the adjacent networking area offering space for extended dialogue.

The structure keeps the event focused and accessible: delegates can move directly from a session into conversation with speakers, peers and technical specialists.

Fomtec: Partner for 2026

This year’s conference is held in partnership with Fomtec, a global manufacturer of foam concentrates and foam equipment with headquarters in Sweden.

The company serves sectors including petrochemicals, aviation, marine, logistics and municipal fire services, supplying both traditional concentrates and newer fluorine-free agents.

Looking ahead

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference has developed into a forum where senior professionals can step back from day-to-day pressures and examine the wider forces shaping their field.

Each edition builds on the momentum of the last, drawing on real incidents, regulatory change, technological development and international experience to inform practical discussion.

The 2026 conference continues that trajectory.

With Dubai as its backdrop and a programme shaped around the issues now defining fire and safety leadership, the event offers an opportunity to reflect, compare and prepare for the challenges ahead.

We look forward to welcoming delegates to the Grosvenor House Hotel on 7 May 2026 for a day of shared learning, detailed debate and forward-looking conversation.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Intersec 2026 opens with 50,000 visitors expected

by Breaking NewsEventsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

Sheikh Mansoor opens Intersec 2026 as organisers outline three-day agenda

Intersec 2026 opened on 12 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre and will run until 14 January.

The organisers said the 27th edition brings together more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries and is expected to welcome more than 50,000 visitors.

The organisers said the event spans about 65,000 square metres and includes an agenda of conferences and events with participation from more than 250 experts and speakers.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, opened the event and toured the exhibition.

He was accompanied by Lieutenant General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Civil Defence, Dr Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, His Excellency Lieutenant General Awad Hader Al Muhairi, Vice President of Dubai’s State Security Department, His Excellency Mishal Julfar, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, and His Excellency Khalifa Ibrahim Al-Sleis, CEO of the Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA).

The tour included visits to the pavilions of Transguard, LINEV Systems, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) and Axis Communications.

It also included Motorola Solutions, Keniventi (Robert Bosch), UXE and WEFLO, plus Lichfield Fire and Safety and Bristol Fire Engineering.

The tour also covered the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence pavilion and concluded at NAFFCO, where Sheikh Mansoor reviewed fire protection, safety and emergency response systems.

Sheikh Mansoor said: “Intersec has become one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to security and safety, and the scale of international participation reflects the growing confidence in Dubai’s ability to host major global events that help shape the future of key sectors through an environment that supports innovation and knowledge exchange.

“The rapid evolution of security, safety and emergency response technologies requires constant integration between innovation, institutional readiness and practical application. Dubai is committed to reinforcing this approach by organising exhibitions that bring together global expertise, helping to strengthen community security and enhance the efficiency of safety systems in line with the highest international standards.”

What is on the agenda through 14 January

Intersec 2026 is presented as covering five sectors: Homeland Security and Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial and Perimeter Security, Fire and Rescue, and Health and Safety.

The organisers said the opening day included expert-led sessions focused on security, safety and protection.

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The opening of Intersec 2026 marks a key moment for our industry.

“At a time of rising complexity, convergence of risks and increasing expectations on preparedness, Intersec provides a platform where leaders from government and industry can engage in practical dialogue, share real-world experience and shape the next generation of security, safety and emergency response solutions.”

Tomorrow’s programme is set to continue with further sessions as part of the International Security Leaders’ Summit, the Fire and Rescue Conference organised by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Control Room Innovation Theatre and the Innovation Forum.

The second day will end with the Intersec Awards, with the 2026 winners due to be announced during a ceremony at the Conrad Dubai.

The organisers said the event continues until 14 January.

Intersec 2026 opens in Dubai with expanded fire and safety programme

by Breaking NewsEventsMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

Intersec 2026 opens in Dubai

Intersec Dubai 2026 opened at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE on Monday 12/01/2026.

The 27th edition runs until Wednesday 14/01/2026 and includes an expanded Fire & Rescue exhibition alongside a specialist conference programme.

Organisers said the event brings together manufacturers, regulators, engineers and frontline responders from around the world.

Intersec reported more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries are participating, with tens of thousands of trade visitors expected across the three days.

The programme combines exhibition activity with conference sessions aimed at fire safety practice, compliance and emergency response planning.

Fire & Rescue exhibition across multiple halls

The Fire & Rescue element of Intersec Dubai 2026 includes dedicated exhibition space across multiple halls at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Organisers said the show floor spans fire suppression, fire detection, passive fire protection, integrated life safety systems and specialist rescue equipment.

Returning exhibitors listed for the Fire & Rescue section include NAFFCO, Hochiki, UL, Bristol Fire Engineering, FM Approvals and ATEIS.

The exhibition is positioned as a procurement and specification opportunity for those assessing equipment ranges and system integration options.

The event also frames the show floor as a meeting point for civil defence authorities, architects, engineers and fire protection consultants involved in complex projects.

Fire & Rescue Conference themes and sessions

Intersec’s Fire & Rescue Conference runs alongside the exhibition over the three-day show.

The conference programme covers early fire prediction using artificial intelligence (AI), integration of building life safety systems, human behaviour in crisis situations and the effects of climate change on fire dynamics.

Organisers said day one includes keynote addresses and panel discussions focused on structural risk management and fire prevention design.

Sessions also cover project delivery challenges and protection of critical infrastructure, including data centres.

Speakers and panellists are described as drawn from fire protection engineering, civil defence leadership, safety regulation and technical specialist roles across the Middle East, Europe and North America.

NFPA Day spotlights codes and standards

The second day of the Fire & Rescue Conference includes NFPA Day, hosted in collaboration with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Organisers said the sessions examine how standards including NFPA 915, NFPA 72 and NFPA 4 are applied to modern fire protection practice and complex construction projects.

A scheduled session includes a fireside chat with Jim Pauley, President and CEO of NFPA.

Panel discussions also cover fire and life safety challenges in mega projects and the management of evolving standards across the UAE construction sector.

Passive Fire Day with ASFP

Intersec hosts Passive Fire Day on Wednesday 14/01/2026 in partnership with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).

The day focuses on passive fire protection elements designed to contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes and maintain structural integrity without reliance on active systems.

Sessions include discussion of competency frameworks, certification and practice in passive fire design and installation.

Contributors also address how regulatory frameworks and building regulations connect to product performance, and the role of early design engagement.

The programme includes panels on improving passive fire performance on site, compliance strategies and the move from laboratory conditions to real-world service life.

A further session examines fire suppression strategies for battery energy storage systems (BESS) as the use of renewable energy storage expands.

Wider context for fire safety activity

Intersec 2026 takes place amid regional activity focused on emergency preparedness and fire risk management.

Organisers referenced Dubai Civil Defence’s “1 Billion Readiness Project” as an example of public education initiatives linked to fire prevention and readiness.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is described as participating in that initiative as part of its outreach and codes adoption work.

Intersec also points to demonstrations of autonomous firefighting robots using 3D mapping technology, described as part of efforts to improve operational readiness in hazardous environments.

Government ambitions were described as including an 80% reduction in carbon emissions from fire incidents by 2050.

Who will use the information from Intersec 2026

Procurement teams and equipment specifiers can use Intersec Dubai 2026 to compare suppression, detection and rescue products across multiple halls, using direct access to suppliers listed for the Fire & Rescue exhibition.

Fire protection engineers, consultants and building services teams can use the Fire & Rescue Conference sessions on AI-enabled prediction, system integration and human behaviour to benchmark approaches for complex buildings and infrastructure.

Standards and compliance leads can track how NFPA Day frames the application of NFPA 915, NFPA 72 and NFPA 4 in large-scale projects, including discussion of standards alignment in the UAE construction sector.

Passive Fire Day content is directly relevant to those responsible for passive fire strategy, installation oversight and inspection regimes, with sessions on competency, certification and maintaining performance from design through service life.

Energy and industrial safety managers working with battery energy storage systems can also use the BESS session to map fire suppression considerations as renewable storage expands.

Intersec 2026 opens next week at Dubai World Trade Centre

by EventsFeatured NewsMENAMiddle East - Breaking NewsMiddle East - Events

Intersec 2026 brings five sectors to Dubai World Trade Centre

Intersec 2026 will open on Monday 12 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in Dubai, UAE.

The event will run until Wednesday 14 January 2026.

The 27th edition is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.

The organiser expects more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries and more than 50,000 trade visitors.

The 2026 show is described as the largest and most comprehensive edition in the event’s history.

Scale and international participation details

The exhibition has expanded by nearly 12,000 square metres to 65,000 sqm of gross exhibition space.

The layout spans multiple halls and outdoor demonstration areas at DWTC.

International pavilions will include the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Singapore, Sweden, China, Turkey and Korea.

Five sectors and conference programme

Intersec 2026 will cover five core product sectors: Homeland Security & Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue and Health & Safety.

The event will include an expanded conference and knowledge programme featuring more than 250 experts.

The International Security Leaders’ Summit will return, with sessions covering AI governance, crisis leadership, human risk, public-private collaboration and aligning security strategy with national visions.

The Fire & Rescue Conference will examine fire prediction, building life-safety systems, passive fire protection and emergency response.

The Health & Safety Conference will focus on workforce protection, behavioural safety, wellbeing and organisational responsibilities in high-risk environments.

The InCyber Briefing will focus on cyber resilience topics including AI, post-quantum readiness, data sovereignty and cyber crisis simulation.

Workshops, roundtables and live features

Specialist theatres will include the Access Control Theatre, Control Room Innovation Theatre and the SIRA Forum.

The IFPO Certified Security Supervision and Management (CSSMP) Workshop and Challenge Exam will offer scenario-based exercises and preparation for the final exam.

Passive Fire Day and the FCIA–NFCA PFPCON ’26 Dubai will be co-located features for the passive fire sector.

Invitation-only Executive Roundtables will be led by PwC and Kearney.

Visitors can also see live features and immersive demonstrations, including real-world response scenarios and innovation showcases.

The Intersec Awards 2026 will take place during the week.

Organiser comments and UAE support

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Intersec 2026 marks a significant milestone for the event and for the global security, safety and fire protection community.

“The scale and growth of this edition reflect the urgency with which organisations are seeking clarity, collaboration and future-ready solutions.

“Intersec has evolved into a platform where leadership, innovation and operational realities converge, and we are proud to welcome the industry to our largest and most globally representative edition to date, solidifying our position as a key platform for global collaboration, knowledge exchange and business development.”

Intersec 2026 continues to receive strategic support from the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).

Intersec 2026 returns to Dubai with expanded Fire & Rescue programme

by Breaking NewsEventsMiddle East - Events

Intersec 2026 brings NFPA and ASFP to Dubai stage

Intersec has announced the return of its Fire & Rescue sector at Dubai World Trade Centre from 12 to 14 January 2026.

The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.

Fire & Rescue is one of five core sectors at Intersec 2026 and will combine a dedicated exhibition with a multi-day conference programme.

The platform is designed to bring together manufacturers, regulators, engineers, civil defence authorities and frontline responders.

UAE initiatives and technology developments

The 2026 Fire & Rescue programme is linked to recent emergency preparedness initiatives across the UAE, including Dubai Civil Defence’s “1 Billion Readiness Project” launched earlier in 2025.

The initiative aims to educate one billion people on fire prevention and establish additional fire stations.

The National Fire Protection Association joined the initiative shortly after its launch.

In Abu Dhabi, civil defence authorities are working with the Advanced Technology Research Council on the use of artificial intelligence in emergency response and training.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has reviewed autonomous firefighting robots equipped with 3D mapping technology designed for use in hazardous, smoke-filled environments.

Dubai Civil Defence has stated an ambition to reduce carbon emissions from fire incidents by 80 percent by 2050.

NFPA sessions on codes and leadership

The Fire & Rescue conference will include sessions supported by the National Fire Protection Association, with a focus on leadership, collaboration and the role of codes and standards in safety practice.

Dana Kamal, Regional Director for MENA at NFPA, said: “The NFPA Day 2 educational programme will spotlight the leadership and collaboration needed to shape a safer future.

“It will demonstrate how innovation drives progress and how codes and standards serve as the foundation of safety for every sector that depends on them.”

NFPA is a key supporter of the Fire & Rescue conference programme.

Exhibition halls and returning exhibitors

The Fire & Rescue exhibition will cover fire suppression systems, fire detection, passive fire protection and integrated life safety technologies.

Returning exhibitors include NAFFCO, Hochiki, UL, Bristol Fire Engineering, FM Approvals and ATEIS.

Intersec 2026 will span ten exhibition halls.

The wider event is expected to host more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries and attract more than 50,000 trade visitors.

Intersec will expand by almost 12,000 square metres through the addition of two new halls, bringing total gross exhibition space to 67,000 square metres.

Conference programme and Passive Fire Day

The Fire & Rescue conference agenda will address artificial intelligence in early fire prediction, integration of building life safety systems, decision-making psychology under crisis conditions and human behaviour in emergencies.

Sessions will also examine the impact of climate change on fire dynamics, best practice in passive fire protection, the evolution of fire doors and international regulatory developments.

Conference sponsors for 2026 include NAFFCO, Saudi Sicli, NFPA, Fike, FM Approvals and Aman Engineering.

The programme will feature a dedicated Passive Fire Day delivered in collaboration with the Association for Passive Fire Protection.

Show director comments on sector focus

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The importance of fire and rescue has never been more globally relevant or in greater need of strategic alignment.

“As this sector evolves, Intersec provides an opportunity to bring together manufacturers, civil defence teams, consultants and regulators in one space.

“This gathering supports knowledge sharing, showcases new technologies and helps align approaches to fire safety.

“We are proud to offer a platform where these conversations and connections can take place at scale.”

Intersec continues to receive support from the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For fire and rescue services, the 2026 programme places operational practice, emerging technology and training considerations within a single exhibition and conference setting.

For fire engineers, consultants and system designers, the agenda highlights passive fire protection, life safety system integration and evolving regulatory frameworks across international markets.

For manufacturers and suppliers, the scale of the exhibition and the mix of returning exhibitors and sponsors indicate the level of procurement, specification and partnership activity expected in Dubai in January 2026.

For training leaders and incident commanders, sessions on decision-making under pressure, human behaviour in emergencies and the use of artificial intelligence in early fire detection provide direct relevance to operational planning and preparedness.