Recognised as the region’s authoritative trade and networking event for the security, safety and policing community in the wider region, Intersec 2012, nearly 15% bigger than last year, is considered the most significant trade show of its kind outside of Europe.

Opened by and held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Intersec continues to enjoy the unstinted support and cooperation of UAE Civil Defence, Dubai Police and Dubai Police Academy as well as recognition from security agencies and authorities across the region.

Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of German trade fair organiser Epoc Messe Frankfurt, said: “The event brings together international experts and suppliers with regional influencers and buyers and thus plays a significant role in shaping the safety and security industries in the region.”

With 907 exhibitors participating at the event this year, Intersec 2012 is at its largest since its inception 14 years ago, making it the place to be each January for safety and security personnel to network, learn and make key decisions that will shape the regional industry.

Among those keen to make a favourable impression are armoured car manufacturer Streit Group, who have recently launched the Cobra range of armoured vehicles. Founder and CEO Guerman Goutorov stated: “We are pleased with the results, reception and the huge demand for the new APC and recently launched and deployed Typhoon MRAP, which was conceived through dedicated research and development that has exponentially expanded over the last 20 years of manufacturing armored vehicles.” Streit Groups Military and Police APCs are now an integral part of many armed forces around the globe.

The Intersec Conference programme kicked off on the opening day with the Maritime Security Conference, discussing the threats and developments that are increasingly affecting the industry. Well received by the regional safety and security community, the following day featured the Commercial Security Summit and today a Fire Systems Integrity Assurance workshop.

Taking place for the first time, the 1st Global Network Conference for Emergency Medicine has enjoyed wide participation from emergency medicine professionals in the region. The conference is endorsed by the European Society for Emergency Medicine (EuSEM) and is designed to be a networking platform for emergency medicine professionals, offering academic and scientific exchange opportunities for those engaged in all aspects of emergency medical care and disaster planning, as well as those involved in training of emergency medical staff.

Also receiving a great deal of attention from trade visitors and guests alike was the Outdoor Demo area which saw elite units stage demos of tactical rescues and close combat operations covering various aspects of counter-terror tactics. The UAE International Firefit Championship has drawn more than 100 participants this year from the cream of professional fire fighting & emergency rescue teams in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and America.