Intersec 2026 is set to underline the UAE’s growing leadership role in global fire protection and emergency response when the event returns to Dubai from 12 to 14 January 2026.
Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre and 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 Fire and Rescue sector will once again form a core pillar of Intersec. The 2026 edition will be the largest to date, reflecting rising international demand for advanced fire safety and emergency response solutions.
As fire safety challenges evolve worldwide, the UAE continues to invest heavily in innovation, resilience and international collaboration. Both public and private sector initiatives are increasingly focused on improving emergency preparedness while integrating smarter technologies into fire protection strategies.
The Fire and Rescue sector at Intersec 2026 will bring together global manufacturers, regulators, engineers, civil defence authorities and frontline responders. The exhibition will expand its footprint and showcase developments in fire detection, suppression systems, passive fire protection and integrated life safety technologies.
Earlier in 2025, Dubai Civil Defence launched the ‘1 Billion Readiness Project’, a global initiative aimed at educating one billion people on fire prevention and supporting the establishment of fire stations worldwide. The National Fire Protection Association joined the initiative shortly after its launch, reinforcing international cooperation in fire safety education and standards.
Eng. Dana Kamal, NFPA Regional Director for MENA and a member of the Fire and Rescue Conference advisory committee, said: “The NFPA Day 2 educational program 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.”
National innovation programmes are also reshaping emergency response capabilities. In Abu Dhabi, civil defence authorities are working with the Advanced Technology Research Council to integrate artificial intelligence into emergency operations and training. In Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has reviewed autonomous firefighting robots using 3D mapping technology for deployment in hazardous, smoke-filled environments. These developments align with Dubai Civil Defence’s target to reduce carbon emissions from fire incidents by 80% by 2050.
Running alongside the exhibition, the Fire and Rescue conference will address topics including AI-driven fire prediction, system integration, human behaviour in emergencies, climate-driven fire risk and evolving regulatory frameworks. A dedicated Passive Fire Day, delivered with the Association for Passive Fire Protection, will focus on competency, early design engagement and performance standards.
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 a unique opportunity to bring together manufacturers, civil defence teams, consultants, and regulators in one space.”
Intersec 2026 is expected to welcome more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries and more than 50,000 trade visitors, supported by the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency.
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