The Intersec Awards 2026 has officially revealed its shortlist of companies, products, and individuals who will compete for the industry’s most coveted accolades when winners are announced on 13 January 2026 during the Intersec Awards Gala Dinner at the Conrad Hotel Dubai. Now entering its fifth edition, the Intersec Awards have become a benchmark of excellence across the global security, safety, and fire protection industries across 17 categories, reflecting the continued expansion and diversification of the sector as organisations embrace technology, innovation, and leadership to address tomorrow’s challenges today. Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Each year, the Intersec Awards bring to light the people and innovations driving the evolution of our industry. The calibre of entries in 2026 has been exceptional, reflecting the rapid advances being made in security technology, fire prevention, emergency response, and workplace safety across the region. “From the rising Emirati stars shaping our national talent pipeline to industry veterans whose leadership has defined best practice on a global scale, this year’s finalists represent the diversity, ingenuity and dedication that make this industry so vital to our shared future. We look forward to honouring them at what promises to be a memorable celebration in January.” Award Categories Among the most anticipated accolades of the evening is the Rising Star Award for Emirati Talent, celebrating the next generation of UAE excellence. The 2026 finalists include Abdelaziz Mohamed, ADNEC Group; Khalid Mubarak, Dubai Municipality; Mohamed Al Ajmani, Sharjah Customs; Abdulkairm Al Zarouni, CREE Group; and Ahmad Alfardan, Dubai World Trade Centre. Each represents the country’s ongoing investment in nurturing world-class safety and security professionals who are contributing to the UAE’s vision for sustainable growth and innovation. The Women Trailblazers in Security, Fire Safety and HSE category recognises the exceptional women driving transformation in their fields. Finalists include Hanan Almohammad, KIOSH Company; Sarah Adamson, SC-Ltd, UK Export Council; Christina Alexandropoulou, Philip Morris International; Jazyah Aldossary, Saudi Aramco; and Inna Kazagrandi, Orisent. Another highlight of the evening will be the Industry Leader of the Year award, honouring visionary individuals whose sustained contributions have elevated global standards of excellence. The 2026 finalists include Emanuel Jech, WSP; Abdul Ahamed Sab, AtkinsRéalis; Leon Hendricks Marriott International; Konstantin Turuntcev, Event Concept Consultancy, Qatar; Abdullah Alshemaly, ASIS International – Dhahran Chapter; Abdulla Al Suwaidi, UXE Security Solutions; Leo Levit, ONVIF Steering Committee; Dr. Shaikh Khalid Al Khalifa, Beyon Cyber WLL; David Campbell, Emirates Safety Laboratory; and Albadr Jannah, Saudi Aramco. The Fire and Safety categories drew strong entries this year, showcasing groundbreaking advancements in both active and passive protection. In the active category, Siemens Fire Digital Twin, Fike Blue Thermal Management Solutions, and NAFFCO’s Falcon 6 ARFF Vehicle, among several others, are shortlisted for setting new benchmarks in predictive safety and system optimisation. In passive protection, Jotun’s SteelMaster, Siderise CW Perimeter Barrier, and TECFIRE’s ALUFIRE AS85 Door System, were among the finalists recognised for excellence in prioritising the safety and well-being of individuals in various settings. Meanwhile, products such as Grand Challenge AI’s VitAir Smart Helmet-Mask and VIKING Life Saving Equipment’s Valkyrie Fire Suit for Women are some of the finalists in the Best Safety Protection Solution category. In the security and cyber categories, digital and physical innovation are prevalent. Notable entries include LVS Equipment Trading’s LV STREAM and SwissCCS’ AirMarker in the Best Homeland Security Solution category, while Resemble AI’s Detect Platform and Gallagher Controller 7000 are among the contenders for Best Cybersecurity Solution of the Year. The Best Security Project of the Year – Middle East & Africa features pioneering initiatives such as Dubai Police’s Lost Passport Certificate Blockchain System and Red Sea Global’s Desert Rock Perimeter Solution, showcasing security measures that enhance safety, protect assets, and mitigate risks. Team and consultancy achievements are also in focus this year. WSP, Dulsco Group, and RAK Oil Services & Energy Co. have been shortlisted in the Best HSE Team, while First Bank of Nigeria, WE ONE Security, and UXE Security Solutions in Best Security Team category for their exceptional teamwork, safety culture, and operational excellence – LOAMS, delivered by DAMAC Properties, has been shortlisted in both. In Strategy in Consultancy in Fire Safety / Security / Cyber Security, firms including WSP, AESG, PwC, Teksalah, Alliance Security Consulting and Cyber Cure are recognised for their thought leadership and strategic contributions to regional resilience frameworks and policy transformation. Finalists were selected through a rigorous judging process by a panel of 23 international experts representing five countries, including senior leaders from Dubai Civil Defence, NFPA, UL Solutions, IOSH, WSP, and ASIS International. The Intersec Awards 2026 form part of the 27th edition of Intersec, the world’s leading trade fair for safety, security, and fire protection, taking place from 12–14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. To view the full shortlist or secure tickets for the gala ceremony, please visit here: