Dubai Airport has highlighted crisis leadership and operational resilience as mission-critical priorities amid extreme weather and new regulations reshaping aviation operations.

The International Security Leaders’ Summit at Intersec 2026, taking place from 12–14 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will feature discussions on how real-world experience shapes leadership strategies during disruption.

The UAE experienced its heaviest rainfall on record on 16 April 2024, described by the National Centre of Meteorology as an exceptional climate event. David Warham, Head of Response & Recovery Planning at Dubai Airport, said the event underscores the importance of pre-crisis planning and coordination beyond the airport boundary.

Warham emphasized that effective crisis leadership relies on calm decision-making, clear communication, and credible coordination under pressure. “Being prepared is the foundation of leadership in high-pressure situations. True crisis leadership means projecting calm, inspiring trust, and making informed decisions even with incomplete information,” he noted.

Dubai Airport has developed an integrated crisis response model, fostering collaboration between government agencies, service providers, and private operators. Its oneDXB community ensures teams respond as one during disruptions, strengthening clarity and trust.

Warham will join a panel titled “Crisis Leadership Through Lived Experience” alongside senior leaders from government and aviation sectors. Discussions will include the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority’s regulations on airport crisis management, developed in line with international best practices.

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The Security Leaders’ Summit brings together diverse voices from across government, aviation, and critical infrastructure to share lived experience and actionable insights. It reinforces Intersec’s commitment to advancing resilience, collaboration, and security leadership across the region.”

PwC will host a closed-door roundtable to discuss crisis management across sectors, with a white paper to follow the event.

Intersec 2026 will also feature specialized content across Fire & Rescue, Health & Safety, Access Control, Control Room Innovation, InCyber, and SIRA Forum, highlighting innovations in security, safety, and fire protection industries.

The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with support from the Dubai Civil Defense and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency.

Key highlights:

• Dubai Airport emphasizes crisis leadership amid extreme weather.
• International Security Leaders’ Summit at Intersec 2026 will showcase best practices.
• Integrated response models and cross-sector collaboration drive resilience.

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