Intersec 2026 will demonstrate how integrating security from the early planning stage can support the Gulf’s expanding giga projects. The event was announced ahead of the International Security Leaders’ Summit, scheduled from 12-14 January at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The summit will examine how security is being embedded into large-scale developments across the region. It was reported that projects such as AlUla, NEOM, and Diriyah are reshaping public safety planning by involving security professionals from concept design through construction and operations.

Malcolm Smith, Public Safety Excellence Director at the Royal Commission of AlUla, revealed that security is now treated as a core pillar of master planning. He said early integration aligns people, processes, and technology with urban design, tourism flows, resilience goals, and operational requirements.

Regional giga projects span tourism, heritage, energy, transport, and residential sectors. As a result, they present varied risk profiles. Ensuring unified security across these environments requires coordinated planning, governance, and technology integration.

Smith also noted that the scale and complexity of multi-sector developments create integration challenges. He reported that security systems must serve both public and private domains while balancing visitor experience with resilience and compliance standards. This, he said, requires close coordination between architects, technologists, regulators, and end-users.

From a technology perspective, Jake Phillips, Group Security Director at IHS Towers, said security innovation is critical for communications infrastructure resilience. He explained that organisations are actively reorganising security frameworks and integrating new methods, including AI-enabled solutions. He added that these technologies are increasingly viewed as tools to enhance security outcomes.

The opening day panel at Intersec 2026 will also feature representatives from the UK Home Office, The Walt Disney Company, and RTSG. The session will review regional procurement practices, technology adoption challenges, and lessons learned from recent megaprojects in the region and globally.

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said the conference programme continues to evolve as a forum for strategic discussion and practical insight. He noted that the 2026 edition will explore how governance, technology, and decision-making combine to support resilient security ecosystems.

Intersec 2026 is expected to host more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 60 countries. Over 50,000 visitors are anticipated across 65,000 square metres of exhibition space, making it the largest edition in the event’s history.

In addition to the summit, Intersec 2026 will feature the Fire & Rescue Conference, Health & Safety Conference, Access Control Theatre, and the SIRA Forum. The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with strategic support from Dubai Civil Defense and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency.

Key highlights:

• Intersec 2026 will focus on security technology integration in giga projects
• AI and communications infrastructure security will be central discussion themes
• More than 1,200 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors are expected

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