Intersec Saudi is set to strengthen discussions around fire protection and resilient infrastructure as the Fire Protection & Technology Summit returns during Intersec Saudi Arabia 2026. The CPD certified conference will bring together global engineers, policymakers, technology experts, and fire safety professionals to explore the latest developments in life safety, artificial intelligence, and international fire protection standards.

The two day summit will take place on 16 and 17 November as part of Intersec Saudi, which runs from 16 to 18 November at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC). Delegates will discuss AI enabled fire detection, digital life safety systems, industrial hazard protection, fire resilience, workforce development, and the future of fire engineering through expert sessions and real world case studies.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will once again partner with the event and lead the second day of the summit under the theme, Innovating Fire & Life Safety: Bridging Global Standards with Local Vision. The sessions will bring together international and regional experts to examine how globally recognised standards, professional development, and knowledge sharing can strengthen fire resilience while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.

As Saudi Arabia continues to develop large scale infrastructure projects, the role of fire protection is evolving beyond regulatory compliance. Instead, it is becoming a key element of resilient and future ready infrastructure.

According to Sutharson Sathaiah, HSE Director, Six Flags and Aquarabia at Qiddiya City, and Advisory Committee Member for the Fire Protection & Technology Summit, integrated risk management has become increasingly important across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC.

He said that as developments become larger, more complex, and more interconnected, fire safety can no longer operate independently. Instead, it must be integrated with security, crowd management, emergency preparedness, and overall operational risk management.

Sathaiah added that advanced technologies alone are not enough to improve fire safety outcomes.

“The organisations that set the benchmark in the years ahead are those that successfully integrate advanced technologies with capable people, robust emergency planning and strong organisational values.”

Meanwhile, the conference programme will highlight practical approaches adopted by organisations responsible for protecting some of Saudi Arabia’s most critical infrastructure.

Abdulrahman M. Al-Qahtani, Fire Chief at Saudi Railway Company (SAR), will discuss strategies for managing major incidents during the crucial first hour of an emergency, particularly when resources are limited, external support is delayed, and rapid decision making is essential.

In addition, Faris Alzahrani, Health, Safety & Security Consultant at the Ministry of Education, and Yousif Mohamed P.E., Fire Prevention Officer at King Fahd International Airport (KFIA), will examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in fire safety. Their session will explore how engineers and intelligent systems can work together to improve operational decision making while maintaining human oversight during critical situations.

Other confirmed speakers include David Bartlett, Chief Fire Officer and Head of Airport Fire & Rescue Service at Heathrow Airport, Phil Garrigan, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Asim Almohammadi, Fire Chief at National Petrochemical Industrial Company, Yousif Mohamed P.E., Fire Prevention Officer at King Fahd International Airport (KFIA), and Fahad Aljabr, Vice President, Projects Delivery at KAFD.

Riham Sedik, Exhibition Director of Intersec Saudi Arabia, said Saudi Arabia is establishing new global benchmarks in infrastructure development, making it essential for fire protection to evolve at the same pace.

She said the Fire Protection & Technology Summit provides organisations with access to expertise, technologies, and international best practices that support more intelligent, resilient, and integrated approaches to life safety.

Sedik added that the continued partnership with NFPA enables the summit to combine technical knowledge, practical case studies, and international collaboration, creating a valuable platform for professional development, industry collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Alongside the Fire Protection & Technology Summit, Intersec Saudi will also host the Future Security Summit. Together, the CPD certified conferences will provide government stakeholders, industry leaders, and solution providers with opportunities to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and shape the future of safety and security across the Kingdom.

Intersec Saudi is expected to welcome more than 25,000 visitors, 500 exhibitors, and over 110 expert speakers from around the world, reinforcing its position as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading platforms for the security, safety, and fire protection industries.

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