Ex-MI6 Chief Sir Alex Younger, one of the first announced international headliners, will speak for the first time in the UAE as a guest speaker, according to Intersec.
Commenting on his participation at the event, Sir Alex said: “I am delighted to be speaking for the first time in the UAE at Intersec, and at a time when conversations for the Security and Safety industry has been thrust into the spotlight from recent global events. The Middle East has always fascinated me – the ever-shifting intricate dynamics of geopolitical relationships in the region and their impact internationally create a complex security landscape that I have been immersed in for much of my career. For this industry, Intersec offers the most valuable platform for knowledge exchange on the protection of citizens from existing and future threats and I look forward to sharing my perspective on a topic which remains a global priority.”
Alex Nicholl, Messe Frankfurt Middle East‘s Head of Intersec, added: “Intersec’s commitment to bringing the brightest, most qualified experts to the stage in 2022 is at the forefront of our strategy to deliver the most relevant content for our audience. Sir Alex Younger is undoubtedly a legend in the intelligence and security community, and his storied career in the Middle East makes him the perfect addition to our conference line-up. This is Mr. Younger’s first time speaking publicly in the UAE and his participation underscores the value Intersec is bringing to its visitors with exclusive opportunities to engage with and learn from the very best in the industry. We are delighted to have Sir Alex onboard and look forward to welcoming him at the show.”
Younger worked as a diplomat and undercover operative for the United Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), often known as MI6. He became MI6 Chief or ‘C’ in 2014 and retired in 2020, marking him the agency’s longest-serving Chief in 50 years. Throughout his career, he was sent to very sensitive positions throughout the Middle East. He also served as the Senior SIS Officer in Afghanistan, establishing himself as one of the world’s foremost experts on the country’s human rights issues.
Between the 16th and 18th of January 2022, he will be sharing his unique insights at Intersec’s ‘Global Security Leaders’ Summit,’ one of six conferences at the event with hard-hitting discussions featuring global leaders debating and exchanging perspectives on challenges, strategic initiatives, and cooperation to foster everyone’s safety and security. The whole program includes over 500 speakers, making it the industry’s largest conference platform on a world-class stage.
Younger is known for his unrivaled knowledge of the region, and he has spoken out on topics such as Afghan human rights, academic freedom, and the geopolitical significance of China’s digital and technological interests in western infrastructure.
The flagship event’s 23rd edition will be hosted at the Dubai World Trade Center under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the theme of ‘Uniting the world’s leading industry specialists for the safety and security of future generations.’
Official Supporters include Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defense, Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), UAE Cyber Security Council, and Dubai Municipality, demonstrating Intersec’s strategic importance to the UAE.
