Intersec 2026 to Introduce New Features Focused on Fire Safety

Organisers of Intersec 2026 have announced several new initiatives for the upcoming edition of the exhibition, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 12 to 14 January 2026.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 27th edition of Intersec will expand its focus on security, safety and fire protection with the launch of new platforms aimed at professional development, innovation and collaboration.

One of the key additions is Passive Fire Day, scheduled for 14 January and hosted in collaboration with the Association for Passive Fire Protection. The initiative aims to raise awareness of passive fire protection and position it as a recognised professional discipline within the construction and built environment sectors.

Passive fire protection includes built-in safety measures such as fire-resistant walls and floors, fire doors, fire stopping and cavity barriers. These systems help contain fire and smoke and protect escape routes without requiring activation, unlike alarms or sprinklers.

Industry experts from ASFP and partner organisations will lead discussions on early-stage design planning, regulatory compliance, fire door standards, installation best practices and improving skills and competence across the supply chain.

Also debuting is PFPCON ’26 Dubai, a co-located event running from 12 to 14 January. Presented by the Firestop Contractors International Association and the National Fireproofing Contractors Association, the conference will bring together global professionals to strengthen standards, collaboration and innovation in passive fire protection.

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said the new additions reflect the growing importance of passive fire safety. He noted that the initiative aims to improve accountability, competency and early collaboration across the construction and life-safety sectors.

Another major launch at Intersec 2026 is the Control Room Innovation Theatre, delivered in partnership with the International Critical Control Rooms Alliance. The platform will highlight the role of control rooms as central hubs for safety, security and operations.

Sessions will explore the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics in decision-making, the move towards integrated command centres, and the importance of operator wellbeing in high-pressure environments.

In addition, Intersec 2026 will introduce invitation-only Executive Roundtables bringing together senior leaders from government, industry and technology. These discussions will focus on key challenges in security and infrastructure protection, with outcomes to be published as post-event white papers.

Roundtable topics include crisis management for critical infrastructure, maritime security in the Gulf, and protecting national infrastructure from digital and hybrid threats. Sessions will be led by PwC Middle East and Kearney.

Intersec 2026 is expected to further strengthen its position as a global platform for advancing safety, security and fire protection standards.