Addressing the need for fire safety in the built environment

The sixth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place from 1-3 October at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), will underscore the importance of fire safety in the built environment.

This event, recognised as the country’s premier trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, will feature a significant discussion led by Neil Odin, chief fire officer of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, who is a prominent figure in fire safety.

Odin, with over three decades of experience in the UK fire service, will share his unique perspectives on the challenges faced by the Middle East during the panel discussion titled "Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management," set to take place on the opening day of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit.

A surge in construction activity

According to Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia currently hosts over 5,200 ongoing construction projects, collectively valued at more than US$819bn. These projects, spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, highlight the pressing need for effective fire-safe design strategies.

"A response strategy cannot stand alone; it must be intricately linked with fire-safe building designs and comprehensive prevention strategies. Understanding the root causes of fire disasters and sharing this knowledge is key to innovating effective solutions," said Odin.

“The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, holds the potential to lead in global fire management through its focus on designing out risks in new developments,” he added.

The session will delve into the critical phases following a fire, showcasing best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery, with a focus on restoring normality for affected communities, buildings, and emergency responders. Odin will be joined by Jamal Al Ghamdi, corporate process safety director at Sadara Chemical Company, on the panel.

Additional sessions on the first day of the Summit will cover topics such as promoting fire safety awareness and preparedness, fire safety hazards associated with electric vehicles, and lessons learned from past disasters.

The second day of the Summit will feature a full agenda addressing various topics, including the integration of IoT and AI in fire safety systems, the maturity of robotics in firefighting, safeguarding fire safety infrastructure against emerging threats, and fire challenges exacerbated by climate change. These sessions will be led by experts from diverse fields critical to fire safety.

Riham Sedik, show manager—Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “Intersec Saudi Arabia has an integral role to play in providing a platform for some of the greatest minds and most experienced individuals to come together from around the world to discuss critical challenges, opportunities, standards & policies, and technology relating to fire safety.

“Our packed agenda ensures Intersec Saudi Arabia remains a key date for all concerned in this field.”

Alongside the Fire Protection and Technology Summit, the event will also host the Future Security and Safety Summit, focusing on the convergence of security thought leadership, innovation, and global expertise. Both summits are part of Intersec Saudi Arabia’s high-level content and conference programme, all of which are CPD-certified.

This year's exhibition will span five product categories: Commercial & Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health. With unprecedented demand from exhibitors, the show has sold out two months before its opening day, leading to a 34% increase in exhibition space from the previous year, now covering a total of 23,000 sqm across five halls and a dedicated outdoor area.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said, “I’m delighted to see such a high calibre of experts who will be able to share insights from their many years of experience. This secures our position as a must-attend exhibition.”