Informa has announced the completion of preparations for the 50th edition of Middle East Energy Dubai 2026, scheduled to take place from 7-9 April 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

The exhibition is the region's leading platform for the energy sector, enabling organisations to compare solutions, engage directly with suppliers, and accelerate project progress. The event attracts exhibitors from around the world, alongside broad participation from senior officials and decision-makers.

The exhibition also aims to support entities and institutions navigating current market dynamics, including delivery pressures, advanced technologies, and renewable energy priorities. It empowers participants to select partners, evaluate new products, and fast-track commercial discussions.

Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity, Water and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, affirmed that the ministry's patronage of the 50th edition reflects the UAE's commitment to supporting specialised international platforms that enhance energy system integration and reinforce the country's position as a global hub for dialogue and cooperation in the energy sector.

He noted that the exhibition represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen partnerships and showcase the latest technologies and solutions supporting the energy sector's transformation, in line with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. It further contributes to enhancing energy security and sustainability while supporting the competitiveness of the national economy.

"Middle East Energy brings buyers and sellers together, turning interest into actual demand," said Mark Ring, group director of Energy at Informa. He added that this edition focuses on outcomes through targeted business matchmaking, meaningful networking, product and service comparison, and delivering the insights and collaboration needed to drive trade today and accelerate the energy transition.

Middle East Energy Dubai 2026 will feature a comprehensive programme of specialised panel discussions, with the participation of more than 150 speakers from industry leaders and international experts. They will provide practical insights on energy transition, energy security, technological innovation, and sustainability, equipping decision-makers with the knowledge needed to conclude deals.

The exhibition further strengthens its position as a high-impact industrial marketplace. Its previous edition recorded commercial participation valued at approximately US$4.05bn, with 1,600 exhibitors and around 30,000 visitors and energy professionals. More than 1,200 senior officials and decision-makers attended, reflecting its global reach and influence.

To find out more and register, visit: https://link.informa.com/xsl

Intersec returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 12-14 January 2026, with the introduction of several new initiatives

They include the Passive Fire Day, the Control Room Innovation Theatre, and co-located event, FCIA–NFCA PFPCON ’26 Dubai.

Focus on passive fire sector

Hosted in collaboration with the Association for Passive Fire Protection (ASFP), the Passive Fire Day, which takes place on 14 January, has been designed to elevate the passive fire sector into a recognised professional discipline within the built environment. Passive fire protection refers to the built-in fire safety measures that continuously work to contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and maintain structural integrity. These include fire-resistant walls and floors, fire doors, fire stopping and cavity barriers.

Senior ASFP representatives and industry collaborators will lead presentations and panel discussions covering early engagement in design, regulatory alignment, best practice in fire door specification and installation, and the growing importance of competence across the passive fire supply chain.

Another new feature related to passive fire is the FCIA–NFCA PFPCON ’26 Dubai, taking place from 12–14 January 2026. Co-located with Intersec 2026, and presented by the Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) and the National Fireproofing Contractors Association (NFCA), the event connects global experts, innovators and practitioners to advance standards, competency and collaboration across the passive fire sector.

Dishan Isaac, show director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “Passive fire protection underpins the safety of the built environment, yet it has historically been treated as a technical afterthought rather than a professional discipline. By integrating Passive Fire Day and PFPCON ’26 Dubai into Intersec, we are creating a platform that brings competency, standards and accountability into sharper focus, while encouraging earlier engagement and stronger collaboration across the entire construction and life-safety value chain.”

Control Room Innovation Theatre

Also launching at Intersec 2026 is the Control Room Innovation Theatre, delivered in partnership with the International Critical Control Rooms Alliance. Sessions will examine how cognitive control rooms are emerging, with AI and advanced data analytics enabling faster, more informed decision-making in high-pressure situations. Discussions will also explore the shift towards integrated command centre operations, highlighting how breaking down organisational and sector silos can deliver more coordinated, agile and effective responses to complex incidents.

A strong emphasis will be placed on the human dimension of control room performance, with sessions focused on operator wellbeing and the critical link between workforce empowerment, resilience and operational outcomes.

In addition to the new features, Intersec 2026 will launch a series of exclusive, invitation-only Executive Roundtables that bring together senior leaders from government, industry, and technology for focused, high-level dialogue on the most pressing challenges facing the security, safety, and fire protection sectors. They include Redefining Crisis Management for Critical Infrastructure Protection, delivered by PwC Middle East; Governing the Blue: Intelligence-led Security for Gulf Maritime Boundaries, and Defending the Digital Backbone: Securing National Infrastructure in the Era of AI and Hybrid Threats.

The forthcoming edition will also aunch the Innovation Trail, an interactive feature that spotlights exhibitors showcasing innovative products and solutions in the security, safety, and fire protection industry.

Intersec 2026, which benefits from the strategic support of the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), will host over 1,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries across five core sectors: Homeland Security & Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue, and Health & Safety. More than 50,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Intersec 2026 takes place from 12–14 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre. (image source: Messe Frankfurt)

Leadership readiness, planning and preparation have become a mission-critical priority for how organisations plan, respond to, and recover from crises, as illustrated by the April 2024 record-breaking rainfall in the UAE

These will be among the key themes at the International Security Leaders’ Summit at Intersec 2026, where leaders from government, aviation, and national infrastructure will discuss how real-world experience influences their leadership strategies amid disruption.

David Warham, head of Response & Recovery Planning at Dubai Airports, stresses that effective crisis leadership is centred on preparation, and points to the event as a lesson in the value of pre-crisis planning, saying that the scale of coordination required extended far beyond the airport boundary.

At the Security Leaders’ Summit at Intersec 2026, taking place from 12–14 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Warham will discuss how challenges such as record rainfall have shaped his team’s approach to leading through disruption in one of the world’s busiest aviation environments.

“Effective crisis leadership is defined by calm decision-making, clarity of communication, and credible coordination under pressure. In aviation, where seconds matter and stakeholders span multiple agencies, leaders must translate uncertainty into direction,” said Warham.

“But effective leadership in a crisis begins long before the event itself. It’s built on preparedness, planning, and the discipline of regular scenario testing. True crisis leadership means projecting calm, inspiring trust, and making informed decisions even when information is incomplete.”

“Organisations in the Middle East operate in fast-growing, multicultural environments where critical infrastructure, government agencies, and private operators must work in harmony,” added Warham. “Building resilience here requires more than plans. It demands alignment, consistent joint training, and strong communication channels that transcend organisational boundaries.”

This approach is reflected in the airport’s oneDXB community, which brings together service providers, airlines, and government entities under a shared mission.

“It ensures that when disruption occurs, we respond as one team with clarity, trust, and collective strength,” Warham concluded.

Discussions on resilience, leadership, and collaboration will take place at the Intersec 2026 International Security Leaders’ Summit. Topics are likely to include the General Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) Civil Aviation Regulation on Airport Crisis Management. Designed to shift how airports prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises, emergencies, and operational disruptions, the regulation has been developed in close collaboration with airports across the UAE and is based on international best practices.

PwC will host a closed-door roundtable discussion focusing on the significance of crisis management across various sectors and fields, with a white paper to be published after the event.

The International Security Leaders' Summit is one of Intersec 2026’s flagship knowledge platforms, tackling hot topics such as AI governance, human risk, cross-sector collaboration, and aligning national strategy with security innovation.

Dishan Isaac, show director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The Security Leaders’ Summit brings together diverse voices from across government, aviation, and critical infrastructure to share lived experience and actionable insights. It reinforces Intersec’s commitment to advancing resilience, collaboration, and security leadership across the region.”

In addition to the Security Leaders’ Summit, Intersec 2026 will also feature the Fire & Rescue Conference, the Health & Safety Conference, the Access Control Theatre, the Control Room Innovation Theatre, the InCyber Briefing and the SIRA Forum.

The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and is supported by the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).

Big 5 Global unites global suppliers, innovators and policymakers to support resilient, efficient and sustainable construction. (Image source: Big 5)

Across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, rapid urban expansion is reshaping economies at an extraordinary pace. With the United Nations forecasting that nearly 68% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, Africa in particular faces surging demand for housing, transport networks and large-scale urban infrastructure

As construction activity intensifies, industry stakeholders are turning to Big 5 Global (www.Big5Global.com) to source technologies and solutions that reinforce supply chains, boost efficiency and support sustainable development.

Welcoming participants from more than 165 countries, with 70% of solutions presented by international exhibitors, Big 5 Global serves as a gateway linking the region's construction community with a worldwide ecosystem of manufacturers, suppliers and technology providers.

Strengthening supply chains for project delivery

Big 5 Global hosts 2,800 exhibitors and showcases over 60,000 products, systems and services designed to enhance the reliability of construction operations. International pavilions from Germany and Italy return with advanced building materials such as high-performance concrete, cement, marble and stone technologies. India expands its presence with innovative MEP and smart construction systems suited for large projects across the Middle East and Africa. Austria and Pakistan also rejoin the event, displaying modular building solutions, interior systems and cost-efficient MEP technologies that streamline execution. Additional exhibitors from Armenia, Croatia, Hungary, Jersey, New Zealand, Norway and Serbia further widen procurement options for buyers seeking resilient and diversified sourcing channels.

With regional demand rising, digital technologies are rapidly transforming procurement and project execution.

Technology reshaping procurement and construction workflows

At Digital Construction World, leading companies such as Autodesk, Nemetschek Group, Odoo, Premier Construction Software, Procore Technologies, RIB Software and Trimble highlight digital tools that improve transparency and coordination across supply chains. Odoo offers an integrated suite linking procurement, HR and operations, while Premier Construction Software simplifies budgeting and project management. Trimble demonstrates automated solutions that reduce site rework by up to 25%, directly improving project timelines and profitability. Meter Technology showcases its fully integrated digital platform that modernises surveying and engineering workflows by removing long-standing inefficiencies.

Ahmed Al-Ansary, chairman, founder and CEO of Meter Technology, commented, “Meter transforms surveying and engineering from traditional to tech-driven. As the world's first fully integrated digital platform, we've eliminated decades-old inefficiencies. Our AI-powered system completes complex projects within 48 hours with exceptional precision across nine countries. Big 5 Global offers the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore sector development worldwide under ‘From the UAE to the World’, where geospatial and engineering digital innovation forms the foundation of real estate sustainability.”

Sustainable manufacturing and advanced material innovation

Several global exhibitors are also reimagining material production, transportation and reuse to reduce environmental impact. China introduces a new Eco-Friendly Zone built entirely from recyclable materials and dedicated to low-carbon construction solutions.

Grundfos Gulf Distribution highlights high-efficiency pumping systems designed to cut water and energy consumption. Deewan Equipment Trading LLC presents modular and precast manufacturing plants that reduce onsite waste and speed up project timelines. Hitech Concrete Products showcases precast hollow-core and insulated wall systems engineered for superior thermal performance and lower material use.

GF returns with advanced MEP and sustainable building technologies that support efficient construction and environmentally conscious project delivery. "The region is pursuing one of the world’s most ambitious development programs, where sustainable water management is key to realizing this vision. GF is uniquely positioned to support this progress through its comprehensive solutions portfolio, our local presence including manufacturing, offsite-manufacturing and customer experience facilities, long-standing regional partnerships and dedicated teams who understand the market’s unique challenges," said Michael Rauterkus, executive committee member of GF and president of GF Building Flow Solutions.

These collective contributions are helping the UAE build smarter cities aligned with long-term net-zero ambitions.

“As rapid urbanisation increases demand for project efficiency, quality and delivery, the global construction landscape must accelerate efforts toward net-zero goals and cross-sector collaborations,” said Josine Heijmans, senior vice-president, dmg events. “Big 5 Global continues to connect government entities, international manufacturers and regional stakeholders, helping strengthen construction supply chains and advance sustainable growth across the built environment.”