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.”

Dr Al Jaber underlined the UAE’s leadership in integrating AI and technology to drive efficiency.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC CEO and Masdar chairman, officially opened ADIPEC 2025 in Abu Dhabi today with a powerful call for realism, collaboration and innovation in the face of global energy challenges

Addressing global industry leaders, Dr Al Jaber urged the sector to “tune out the noise, track the signal,” emphasising that “near-term uncertainty is real, while long-term demand remains very strong.” He highlighted that energy demand will continue to grow across all sectors, noting that “renewables will more than double, funding for LNG will grow by 50%, jet fuel by more than 30%, and oil will stay above 100 million barrels per day beyond 2040.”

He stressed that “what we’re really talking about here is energy addition, not energy transition,” reinforcing that “energy equals jobs, growth, competitiveness and intelligence.”

Dr Al Jaber also underlined the UAE’s leadership in integrating AI and technology to drive efficiency. “We are laser-focused on becoming the most AI-native energy company,” he said, referencing ADNOC’s Energy to the Power of AI programme, which boosts production forecasts by 90%.

Closing his address, he urged unity and resilience. “Real progress is never the work of one single individual or company. It happens when we move together with purpose.”

Secretary Doug Burgum, 55th Secretary of the Interior, Chair, Energy Dominance Council of the United States of America spoke at the opening ceremony. He urged the global community to hasten the adoption of AI, while calling for the US to stay ahead in what he termed the “AI arms race”.

The opening of ADIPEC also saw a ministerial panel comprised of His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; His Excellency Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, the Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs; and His Excellency Eng. Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

The panelists grappled with the complex future of the energy sector, emphasising the urgent need for investment, balanced policies, and collaboration across borders.

Al Mazrouei highlighted the rising demand for diverse energy sources. “We will definitely need more oil, definitely more gas, definitely more renewable energy,” he noted, adding, “If we’re not investing in a large scale... we will have an issue down the road.”

Addressing geopolitical uncertainties, Al Kaabi warned of the consequences of regulatory decisions. “If Europe does not really look at how they can water down the CSDDD... we will not be delivering energy to Europe for sure, 100%.”

Both the US and Qatar have warned the European Union that its Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) could disrupt liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to Europe. They are concerned that penalties of up to 5% of a company's global annual turnover for non-compliance could make it unprofitable to supply Europe, and have urged the EU to revise or repeal the CSDDD. Qatar, a major LNG supplier to Europe, stated that it would halt exports to the bloc if it faced such fines.

Al Kaabi emphasised, “We shouldn’t be following politics when we look at the lives of people and how much energy we need.”

Badawi brought focus to regional innovation and cooperation, “Egypt is very much focused in terms of unleashing the potential of the mining sector,” he said. He also stressed the importance of diverse strategies, explaining that Egypt is “Very much focused on creating the energy mix, which leverages renewables, oil, gas, and nuclear.”

SteelFab 2026 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 12-15 January.

The region’s leading exhibition for metalworking, metal manufacturing, and steel fabrication will return to Sharjah in January 2026, highlighting the UAE’s growing industrial strength and its commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability in advanced manufacturing.

Now in its 21^st edition, SteelFab 2026 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 12-15 January, bringing together global industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge fabrication technologies, machinery, and safety-focused industrial solutions.

Sharjah’s rapidly growing economy, bolstered by a 361% surge in foreign direct investment to US$1.5bn in the first half of 2025, further underlines the significance of the event. The emirate’s expanding industrial base and strong infrastructure continue to attract global manufacturers and suppliers, reinforcing its role as a hub for innovation and safe production practices.

“SteelFab continues to grow in relevance as the UAE intensifies its focus on industrial development and global trade partnerships,” said H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

“The UAE’s industrial sector is witnessing unprecedented growth. The event reflects the country’s strategic direction, where policy support, innovation, and international collaboration are driving a new era of industrial growth and competitiveness.”

The UAE’s industrial outlook remains optimistic, with GDP forecast to grow by 4.9% in 2025 and 5.3% in 2026. With over US$11bn in financing directed toward industrial companies, the country’s manufacturing ecosystem is poised for expansion, underpinned by strong regulatory standards and safety-driven innovation.

“The exhibition will feature next-generation solutions—from robotics, smart manufacturing, and inline metrology to noncontact measurement and portable 3D scanning, that enhance precision and reduce waste. Sustainability will be central, with energy-efficient tools and lifecycle analysis strategies. By blending automation with human expertise, SteelFab 2026 positions itself as the definitive venue for fabricators seeking resilience and future-ready operations,” said Sultan Shattaf, commercial director of Expo Centre Sharjah.

A major highlight will be the 5^th Best Welder Competition, sponsored by ESAB, spotlighting top talent and promoting safety in welding and cutting operations through advanced robotic technologies.

Building on the record-breaking success of its 20th edition, which attracted over 350 exhibitors from 33 countries, SteelFab 2026 is expected to host more than 650 leading brands and showcase the innovations shaping the future of safe, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing.