Intersec 2026 to include innovative new features

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.