27 Feb Celebrating Intersec 2024
It may have been Intersec’s Silver Jubilee but this year’s event certainly deserved a gold star for uniting the industry.
Taking place from 16-18 January 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the international exhibition for security, safety, policing, cybersecurity, fire and emergency services sectors, was held under the theme of ‘innovating security tech for a quarter century’.
This year’s event was anticipated to be the biggest ever Intersec and it certainly lived up to expectations. Over 1,000 exhibitors packed out the show over the course of the three days, coming from over 60 nations.
In addition, more than 47,000 visitors flocked to the exhibition, eager to stay abreast of the industry, learn from best practice examples, hear about breaking tech news and make new connections in the sector. As the official regional media partner, Security Middle East magazine was in attendance. As well as handing out copies of the latest issue and exploring some of the new innovations being showcased we were also busy filming our Expo Lives – short video interviews with key industry figures to find out more about their future plans and what they were exhibiting at Intersec.
We had fascinating and informative interviews with security leaders from Amstergi, CommPort Technologies, Everbridge, Genetec, IDCube, LBA, Limitless Technologies, March Networks, OREP, SALTO, Secury360, UCDSystems and Western Digital. Check out the videos on our website and YouTube channel to keep up-to-date with industry developments.
Powering innovation
The January show has become synonymous with new security launches – a chance for leading companies to unveil their latest innovations to a receptive audience all looking for solutions. We saw March Networks announce the launch of its Essential Line (EL) Network Video Recorders, delivering customers a full-feature video management solution and analytics platform with advanced functionality. Axis Communications was showcasing the world’s first thermometric explosion-protected camera, certified for use in Zone and Division 2 hazardous locations, amongst other innovations, while Matrix revealed the Matrix COSEC PANEL200P – a multi-function site controller.
We got to see the ThreatScan AS2 flat panel for 3DX-Ray’s portable x-ray system, experience the latest version of Genetec’s Security Center and learn about the opening of the company’s state-of-the-art experience centre in the UAE.
Plus Hikvision unveiled its AIoT products that use infrared and x-ray technology to extend far beyond conventional visual capabilities.
In addition, IDIS and Mercedes-Benz announced a partnership and plans to use an end-to-end solution that delivers comprehensive coverage of the latter’s showroom and warehouse facilities.
Evolution of security
As we explored the various stands there was one thing that became immediately apparent – the security sector is making huge leaps forwards in terms of innovation and is showing no sign of slowing down.
We saw real-world examples of how artificial intelligence is being seamlessly blended with Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
As a result, AIoT is integrating sensor technology to improve detection accuracy and transforming industry applications. According to Hikvision, who were exhibiting at the show, AIoT is delivering enhanced capabilities, including more precise temperature monitoring for industrial thermography; smarter perimeter security due to object classification; more accurate license plate recognition; the ability to detect slip and fall accidents; and the capacity to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) is being worn correctly.
There was also an increase in fully integrated, end-to-end solutions, a reflection of the growing trend for companies to adopt a more comprehensive and integrated security solution that brings together multiple systems and devices in a single centralised platform. This type of solution can encompass video security, access control, parking management, command centre operations and more, streamlining processes and giving an intuitive user experience.
Cloud cover
Migration to the cloud was also a popular theme across exhibitors, with cloud-based time and attendance systems, enterprise cloud networking systems and cloud-based access authentication all being showcased.
Away from the show floor, there was also a packed conference schedule for visitors who wanted to hear from innovators and leaders, as well as product demonstrations.
Another highlight of the event was the much-anticipated Intersec Awards 2024. Notable wins include Red Sea Global walking away with ‘Outstanding Security Team of the Year’; the Middle East and Africa Award going to the Virtual Technology Centre of Dubai Police for its Smart Security awareness project; and Alyaa Alkaabi from the UAE Ministry of Interior being crowned as a ‘Women Trailblazers in Security’.
After a busy three days, it’s easy to see why this show will be returning once again to Dubai in 2025 – that date for your calendar is 14-16 January 2025.
“This year’s event was anticipated to be the biggest ever Intersec and it certainly lived up to expectation.”