Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec, explains how the show’s expanding ecosystem is shaping future safety leadership, operational readiness and cross sector collaboration for 2026
Please introduce yourself and give us a brief background into the history and heritage of Intersec?
As Show Director for Intersec, I lead the event into its twenty seventh edition and oversee its continued strategic evolution as a flagship Messe Frankfurt Middle East platform. Intersec began in Dubai in 1999, at a time of rapid regional development in infrastructure and safety capability. What started as a product led exhibition has grown into a global meeting point for government authorities, manufacturers, technology innovators, first responders, cybersecurity specialists and academia.
Over 26 editions, the event has reflected the industry’s shift from siloed disciplines toward a connected ecosystem spanning national security, cyber resilience, commercial security, fire and rescue and occupational health and safety. Intersec remains one of the few global events to integrate these domains under one roof. Its long standing collaboration with UAE authorities, combined with its January position in the calendar, has helped shape global agendas and contributed to the region’s rising safety benchmarks.
What are your growth targets for Intersec 2026 versus the previous edition?
Intersec 2026 will be the largest and most internationally represented edition in our history. We are targeting fifty thousand visitors, supported by stronger government involvement, enhanced buyer engagement and expanding global reach. A new hosted buyers programme will bring one hundred pre-qualified procurement leaders to strengthen sourcing and matchmaking across key sectors.
We expect more than one thousand four hundred exhibitors from over 60 countries across 67,000 sqm of exhibition space, including outdoor demonstration areas. International companies are projected to represent 82% of the show floor, while 40% of visitors are expected to travel from outside the UAE. Growth is supported by clearer product segmentation and a more advanced, sector aligned content strategy across all major safety and security domains.
How are strategic partnerships, associations and government relationships shaping the 2026 programme and exhibitor mix?
Intersec’s partnership ecosystem plays a central role in shaping the 2026 programme. The event continues under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reinforcing alignment with national priorities in resilience, public safety and future focused infrastructure. Deeper collaboration with the Dubai Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management and the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council ensures content is closely aligned with regulatory direction and operational needs.
SIRA and Dubai Civil Defence remain at the core of the event’s regulatory influence. For 2026 they are curating experiential zones that show how regulation, readiness and innovation intersect in practice. A memorandum with UXE Group strengthens Intersec’s focus on advanced urban security, digital twins and next generation command and control. International associations including NFPA, IOSH, ASFP, BSIA, BSIF and ASSP elevate technical content and attract exhibitors operating at the forefront of integrated safety and security solutions.
Which new features or zones will launch or scale in 2026 and what industry gaps do they address?
This year’s Intersec introduces several new and expanded features designed to address significant capability gaps across safety, security and fire protection. The Innovation District is a major addition, creating a cross-sector environment linking government, industry, academia and startups. It aims to accelerate innovation, commercialisation and early access to emerging technologies.
The SIRA Hub becomes an official feature, providing an immersive gateway into SIRA’s licensing, regulation, training and compliance ecosystem. It is designed to support international companies by offering practical guidance on approval pathways and faster market access.
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