Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing a construction boom with over 5,200 ongoing projects, collectively valued at more than $819 billion, according to research from Mordor Intelligence. These projects span across various sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for robust fire safety strategies in the built environment.
At the forefront of addressing these concerns is Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024, the nation’s premier trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection. This year’s event will emphasize the critical importance of fire safety within the context of Saudi Arabia’s rapid urban and industrial development.
A key highlight of the event is a panel discussion featuring Neil Odin, Chief Fire Officer of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, who will offer valuable insights into the fire safety challenges specific to the Middle East. The discussion, titled Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management, will take place on the opening day as part of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit.
Fire Safety in a Growing Construction Landscape
The scale of ongoing construction in Saudi Arabia underscores the necessity for effective fire-safe design and comprehensive prevention strategies. Odin emphasized that response strategies must be integrated with fire-safe building designs to mitigate risks and prevent disasters. He noted that by focusing on designing out risks in new developments, Saudi Arabia has the potential to become a global leader in fire management.
The panel will explore critical post-incident phases, sharing best practices for recovery efforts that restore normalcy for affected populations, buildings, and emergency responders. Jamal Al Ghamdi, Corporate Process Safety Director at Sadara Chemical Company, will join Odin in discussing these topics.
Comprehensive Fire Safety Agenda
Intersec Saudi Arabia’s Fire Protection & Technology Summit will feature a range of sessions on the opening day, including topics such as Educating and Empowering Communities: Promoting Fire Safety Awareness and Preparedness, Fire Safety Hazards for Electric Vehicles, and Lessons Learned from Past Disasters: Empowering Emergency Preparedness.
The summit’s second day will delve into advanced topics like Integrating IoT and AI in Fire Safety Systems, Maturity of Robotics Deployment in Firefighting, Safeguarding Fire Safety Infrastructure Against Threats, and Fire Challenges Due to Climate Change. Experts from various fields will share their knowledge and experiences in these critical areas.
Expanding Exhibition and Global Participation
This year’s Intersec Saudi Arabia is set to be the largest yet, with unprecedented demand from exhibitors. The exhibition space has expanded by 34% compared to 2023, now covering 23,000 square meters across five halls and a dedicated outdoor area. The show, organized by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, is sold out two months ahead of its opening day.
Riham Sedik, Show Manager for Intersec Saudi Arabia, emphasized the event’s role in bringing together global experts to discuss key challenges, opportunities, standards, and innovations in fire safety. The exhibition’s comprehensive agenda ensures that it remains a must-attend event for professionals in the field.
Running alongside the Fire Protection & Technology Summit is the Future Security and Safety Summit, focusing on the convergence of security innovation and global expertise. Both summits are part of Intersec Saudi Arabia’s high-level content and conference program, certified for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024, held in association with The High Commission for Industrial Security and The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense, will take place from October 1-3 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC). Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, expressed his excitement over the caliber of experts participating in the event, solidifying its status as a must-attend exhibition.
