The Fire Protection and Technology Summit is set to take place on the opening day of the exhibition.
Intersec Saudi Arabia, the premier trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection in the country, will focus on fire safety strategies within the built environment. A key highlight will be a panel discussion featuring Neil Odin, Chief Fire Officer from the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, renowned for his expertise in fire safety.
With over 30 years of experience in the UK fire service, Odin will provide valuable insights into the challenges faced in the Middle East during his panel titled “Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management.” This session will occur on the exhibition’s opening day, as part of the Fire Protection and Technology Summit.
The sixth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia will be held from October 1-3 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Research from Mordor Intelligence reveals that Saudi Arabia currently has over 5,200 active construction projects, valued at more than $819 billion. These projects span various sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure, highlighting the necessity for robust fire-safe design strategies.
“A response strategy cannot exist in isolation; it must be closely integrated with fire-safe building designs and comprehensive prevention measures. Understanding the root causes of fire disasters and disseminating this knowledge is vital for innovating effective solutions,” stated Odin.
He further emphasized that the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, has the potential to become a leader in global fire management by focusing on risk reduction in new developments.
The session will address critical phases following a fire, showcasing best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery, with a focus on restoring normalcy for affected communities, buildings, and responder teams. Joining Odin on the panel will be Jamal Al-Ghamdi, Corporate Process Safety Director at Sadara Chemical Company.
Additionally, the opening day of the summit will include sessions such as “Educating and Empowering Communities: Promoting Fire Safety Awareness and Preparedness” and “Fire Safety Hazards for Electric Vehicles and Lessons Learned from Past Disasters: Empowering Emergency Preparedness,” among others.
Riham Sedik, Show Manager for Intersec Saudi Arabia at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, commented: “Intersec Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in providing a platform for leading minds and experienced professionals from around the world to discuss critical challenges, opportunities, standards, policies, and technologies related to fire safety.”
