INTERSEC is back for a new edition at the Dubai World Trade Center from 17–19 January, with the renewed presence of French companies. 30,000 security, emergency response, safety, and cybersecurity professionals will attend this major event, with more than 10,000 products that will be exhibited, demonstrating the vitality of the sector in the MENA region.
Security & Defense: a long-standing relationship between France and the Middle East
France is a historical ally, and the second-largest partner of the United Arab Emirates in the defense sector, and it has been able to forge close economic ties in many strategic fields such as security and safety for over 20 years. Great collaborations have been happening ever since such as Azur Drones that supplied its autonomous drone to Dubai Police. The drone provides the security solution to ensure the protection of properties, as well as oil and gas installations or ports from any emerging threats. In Saudi Arabia, France has a strong presence in the field of training: police forces, special forces, Saudi Navy, air force. While in Egypt, France is currently the 3rd supplier in terms of defense and 6th supplier in terms of security, providing Security and Monitoring Services.
The French security expertise is helping to address major regional challenges of internal and border security, such as securing sensitive sites (power plants and oil complexes), a sector that is expected to grow in the Middle East and Africa by 7.1% from now on to 2026, managing the security of global events (FIFA World Cup 2022, F1 grand prix), and executing risk management of construction sites for new public infrastructures, and tourism projects.
Intersec: a unique pool of opportunities for innovation-driven French security industry
The French security industry comprises more than 1,100 companies. This industry includes both large groups occupying leading positions on an international scale, especially in the Middle Est such as Thales, Nexter, Dassault Systèmes, Airbus, Safran, to name a few. The commercial and industrial sector relies on a network of companies ranging from large international groups to innovative and highly exporting SMEs, which represent 125,000 jobs with the export of security manufacturers that is around 50%.
French pavilion is tapping into this talent pool bringing 14 French experts that will present various cutting-edge solutions: video analysis by accelerated deep learning for security and mobility; HOSE-PULL® intervention and technical assistance devices; security and industrial risk engineering solutions; hypervision platforms for security, safety, and technical management systems; intelligent parking management systems; unified supervision platforms for the integrated physical security of public and private territories and infrastructures.
Cybersecurity protection solutions; distributed fiber optic detection solutions; fire-fighting equipment, and personal protective equipment will also be presented during the 3-day exhibition with French exhibitors spread over 2 pavilions. One dedicated to fire protection and firefighting – Hall 4, the other dedicated to physical and perimeter security – Hall Saeed 1, intend to establish their presence in the region and highlight their international dynamism and expertise.
The French Pavilion will be operated by Business France, in partnership with FFMI (the French Federation of Fire Professions), GICAT (the French Land and Airborne Defense and Security Industry Group), EDEN (Defense Security Safety Cluster) and the Safe Cluster. This new edition is organized under the banner of “La French Fab”, the standard of the French industrial ecosystem. There will be a “Networking Breakfast” organized in partnership with the local agency Emirates Laboratory, licensed by the Dubai Civil Defense at French pavilion on the second day of the show.
Cybersecurity and technological breakthrough will be in the spotlight at Intersec 2023 this year with the support of government partners: the Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) and the UAE Cyber Security Council. By 2026, the Middle East and Africa cyber security market is expected to be worth USD 2893.40 million. The rapid digitalization of the UAE and Saudi Arabia has opened the door to cyberattacks.
Intersec will host experts in the field from all walks of life to address these issues. French expertise will contribute to the state of the art in emerging technologies in a unique awareness-raising session organized by DESC as part of Digital Dubai and Cybernode’s initiative, developed in partnership with the French company Thales, a world leader in cybersecurity and data protection technologies. Cybernode aims to develop an advanced and specialized cyber workforce to foster innovation, support digital economic growth, and contribute to the development of new technologies.
