Middle East physical security market spending is expected to jump by 36 per cent in 2016 to $5.2 billion compared to $3.8 billion 2015. These findings of global analysts Frost & Sullivan were revealed during a news conference which was held to announce the Intersec 2016 in Dubai next week.

Infrastructure investment coupled with increased urbanisation fuels demand for equipment to protect critical assets and people according to the new research.

Physical security solutions such as intruder alarms video surveillance electronic locks perimeter protection door alarms access control protocols and identification systems are in high demand while the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) will mean an increase in smarter and networked systems available in the market.

According to Frost & Sullivan the intensity of investment is expected to peak during the next two years toward 2020 when spending on physical security will reach $10.2 billion comprising 10 per cent of the global market.

One of the world's leading trade fair for security safety and fire protection is taking place from 17-19 January at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The 18th edition of the three-day event will open 10 per cent larger than the previous year featuring 1290 exhibitors from 55 countries and spanning 50000sqm of exhibition space.

According to organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East Intersec 2016 will be the most internationally representative ever while UAE exhibitor participation is also at an all-time high growing eight per cent over the previous year with 217 exhibitors covering 10400sqm of exhibition space.

Ahmed Pauwels CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East said: "Trends such as the Internet of Things is having a significant impact on the regional security safety and fire protection industries where products and services are increasingly becoming interconnected and 'Smart'."

"We have introduced a new Smart Home section at Intersec 2016 as a starting point to showcase technologies that support smarter safer and more energy efficient buildings in Dubai the UAE and the wider Middle East."

Smart Home along with Physical & Perimeter Security are the latest additions to the five other core sections at Intersec 2016 of Commercial Security Fire & Rescue Safety & Health Homeland Security & Policing and Information Security.

Also addressing the Intersec 2016 Press conference were representatives of the show's supporting partners: Lt. Col Jamal Ahmed Ibrahim Director of Preventive Safety Department General Directorate of Dubai Civil Defence UAE Ministry of Interior; and Eng. Aiad Mushaikh Project Director of Academy Development Emirates Civil Defence Academy.

Lt. Col Jamal Ahmed Ibrahim said: "The Dubai Civil Defence is determined to be leaders in all fields of activity by implementing the latest in protection prevention and control technologies with integrated methodology that achieves our vision: For the UAE to be one of the world's leading countries in terms of safety and security.

"In accordance with this strategic vision the Civil Defence has achieved globally competitive developmental levels across all its services which are 100 per cent electronically applicable. At Intersec 2016 we will showcase a wide range of our smart services which include safety systems for smart homes; personal safety panels; exploration panels and intelligent buildings reader systems."

Other new additions this year at Intersec 2016 include a Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion in the Fire & Rescue section along with a dedicated Jobs & Careers Pavilion bringing thousands of professionals together with specialist security-related recruitment companies.

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