Intersec Awards 2026 to celebrate the leaders shaping the future of security, safety and fire protection

The awards will honour the innovators, leaders, and visionaries setting new standards as part of three distinctive award sections, including fire and safety, security, and industry

The fifth edition of the awards will have 17 categories, including the Rising Star Award for Emirati Talent, the Women Trailblazers in Security, Fire Safety and HSE, and the prestigious Industry Leader of the Year

Winners will be announced on 13 January during the Intersec 2026 Awards Gala Dinner

Ain Alalam – Rashad Iskandrni

The Intersec Awards 2026 has officially revealed its shortlist of companies, products, and individuals who will compete for the industry’s most coveted accolades when winners are announced on 13 January 2026 during the Intersec Awards Gala Dinner at the Conrad Hotel Dubai.

Now entering its fifth edition, the Intersec Awards have become a benchmark of excellence across the global security, safety, and fire protection industries across 17 categories, reflecting the continued expansion and diversification of the sector as organisations embrace technology, innovation, and leadership to address tomorrow’s challenges today.

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Each year, the Intersec Awards bring to light the people and innovations driving the evolution of our industry. The calibre of entries in 2026 has been exceptional, reflecting the rapid advances being made in security technology, fire prevention, emergency response, and workplace safety across the region.

“From the rising Emirati stars shaping our national talent pipeline to industry veterans whose leadership has defined best practice on a global scale, this year’s finalists represent the diversity, ingenuity and dedication that make this industry so vital to our shared future. We look forward to honouring them at what promises to be a memorable celebration in January.”

Among the most anticipated accolades of the evening is the Rising Star Award for Emirati Talent, celebrating the next generation of UAE excellence. The 2026 finalists include Abdelaziz Mohamed, ADNEC Group; Khalid Mubarak, Dubai Municipality; Mohamed Al Ajmani, Sharjah Customs; Abdulkairm Al Zarouni, CREE Group; and Ahmad Alfardan, Dubai World Trade Centre. Each represents the country’s ongoing investment in nurturing world-class safety and security professionals who are contributing to the UAE’s vision for sustainable growth and innovation.

The Women Trailblazers in Security, Fire Safety and HSE category recognises the exceptional women driving transformation in their fields. Finalists include Hanan Almohammad, KIOSH Company; Sarah Adamson, SC-Ltd, UK Export Council; Christina Alexandropoulou, Philip Morris International; Jazyah Aldossary, Saudi Aramco; and Inna Kazagrandi, Orisent.

Another highlight of the evening will be the Industry Leader of the Year award, honouring visionary individuals whose sustained contributions have elevated global standards of excellence. The 2026 finalists include Emanuel Jech, WSP; Abdul Ahamed Sab, AtkinsRéalis; Leon Hendricks Marriott International; Konstantin Turuntcev, Event Concept Consultancy, Qatar; Abdullah Alshemaly, ASIS International – Dhahran Chapter; Abdulla Al Suwaidi, UXE Security Solutions; Leo Levit, ONVIF Steering Committee; Dr. Shaikh Khalid Al Khalifa, Beyon Cyber WLL; David Campbell, Emirates Safety Laboratory; and Albadr Jannah, Saudi Aramco.

The Fire and Safety categories drew strong entries this year, showcasing groundbreaking advancements in both active and passive protection. In the active category, Siemens Fire Digital Twin, Fike Blue Thermal Management Solutions, and NAFFCO’s Falcon 6 ARFF Vehicle, among several others, are shortlisted for setting new benchmarks in predictive safety and system optimisation.

In passive protection, Jotun’s SteelMaster, Siderise CW Perimeter Barrier, and TECFIRE’s ALUFIRE AS85 Door System, were among the finalists recognised for excellence in prioritising the safety and well-being of individuals in various settings. Meanwhile, products such as Grand Challenge AI’s VitAir Smart Helmet-Mask and VIKING Life-Saving Equipment’s Valkyrie Fire Suit for Women are some of the finalists in the Best Safety Protection Solution category.

In the security and cyber categories, digital and physical innovation are prevalent. Notable entries include LVS Equipment Trading’s LV STREAM and SwissCCS’ AirMarker in the Best Homeland Security Solution category, while Resemble AI’s Detect Platform and Gallagher Controller 7000 are among the contenders for Best Cybersecurity Solution of the Year. The Best Security Project of the Year – Middle East & Africa features pioneering initiatives such as Dubai Police’s Lost Passport Certificate Blockchain System and Red Sea Global’s Desert Rock Perimeter Solution, showcasing security measures that enhance safety, protect assets, and mitigate risks.

Team and consultancy achievements are also in focus this year. WSP, Dulsco Group, and RAK Oil Services & Energy Co. have been shortlisted in the Best HSE Team, while First Bank of Nigeria, WE ONE Security, and UXE Security Solutions in Best Security Team category for their exceptional teamwork, safety culture, and operational excellence – LOAMS, delivered by DAMAC Properties, has been shortlisted in both. In Strategy in Consultancy in Fire Safety / Security / Cyber Security, firms including WSP, AESG, PwC, Teksalah, Alliance Security Consulting and Cyber Cure are recognised for their thought leadership and strategic contributions to regional resilience frameworks and policy transformation.

Finalists were selected through a rigorous judging process by a panel of 23 international experts representing five countries, including senior leaders from Dubai Civil Defence, NFPA, UL Solutions, IOSH, WSP, and ASIS International.

The Intersec Awards 2026 form part of the 27th edition of Intersec, the world’s leading trade fair for safety, security, and fire protection, taking place from 12–14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

To view the full shortlist or secure tickets for the gala ceremony, please visit: https://intersec.ae.messefrankfurt.com/dubai/en/show-features/intersec-awards.html.

For more information and to register for the event, please click here.

About Intersec

Intersec, in its 27th edition, is the world-leading business event for the global safety and security industry value chain. The event brings together suppliers, thought-leaders, innovators, manufacturers and buyers face-to-face to discuss leading-edge technology, see the very latest products and solutions across a wide range of industries and business sectors, and conduct business.

Intersec 2026 will be held from 12-14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

For more information, please visit our website.

About Messe Frankfurt

The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,500 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 29 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2024 were € 775 million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services.

Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability

With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).

For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com

*Preliminary figures 2024

About Messe Frankfurt Middle East

Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s portfolio of exhibitions includes: Automechanika Dubai, Automechanika Riyadh, Beautyworld Middle East, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Intersec, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, Logimotion, Light + Intelligent Building Middle East and Paperworld Middle East. In the 2024/25 event season, Messe Frankfurt Middle East exhibitions combined featured 7,450 exhibitors from over 68 countries and attracted 249,500 visitors from 164 countries.

For more information, please visit our website.