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Fast growing Intersec ‘no longer just a regional show’ say organisers Plans announced to double venue size in 2008
The 2007 Intersec Middle East exhibition registered a significant growth in attendance and participation – with the organisers looking to double the venue size for next year.
More than 630 specialist companies took part from 49 countries – up 54 percent on the year – while 13,000 industry professionals visited – an increase of around 15%. With exhibitors already signing up for the next Intersec Middle East event, scheduled for 13 – 15 January 2008, organisers by Messe Frankfurt are negotiating to double the amount of space at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Chris Hudson, Chief Operating Officer of Messe Frankfurt in Dubai said this year has really placed Intersec Middle East on the international map.
”This is no longer a regional show, but something that all major international companies recognise as a platform to do business with major firms and government organizations in the Middle East area.”
Hudson said much of the success enjoyed by Intersec Middle East is attributable to the support of important organisations such as the Dubai Government's Department of Civil Defence, the Dubai Police and the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health, (IOSH).
”The appeal of the show and its conference programme is down to the quality content presented. This is only possible because of the valuable relationships we have with very important and highly influential organisations. We had over 40
international experts talking at our 4 conference programmes which speaks volumes about the show's global reach.”
Led by Brigadier Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Head of Dubai Civil Defence, the conference programme featured specialist forums covering fire, police, safety and health, and commercial security. The programme included presentations from world renown specialists such as Sir Ken Knight, Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, Charles Man-Chun Chu, Chief Officer Hong Kong Fire Services, Lisa Fowlie, President of the IOSH, and Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate, Police Advisor to the UK Government.
Underlining the truly international flavour of the event, Intersec Middle East attracted various delegations and VIPs from around the Middle East and Asia. These included Staff Colonel Abdulla Bin Mohammed Al Sowaidi, General Director of Qatar's Civil Defence, an official delegation from Thailand, including the Thai Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Interior and the Royal Thai Police, and 12 national groups. Country pavilions were represented from countries such as Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, Singapore and the UK. Britain's presence this year was another record with 104 participants.
Training deal for new generation of Dubai Civil Defence officers
Dubai's unusual mix of heavy traffic, heat and high rise buildings demands that Civil Defence officers in the UAE and Dubai be trained to make the best decisions when faced with an emergency.
Addressing delegates at Intersec, Mohammed Saif Bufaroosha said this was one of the critical needs that became evident following the 38- week Incident Commander training course he and eight other Dubai Civil Defence trainees attended Washington Hall International Training and Development Centre in Lancashire, England. (www.washingtonhall.co.uk).
He said the level of training they received at the facility had not only prepared them physically, but had also taught them the critical reaction skills required for a wide range of emergencies.
"Civil Defence is a vital service in the protection of human lives; here in the UAE, we provide assistance to any citizen who needs our help, regardless of their nationality or gender," said Bufaroosha.
Trainers at Washington Hall's 28 acre site receive student fire-fighters from 70 countries around the world and attend real-life emergencies under the supervision of their trainers. They are taught the techniques required to handle a range of major life-threatening situations, including aircraft fires, high-rise buildings, storage facilities, warehouses, malls and multi-use developments.
"Our training structure typically involves full day visits to operational stations, practical exercises with qualified UK fire officers, exposure to fire station command in practice, and reflective learning sessions where students share their experiences with their fellowstudents,"
Kevin Murray, Head of Training Provision at Washington Hall told delegates. Murray said he was extremely proud that the centre had been chosen as the training ground for the next generation of Officers of the Dubai Civil Defence.
"The Memorandum of Understanding between Washington Hall (UK) and the Dubai Civil Defence, which was signed by its Director, Brigadier Al Matrooshi, places a great responsibility upon our shoulders and I consider it a great honour to have been chosen to assist with the training of these officers in the years ahead; we look forward to that challenge," added Murray.
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