INTERSEC 2009 EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS AS 17,206 TRADE VISITORS
FLOCK TO SEE PRODUCTS DISPLAYED BY 710 EXHIBITORS FROM 50
COUNTRIES

20% INCREASE IN VISITORS DESPITE THE ECONOMIC GLOOM

Business worth multi-million dirhams concluded during three-day security
fair

DUBAI (January 20, 2009) – The much vaunted global economic slowdown did not manifest itself at Intersec trade fair and conference 2009, the second largest security exhibition in the world as attendance crossed 17,206 (at the time of going to press), an increase of 20%. Trade visitors from all over the world networked at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“A total of multi-million dirhams in deals were concluded during the three-day trade fair which exceeded the industry’s expectations,” remarked Ms. Angela Schierholz, Senior Show Manager of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organizers of the exhibition. “This year we had 710 exhibitors, from 50 countries and had added an extra hall to accommodate the increased number.”

This year, Intersec 2009 received a boost as it was held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority who officially inaugurated the event.

Running along the sidelines of the exhibition is a conference programme where 65 prominent speakers discussed topics on Commercial Security, Information Security, Homeland Security, Counter Terrorism and Policing, and Fire and Rescue.

The conference speakers and conference attendees received a welcome address and a lecture on “Crisis and Risk Management,” from Brigadier Mohammed bin Ahmad bin Fahad, Director General of the Dubai Police Academy.

To perk things up further, Dubai Police pavilion held a demonstration on the abilities of its K-9 Training Department. Dogs from the K-9 unit showed how they detect explosive devices and illegal drugs hidden in envelopes, while tracking dogs tracked and tried to attack a suspect hidden inside a tent and a criminal trying to flee after the commission of a crime. The demonstrations were held in the morning and afternoon, throughout the
three days of the Intersec exhibition.

Speaking to the press after the demonstration, Major Abdul Salam Mohammad Al Shamsi, of the K-9 Training Department of Dubai Police said “We train these dogs when they are one and a half years of age. Depending on the abilities of a dog the training could last from four to six months. We have a total of 82 dogs at Dubai Police working on different tasks, from sniffing illegal drugs to explosive devices, tracking missing persons or apprehending suspects. There is a dedicated handler for each dog.” He added, “The dogs breed for K-9 duties include Labradors, German Shepherds and Malino”. Other demonstrations are those of anti-hacking and a fire fighting competition.

Also of special interest at the Fire and Rescue section were the displays of creativity and ingenuity by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence booth. At the Abu Dhabi booth specially designed fire fighting vehicles manoeuvred in tight cramped places, otherwise unreachable by regular sized fire trucks and equipment. On display was a mini fire truck adapted from a motor bike fitted with foam and powder equipment to battle fire.

“The mini-fire truck, a Segway adapted device fitted with foam and powder fire extinguishing equipment, as well as a wheel chair fitted with fire extinguishing equipment,” said First Lieutenant Abdullah Ahmed Al Sharhan of the General Directorate of Civil Defence, Ministry of Interior in Abu Dhabi. He said the fire fighting equipment had been tested and is awaiting certification. The adapted Segway will soon be used at the Dubai International Airport. “The equipment was conceived and designed by the Civil Defence in Abu Dhabi and built with the help of NAFFCO.”

EPOC Messe Frankfurt is renowned the world over for its professional delivery of industry-focused platforms for companies to meet and do business. Messe Frankfurt’s successful portfolio of around 112 annual trade fairs and position as the world’s secondlargest organizer globally is testament to our track record in matching the products and services of over 64,000 exhibiting companies to around 3.5 million buyers every year.

Ms. Schierholz said: “Intersec is the largest and most comprehensive event of its kind in the world outside Europe. The Dubai event spreads over eight halls covering 420,000 square feet.” She noted that the three-day event has resulted in substantial business for many participating exhibitors.

Ends

* Largest security trade fair in the world outside Europe

Show Profile:
Intersec trade fair and conference is now firmly established in the international calendar as one of the foremost homeland security & policing, commercial security, fire & rescue, counter terrorism, information security, and safety & health exhibitions. Intersec in 2009 showcased 710 exhibitors from 50 countries, with a visitor attendance of more than 17000 from over 100 countries. It is the premier forum for the worldwide safety and security industry, providing the perfect opportunity to network and pursue business contacts. Show website: www.intersecexpo.com

Company profile:
EPOC Messe Frankfurt is a subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt, the world’s largest trade fair organizer with its own fairground. It conducts over 150 events worldwide with 15 subsidiaries across Europe, Asia, America, Africa and the Middle East, and brings 800 years of experience to Dubai, the strategic hub for the region.