Large-scale projects in the Middle East are not only changing skylines, but also the understanding of security. Giga and megaprojects such as NEOM, AlUla and Diriyah represent a paradigm shift in urban development, tourism, energy and infrastructure planning. Intersec 2026, which will take place from 12 to 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, focuses on precisely this change: Security is no longer seen as a downstream operational function, but as a strategic component of master planning.
As part of the International Security Leaders’ Summit, Intersec 2026 will show how early, integrated security architecture can become a key enabler of resilience, scalability and long-term project success – especially in highly complex, multi-sector development environments.
Security as an integral part of master planning
The central theme of the summit is the shift of security ‘forward’ in the planning process. Instead of implementing security solutions only in the operational phase, security managers are increasingly involved as early as the concept and design phase.
Malcolm Smith, Public Safety Excellence Director at the Royal Commission of AlUla, describes this approach as a fundamental structural change: Security is now understood as a core pillar of overall planning – on a par with architecture, mobility and visitor management. The early involvement of security experts ensures that people, processes and technologies are coordinated from the outset and harmonised with urban development goals, tourism flows and operational requirements.
Highly differentiated risk profiles arise, particularly in regional megaprojects that combine areas such as cultural heritage, tourism, energy, transport and housing. Fragmented security planning would quickly reach its limits here. Instead, a holistic, governance-based approach that works across sectors is required.
Complexity and coordination as key challenges
The scale of these projects brings with it new challenges. Megaprojects are not only large, but also highly complex in terms of organisation and technology. Public and private security interests clash, as do different regulatory requirements and operator structures.
Smith points in particular to the difficulty of integrating systems that cover both public and private spaces. Security solutions must simultaneously meet high requirements for resilience, compliance and protection – while still meeting expectations for visitor comfort and user experience. This requires close coordination between architects, technology providers, security authorities, regulators and future operators. Scalability becomes a decisive criterion here: systems must be able to grow with the projects without losing their effectiveness.
Technology, AI and infrastructure resilience
From a technological perspective, Intersec 2026 will also focus on the topic of resilience. Jake Phillips, Group Security Director at IHS Towers, one of the world’s largest independent operators of communications infrastructure, emphasises the central role of security innovation for the stability of critical networks.
Phillips sees a cultural shift, particularly in the area of AI-supported security solutions.
While artificial intelligence is often associated with scepticism and dystopian scenarios, practice increasingly shows that AI can be a tool for more precise, efficient and resilient security architectures – provided it is used responsibly and integrated transparently into existing structures. Secure communication and data networks are indispensable for the resilience of modern megaprojects.
Security concepts must therefore combine physical, digital and organisational levels.
International exchange at decision-maker level
The panel ‘Regional Vision, Global Solutions: Embedding Security Innovation into Megaprojects’, which will take place on the opening day of Intersec 2026, brings together leading international players.
In addition to Malcolm Smith and Jake Phillips, participants will include Abu Ahmed from the UK Home Office, Scott Paterson from the Walt Disney Company and Eddie Reyes from RTSG.
In addition to the integration of security into multi-billion-pound development projects, procurement practices, regulatory challenges and lessons learned from regional and international megaprojects will also be discussed. The aim is to identify transferable models and promote the global exchange of best practices.
Intersec as a platform for strategic dialogue
For Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the Security Leaders’ Summit has become a central platform for strategic discussions. The conference is aimed specifically at executives who are responsible for national assets, critical infrastructure and smart environments. The 2026 edition will focus on governance models, technological integration and leadership skills as prerequisites for adaptive and resilient security ecosystems.
Largest Intersec ever
With over 1,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, five key themes – Homeland Security & Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue, and Health & Safety – and an expected 50,000+ trade visitors, Intersec 2026 will be the largest edition in the trade fair’s 27-year history.
The programme will be complemented by other specialist formats such as the Fire & Rescue Conference, the Health & Safety Conference, the Access Control Theatre and the SIRA Forum, which will cover a wide range of current security, protection and fire safety topics.
The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is strategically supported by the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).
Conclusion
Intersec 2026 makes it clear that security in megaprojects can no longer be thought of reactively. Early-stage embedded security concepts, coordinated governance structures and the intelligent use of new technologies are becoming key success factors for the resilience of complex urban systems. The trade fair is thus positioning itself not only as a product show, but also as a strategic think tank for the next generation of integrated security architectures – in the Gulf region and far beyond.
