After a missing year – 2021 – when the Covid-19 global pandemic was at its height, it is now possible to look forward to welcoming back the major fire-related highlight of the Gulf year – the annual Intersec Show in Dubai.
As I draft my Editor’s Comment for this, the 25th edition of Gulf Fire, I recall with fondness the launch of the then infant magazine that took place during the 2016 Intersec Show in Dubai.
Six years ago, MDM Publishing were successfully producing three separate internationally based fire journals. However, after identifying a specific gap in the Middle East fire-publications market, the experienced MDM team set about creating a high-quality magazine reflecting all the many varied aspects of the fire sector in the region, and beyond.
Quickly becoming an established quarterly after Intersec 2016, the magazine increasingly grew its support via our wide-ranging editorial contributors together with our valued advertisers. Gulf Fire soon carved a reputation as an authoritative and forward-looking publication.
Then in March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic spread across the globe and the commercial continuation of publications looked somewhat uncertain. However, the earlier extensive support thankfully continued throughout the main pandemic lockdown period with publication of quarterly editions of Gulf Fire relatively unaffected.
Now in early 2022, Gulf Fire is looking as strong as ever as the Middle East’s principal fire-sector magazine, with a reputation that continues to grow steadily as the regional voice of both fire protection and firefighting & rescue, embracing new technology, fire-safety trends, operational incidents, professional opinion, events and relevant news amongst a wealth of other topics amid the magazines contents.
The January 2022 edition of Gulf Fire – the Intersec issue – is again one of biggest-ever editions at 152 pages. It is significant that Messe Frankfurt Middle East GmbH, the organisers of the annual Intersec Dubai Show, have made Gulf Fire a Key Media Partner for the event, an honour that MDM Publishing greatly values, together with our strong relationship with the Intersec organisers.
The other four MDM Publications – Asia Pacific Fire, International Fire Fighter, International Fire Protection and UK Fire all play their part in an international support of the Intersec and its branding.
Intersec under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 16 to 18 January 2022 under the theme of ‘Uniting the world’s leading industry specialists for the safety & security of future generations’. The event is being staged following the celebrations of the UAE’s 50th anniversary of its foundation.
A recent leading economic forecast stated that the tourism, hospitality, aviation and other sectors across the Middle East should see strong year-over-year top-line growth given the extent of reduced business in 2020 during the lockdown period. However, this forecast relies on the pandemic being brought under control and increased consumer confidence levels. The Gulf may see a quicker recovery due to lower levels of Covid-19 spread, strong public health campaigns on masks and social distancing, and large events such as the current Expo 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar boosting consumer demand. The impact of these events, however, may be smaller than initially anticipated as strict adherence to social distancing is applied to mitigate the potential spread of Covid-19.
Year on year, the growth of Intersec as a global shop window is staggering. The previous edition in January 2020 recorded visitors from 136 countries, 1,100 plus exhibitors, 1,400 delegates, 1,700 government attendees and 34,000 industry professionals. H.E. Lieutenant-General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi of the General Directorate of Civil Defence – Dubai said: ‘Since the turn of the 21st century, Intersec has paved the way for leading fire protection, safety and security providers to access key Middle East and African markets, forging beneficial partnerships that continue to this day. As a key Government Partner and founding sponsor of Intersec, Dubai Civil Defence remains committed to raising the level of safety and the quality of fire safety systems through the services we provide. Intersec has been integral in Dubai Civil Defence’s mission to adopt innovative solutions that are smarter, more sustainable, and that better serve our communities while preserving the natural environment.
‘Intersec’s 23rd edition in January 2022 will be the first major gathering of its kind for the world’s security, safety and fire protection industries, and Dubai Civil Defence looks forward to reuniting safely with our international partners and colleagues once again.’
Gulf Fire looks forward to making a contribution to the continuing growth and success of Intersec Dubai. The resurgent construction sector in Gulf States and its increased infrastructure spending, along with the updated regulations and safety standards have paved the way for a steep growth and demand across the fire detection, prevention and protection industry. Messe Frankfurt’s Middle East Intersec organising team are to be commended for building the event to its current international status and importance.
This 152-page Gulf Fire Intersec edition will be distributed to exhibitors, delegates and visitors alike throughout the three days of the show. The MDM Publishing Gulf Fire team look forward to meeting you during Intersec 2022. Do come and pay a visit to us on our stand.
About the Author
Neil Wallington is a former British Chief Fire Officer, a Past International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers, and a holder of the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct. He is the author of 17 books on the work of the fire service, and acts as a consultant with extensive experience in the Gulf on a range of projects.
