The Fire & Rescue Conference at Intersec emerges as a pivotal gathering point for global leaders in fire and emergency services. The convergence of dialogues that encompass challenges, prospects, benchmarks, regulations, and technological innovations resonates with the UAE's unique market dynamics.
The conference establishes a well-structured avenue for learning, forging connections, and collaborative interaction, empowering participants to effectively capitalize on the evolving trends to advance fire protection and safety collectively.
As we journey into 2025, the UAE's strategic orientation and innovative approaches continue to exert a transformative influence on the worldwide fire protection arena.
Join us and be a part of this Exceptional Program
We're currently inviting submissions for speaking opportunities at our 2025 event. Don't miss the chance to share your expertise and contribute to the advancement of the industry. Submit your speaking proposal
2024 Highlights
2024 Agenda
Day 1 | 16 January 2024
| Time | Session | Speaker |
| 12:00 | Opening remarks from the Chairperson | Robert (Bob) Rea QFSM, MBA, MIFireE, MIoL, TechIOSH | UK Urban Search & Rescue Specialist Trainer |
| 12:05 | Keynote Address by the Patron |
Major Essa Al Mutawaa, Head of Monitoring & Inspection Department, Dubai Civil Defense |
| 12:20 | Panel Discussion Revolutionizing Fire Prevention with Data Analytics & Technology |
Moderator: Robert (Bob) Rea QFSM, MBA, MIFireE, MIoL, TechIOSH | UK Urban Search & Rescue Specialist Trainer Panelists:
|
| 13:00 | Presentation NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem -The Foundation for a Sustainable Future |
Dana Kamal, Director - International Development (MENA) | NFPA |
| 13:20 | Case study representation: Disaster and Emergency Planning in Ukraine | Viktor Vitovetskyi, Director | Department of Organization of Civil Protection Measures of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine |
| 13:40 | Panel Discussion: Advancing Safety in Energy Storage: Addressing Thermal Runaway Challenges | Moderator: Adam Batz, Executive Director Global Consulting | Fike Corporation Panelists:
|
| 14:30 | Case study presentation - Grenfell Tower Tragedy: Learning from the Past to Shape a Safer Future | Steve Apter QFSM, Consultant | Apter Consulting & Former UK Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Commissioner of London Fire Brigade |
| 14:50 | Fire Side Chat: Challenges in Safeguarding High-Rise Structures | Moderator: Speakers:
|
| 15:30 | How we can Untangle the digital path to delivering the golden thread of building safety information. | Kevin McKeown, Director | Hydrock |
| 15:50 | Electric vehicles in new and existing parking garages – challenges and available fire safety guidance & solution | Susan Lamont, Director - Fire Group Leader Middle East | Arup |
| 16:15 | BIM and Fire Safety | Alexander Castellanos, Head of Fire and Life Safety | WSP |
| 16:30 | Fire Statistics - The Past, Risk Assessment - The Present, Simulation of Scenarios - The Future | Dr. Peter Wagner, Head of Leadership Department | CTIF |
| 17:00 | Closing Remarks |
Day 2 | 17 January 2024
| Time | Session | Speaker |
| 11:00 | Opening Remarks from the Chairperson | Robert (Bob) Rea QFSM, MBA, MIFireE, MIoL, TechIOSH | UK Urban Search & Rescue Specialist Trainer |
| 11:10 | Building Fire Safety and Compliance – Stay fire safe, not fire sorry! | Sajid Raza, Chief Executive Officer | BUTLER ENGINEERING (ME) - The Fire Consultants |
| 11:35 | Leveraging Drones for Enhanced Fire Safety Management | Susan Lamont, Director - Fire Group Leader Middle East | Arup |
| 12:00 | The Future of Fire Safety in Smart Buildings | Philip Witts, COO, ATEIS |
| 12:20 | Innovations in Building Design focusing on Green Buildings for Enhanced Fire Safety | Sawsan Dahham, Founder & CEO | Siena |
| 12:40 | Codes & Regulations: Keeping up with the speed of innovations | Dwayne Sloan, Technical Director - Built Environment | UL Solutions |
| 13:00 | Thought Leadership Chat: Safeguarding Critical Facilities: Focus on the busiest airports in the world |
Moderator: Robert (Bob) Rea QFSM, MBA, MIFireE, MIoL, TechIOSH | UK Urban Search & Rescue Specialist Trainer Speaker: Gary Barthram, Chief Fire Officer | Heathrow Airport, UK |
| 13:20 | Panel Discussion: Ticking explosives in your plant - Organic Powder Hazard | Moderator: Ihab Farag, Managing Director | Fike Corporation Panelists:
|
| 14:10 | Emirates Safety Laboratory (ESL) Certification Ceremony | |
| 14:30 | Advancement in Fire Protection Technology - Electronically Operated Sprinklers | David Fuller, Vice President – Fire Protection Approvals | FM Approvals |
| 14:50 | NFCC focus: International Collaboration in Fire Safety | Mark Hardingham, Chair | National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) |
| 15:10 | The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Fire Safety | Saeed Alshaiba, Information Security Officer | Dubai Civil Defense |
| 15:30 | Importance of fire resistance testing of tunnels struct | Dr Sebastian Ukleja, Testing Manager (Fire Testing) | Emirates Safety Laboratory |
| 15:50 | Importance of Fire Protection System Readiness and Digitalizing it | Mohammed Saeefan, Fire Protection Engineering Specialist | Saudi Aramco |
| 16:10 | Navigating the Impact of Global Warming on Firefighting Strategies and Operations | Ali Majed, Information Security Officer | Dubai Civil Defense |
| 16:30 | Mental Health in the Fire Service: Elevating Awareness & Resiliency | Christina Alexander Alexandropoulou, ASIS Aegean (243), Chapter Vice Chair | European Board of Directors |
| 16:50 | Closing Remarks and End of Day 2 |
Supported by
Who Should Attend
Job Title
This summit will be uniting the following job titles across the public and private sectors.
- Chief Fire Officers and Engineers
- Civil Defense and Government Regulators
- Fire Consultants, Inspectors and Surveyors
- Contractors, Developers and Project Owners
- Emergency Response Professionals
- Advanced Fire Safety System Providers
- Fire Safety Equipment Manufacturers
- Insulation and Material Manufacturers
- Distributors and Integrators
- Insurance Professionals
Organization Type
- Government Authorities (Civil Defense/MOI/Police), Law Enforcement Bodies & Federal Agencies
- Maritime
- Aviation
- Logistics
- Healthcare
- Energy
- Entertainment & Sports
- Education
- Hotel & Leisure
- Construction/ Real Estate
2024 Speakers
Abdullah Al Ghamdi
Chairman | Society of Occupational Safety & Health & Compliance Lead| Aramco Project Management
Arun Sasi
Underwriting Manager, GIG Gulf Insurance
Alexander Castellanos
Head of Fire and Life Safety Middle East, WSP
Paul Burns
Corporate HSSE Training | ACWA Power, UAE
Sawsan Dahham
Founder & CEO | Siena
Eng. Salma Humaid Saeed
Head of Drawings and Projects Section, Directorate General of Dubai Civil Defense
