The Intersec Awards, now in its fifth edition continues to celebrate exceptional projects, solutions and people redefining excellence in the fields of security, safety, and fire protection. The upcoming edition of the Intersec Awards will be held on January 13, 2026. Held annually as part of the prestigious Intersec exhibition in Dubai, the awards bring together the who’s who of the industry for an evening of recognition and celebration
2026 Award Categories at a Glance
Fire & Safety
Best Active Fire Safety Product
This category aims to recognize exceptional products or services that significantly enhance fire prevention, detection, suppression, or mitigation efforts.
Best Passive Fire Safety Product
This category honors exceptional products or services that prioritize the protection and well-being of individuals in various settings, promoting overall safety and minimizing risks
Best Safety Protection Solution
This award is dedicated to projects in the Middle East and Africa region that have demonstrated significant innovation in planning, implementing, and enhancing fire safety measures, thereby positively impacting communities within these regions.
Best Fire Safety Project – Middle East & Africa
This award highlights organizations that provide crucial services such as system testing, safety evaluations, compliance inspections, and performance certifications, contributing significantly to the enhancement of fire safety and security in various environments.
Best Fire Safety Strategy – Middle East & Africa
Impact Makers (Testing, Evaluation, Certification and Associations)
Security
Best Homeland Security Solution
This award recognizes outstanding products or services specifically designed for addressing and mitigating threats to national security, ensuring the safety of a country and its citizens/residents.
Best Commercial Security Solution
This award honors solutions that significantly enhance the security posture of commercial entities, safeguarding them from risks, threats, and unauthorized intrusions.
Best Perimeter Security Solution
This award recognizes outstanding products that are specifically designed to secure and monitor the boundaries of critical infrastructure, facilities, or restricted areas. This award honors solutions that provide robust and reliable perimeter protection, ensuring the integrity and security of vital assets.
Best Cybersecurity Solution of the Year
This category celebrates pioneering products or services that excel in protecting digital systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. This award is dedicated to recognizing solutions that provide comprehensive and robust cybersecurity defenses, ensuring enhanced safety for users and organizations.
Best Security Project of the Year – Middle East & Africa
This award recognizes exceptional security projects implemented in the Middle East and Africa region, showcasing innovative and effective security measures that enhance safety, protect assets, and mitigate risks.
Industry
Best HSE Team
This award celebrates the exceptional teamwork, dedication, and expertise of a fire safety team that consistently demonstrates outstanding performance in preventing, managing, or responding to fire incidents.
Best Security Team
This award recognizes the exemplary collaborative efforts, professionalism, and expertise of a security team that consistently ensures the safety, protection, and smooth operation of the assigned premises or assets.
Rising Star Award for Emirati Talent
This award recognizes and celebrates the exceptional accomplishments, leadership, and contributions of young Emirati individuals who have made a significant impact in this chosen field.
CISO of the Year – Middle East & Africa
This award recognizes the outstanding achievements and leadership of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) who has demonstrated exceptional skill in managing cybersecurity.
Strategy in Consultancy in Fire Safety / Security / Cyber Security
This award celebrates consultancies that demonstrate excellence in providing innovative, effective, and comprehensive fire safety, security, risk management solutions to their clients. It aims to highlight firms that not only meet but exceed industry standards, driving improvements in risk assessment, crisis management, and emergency response planning.
Women Trailblazers in Security/ Fire Safety/ HSE
This award celebrates the remarkable achievements, leadership, and contributions of women in the fields of security and fire safety
Why participate at the Intersec Awards?
Industry Recognition
Winners of the Intersec Awards gain widespread accolade, showcasing their contributions to a safer and more secure future
Strengthen Credibility
Being shortlisted or winning at the Intersec Awards elevates your brand reputation, reinforces trust, and boosts morale across teams and stakeholders.
Networking Opportunities
Intersec Awards offers unmatched opportunities to connect, collaborate and grow within a global network of industry leaders.
Judging Panel
Fire & Safety

Dee Arp
Chief Quality Officer, NEBOSH

Ghaith Bakir
Senior Regulatory Officer, UL Solutions

Lt Col. Dr. Essa Almutawa
Chief AI Officer and Head of The Global Fire Incidents Statistics, Dubai Civil Defense

Mohammed Saeefan
Fire Protection Engineering Specialist, Aramco

Peter Stephenson
Director – Fire Safety Division, Hydrock, now Stantec

Robert Davies
Operations Director - Advisory Services, WSP in the Middle East

Kelly Nicoll
President, Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH)

Sawsan Dahham
CEO and Founder,SIENA

Stephen Apter
Managing Director, Apter Consulting Ltd

Steven Reilly
Principal Engineer – Fire & Life Safety, Jensen Hughes

Terry Johnson
Regional President, Institution of Fire Engineers
Security

Bharat Raigangar
Board Advisor, 1CxO - Digital Transformation CyberRisk

Dana Haubold
CISO Advisor, DH Cyber Security Consultancy

Dr. Srijith Nair
CISO, Careem

Hamad A. Melaihi, PSP, PMP
Security Operations Manager, Aramco, Assistant Regional VP, ASIS

Irene Corpuz
Board Member, Head of Partnership and Governance, Women in Cybersecurity Middle East

John Cowling
Disctrict Security Manager - Middle East & CIS, Caterpillar Inc.

Mark Nutall
Executive Advisor, Confidential

Muttahir Salim
Associate Director – Security, Buro Happold

Nasser Hassan
Section Manager of Security Systems And Consulting Section, SIRA

Satia Rai
CEO,International Professional Security Association

Shafiullah Ismail
Vice President - Cyber Security and Risk, Mubadala Capital

Yacine Benamane
Vice Chair, ASIS Dubai Chapter
Join as a Sponsor
Become a part of the legacy.
Join the Intersec Awards 2026 as a sponsor and stand among the pioneers shaping the future of security, safety, and fire prevention. The awards gala is not just an event; it's where industry benchmarks are celebrated, and future trends are set.
Connect with us today to leverage our tailor-made sponsorship opportunities to maximize your brand’s visibility at the Intersec Awards on January 13, 2026.
FAQs
What is the deadline for submission?
The Intersec Awards 2026 submission deadline is 15 September 2025
How are the entries judged?
The entries are evaluated by a panel of industry experts based on criteria outlined for each category. The process includes a review of the submitted materials. The shortlisted entries proceed to Round 2 for a face-to-face meeting with the judges.
How can I submit a nomination?
Submit your nomination through our official awards portal – Evalato. Link shared on the website.
Is it possible to modify my nomination after submission?
Entries can be edited only when in drafts mode. Once submitted, modifications cannot be made.
How do I attend the awards ceremony?
You will need to buy a ticket to attend the awards ceremony. Please contact us for details.
Is sponsorship available for the awards?
Yes, sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact us for details.