Saudi, UAE, lead the upward trend in GCC’s US$1.36 billion fire safety systems market. Stringent government regulations fuel demand for fire equipment upgrades, delegates are told at Intersec Saudi Arabia roadshow.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the upward trend for the fire safety systems market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as stringent government regulations fuel demand for the replacement of existing and outdated equipment at Intersec.

According to consultancy firm 6Wresearch, the GCC’s fire safety systems market was worth US$1.36 billion in 2015, with Saudi Arabia (US$598.4 million), and the UAE (US$394.4 million) comprising 73 per cent of the regional market. The other Gulf States of Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait accounted for US$367.2 million (27 per cent).

6Wresearch said Saudi’s fire safety systems and equipment market is projected to grow six per cent annually from 2016 – 2020.  By 2022, the market is estimated to be worth US$632.2 million, attributed to a recovery in the construction and real estate verticals.

Other factors driving regional demand for new fire safety systems include government and transportation sectors, residential, retail, and hospitality verticals, while Saudi’s Vision 2030 and the upcoming Dubai Expo 2020 in the UAE is also likely to boost further growth.

The latest market updates were told to more than 100 fire, safety and security industry professionals at a three-day Saudi roadshow promoting the upcoming Intersec exhibitions in Dubai and Jeddah.

Intersec, the world’s leading exhibition for security, safety, and fire protection, runs from 22-24 January 2017 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, while Intersec Saudi Arabia will take place from 2-4 May 2017 at the Jeddah Center for Forums & Events.

In its 19^th edition, Intersec 2017 will feature more than 1,300 exhibitors from 54 countries spanning over 55,000sqm of exhibition space, registering a 10 per cent growth over the previous year.

The first edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia meanwhile is expected to host more than 100 exhibitors, including 22 launch partners; Al Alameya Group, Axis Communications, Bristol Fire Engineering – Corodex, the British Security Industry Association, CP Plus, Dahua, dorma + kaba, Draeger, Genetec, Hanwha Techwin, Harco Group, HID Global, Hikvision, Milestone, NAFFCO, Nedap, Pelco by Schneider Electric, Promise Technology, Smiths Detection, Tadween, NITIE, and ZMR.

Fire & Rescue is one of seven show sections at Intersec 2017, and has nearly doubled in size over the last four years. The section, which attracted 350 exhibitors in 2016, is expected to continue its growth trend in 2017, having attracted the likes of Apollo, bsi, Bristol, Chemours, Fike, Hochiki, Grupo Komtes, LPCB, NAFFCO, Oshkosh, Rapidrop, Scott Safety, Securiton, SFFECO, Siemens, UL, and Velox.

“Ongoing investments in the commercial, retail, industrial, hospitality, and the healthcare sectors, combined with upcoming high profile international events, means growth is the buzz word across all sectors in the GCC, and this also applies to the fire safety market,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Intersec, and Intersec Saudi Arabia.

“Improvements in the enforcement of fire codes in the construction sector, and the constant need for fire protection and life safety means the GCC’s fire safety market is estimated to grow annually by 14-16 per cent to reach US$3.15 billion by 2020.

“This robust demand for the latest equipment, fire protection and firefighting systems is reflected in the strong growth in the Fire & Rescue section at Intersec, while Intersec Saudi Arabia too will host the biggest names in the fire protection market,” added Pauwels.

Oil & Gas is another key sector for the fire protection industry, and will be a key target area for Hochiki at Intersec 2017. The Japanese-headquartered company specialises in commercial and industrial fire detection and emergency lighting solutions, and will showcase its latest range of fire detection products designed specifically for use in oil refineries, gas processing plants and other high-risk environments.

“Expenditures in the Middle East oil and gas sector are expected to increase by more than 19 per cent for the 5-year period ending in 2017,” said Robert Head, Assistant Managing Director at Hochiki Middle East.

“When operating in such hazardous environments, it’s important to ensure the building’s fire safety systems are robust and reliable. There’re a variety of fire detection products designed specifically for use in oil refineries, gas processing plants and other high-risk environments.

“Intrinsically Safe devices (IS) restrict the electrical and thermal energy in the circuit ensuring that ignition in an explosive atmosphere cannot occur; making them ideal for use in oil and gas facilities as well as chemical engineering plants. Hochiki have a wide range of IS devices, from smoke detectors to flame detectors, which have all been certified by BASEEFA to IECEx and ATEX,” added Head.

Global Fire Equipment from Portugal, a manufacturer of fire detection and extinguishing systems will return to Intersec 2017 with the launch of its new panels and several other products like PA/VA systems, and web-enabled interfaces.

João Paulo Ajami, the Commercial Director for Global Fire Equipment, said: “We had several interesting projects in Saudi Arabia in the last 12 months, while exhibiting at Intersec has helped us launch several good distribution channels in countries like Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Tanzania, and Pakistan.

“Our goal is to establish long term partnerships with agents working in the security field with the purpose of expanding our global presence which covers more than 70 countries. Our systems are applied in residential, commercial and industrial sectors and its subsectors, since fire detection is applicable to almost all construction sectors.”

Elsewhere, Aman Fire Protection, an Oman-based fire protection engineering consultancy, will look to increase its business contacts at Intersec 2017 and explain the fire codes approvals process to those undertaking projects in the Middle East.

Anthony Cole, Technical Director at Aman Fire Protection, highlighted the growing trend for better awareness of regional fire safety codes following recent fire incidents across the GCC.

“There’s an increase in awareness for the need for review and approval of materials used in construction by fire protection consultants especially in high rise projects following the several high profile fires,” said Cole.

“Oil & Gas, military, power and energy creation, large commercial developments such as shopping malls and integrated tourism leisure projects are the most important industries our business is targeting now.”

Intersec’s other core sections include Commercial Security, Homeland Security & Policing, Safety & Health, Information Security, Smart Home and Physical & Perimeter Security.  More information is available at www.intersecexpo.com.