JEDDAH — Rapid advances and innovations in video surveillance technology are transforming the industry while at the same time considerably enhancing its security capabilities. The need to be prepared for today's ever-evolving security threats is driving growing demand for the latest in video surveillance systems to secure property and premises globally. Demand for the latest products in video monitoring technology is also being felt across the Middle East, which is expected to be one of the key growth areas for the industry. The rapidly-changing regional market for video surveillance systems and equipment will be in focus at Intersec 2013, the Middle East's trade and networking mega event for the security, safety and fire protection industries in Dubai in January. With governments, public sector organizations, corporate companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) realizing the need to protect their interests from the diverse and growing threats that exist today, investment in video surveillance systems is on the increase. According to a study by IMS Research, the global market for video surveillance systems is expected to grow at an average of 12 percent in 2012, with key drivers being the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and the Middle East.* “We have a large number of our exhibitors eyeing the growing Saudi and regional market at Intersec 2013,” said Michael Dehn, Group Exhibitions Director of organizer Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “The exhibition's comprehensive footprint around the greater Middle East and North Africa facilitates better interaction between suppliers and their markets by bringing them all together on one platform,” he said. With the need to safeguard large petrochemical industrial complexes around the country as well as numerous infrastructure projects, the Saudi market for network video surveillance systems is expected to grow at the fastest pace in the region. Set to grow at an impressive 25 percent over the next four years, Saudi Arabia is expected to replace the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the largest market in the MENA region. The IMS research also indicates that the video surveillance market in the region is rapidly switching over to IP-based network surveillance systems from the CCTV analogue systems being used earlier. Sales of network video surveillance systems in the Middle East have outpaced those of analogue systems which was estimated to be 53 percent of the total in 2011. This is expected to surge to as much as 79 percent of total sales of digital and analogue systems in the region by 2016. Specializing in standalone and integrated security solutions, Honeywell Security will also be present at Intersec 2013. Christopher Graham, Strategic Marketing Specialist, Honeywell Security, MENA, said: “We expect considerable new demand for our range of products at Intersec, which is why we are bringing our latest offerings made especially with this region in mind.” Other exhibitors specializing in video surveillance systems that have already signed up for Intersec 2013 include Avigilon, Bosch, Flir, Hikvision, Infinova, Mobotix, Panasonic, Samsung, Schneider Electric, Sony and Tyco Security. Intersec 2013 will run on January 15-17, 2013 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. Traditionally representing the cross-section of the regional security, safety and fire protection industries, Intersec serves as an invaluable business and networking platform that has facilitated some of the key safety and security developments in the region. — SG
