A Special Report by Peter Mawson of Security Media Publishing Ltd with additional comment from key players in the industry

Dubai has always been a popular place to visit and Intersec has been on the radar for an increasing number of international businesses year on year since the show started.

This year has been no exception, for those who remember the discourse caused by then President Bush's visit last year; 2009 was always going to be an improvement.

I entered the UAE with a renewed spirit keen to work in a region I feel it is a privilege to operate in; such a wonderful city with world class people, services, food(!) and rewarding critical business. This year sees a new relationship between Security Media Publishing Ltd and The Security Review a respected magazine delivered by a well known, respected publisher and ex security practitioner Pierre Haddad so for me it was always going to be a busy show.

It was instantly clear that with a new President comes scope to calm down a region so badly affected by war and strife. Politics are one thing and people another; President Obama who brings optimism from all professionals who want to do good business in a region hungry for change and better security whether they be Arabian or Western.

Was the global downturn visible? Yes it was, but the calibre of visitor was high; the British contingent declared (or should I say didn't declare) on the stand business, and recognised that the decision makers have realised quicker process affords better security now, when it's required. With claims of negative activity in Dubai and a downturn in the financial viability of a city built for the tourist it's only good news to hear reports of commitments to develop 'a network of security that protects all regions, including those most affected by the Bush administration'. I'm delighted to leave with the feeling of optimism running inside me, reasonably so as I hear of contracts for the providers that represented the best of British products - I look forward to reporting success for those that showed a maturity in the market.

In addition I had the opportunity to meet an increasing number of manufacturers who are committing to the region with offices - look out for news from Synectic Systems; (a company involved with an estimated 60% of the town centres in the UK). I also saw many of our European colleagues versed in the art of delivering service and quality with a momentum that encourages the market to take shape. They displayed proven solutions that operate in the extreme conditions required in the various installations around the Middle East.

I was particularly impressed with the German business Flir, who have really caught the wave of employing good products and forward thinking, a marketing success or a deserved position - for those who know Flir it's obvious, for those who don't, you're missing out, they're providing training and business opportunities right now!

One US provider not frightened by the crunch or the politics was Honeywell. They showed a developed and coherent message can cross cultures as they addressed partner issues in an open forum that really worked a clear promise from Michael Flink, General Manager Middle East, that the approach to the region was in kilter with the need to invest into the established partner programme. An enthusiastic group of respected and well vetted businesses met the news with an energy that reminds me of intersec 2002 (my first) yet adding a new focus that can only come from experience.

Tyco reported only good news and has certainly proved they can maintain relationships - some of which I recall from my first ventures into what was at the time a desert growing fast. It was pleasing to see a team of established professionals presenting a confident and strong front - supported by work to be proud of over many years.

The gloves are off in all sectors that seek to grow, but in security the gloves have always been off in the constant battle to secure our respective nations. Growth in the region is still a real thing - yes I heard the stories and saw the cranes stationary from all vantage points and I also believe the Emirates is a resilient and managed environment that maybe just chooses to rest while other nations seemingly panic about money and the immediate financial position as presented by my colleagues in the global media. The numerous Emiratis' I met were truly not concerned, indicating that when the West and the US resolve their 'global credit crunch' Dubai will reinstigate its construction programme. With Abu Dhabi investing continually it's hard not to believe it!

I could list the companies that are scoring results and proffer opinion further but I prefer to encourage you to watch this space as we bring you more news through The Security Review magazine - and a web portal we're keen to deliver this will ensure you hear the latest news online in a timely fashion in addition to reading about the wider benefits of security delivered by brands that have a conscience and commercial offering that exceed expectations of the user rather than dull them down further by failing to deliver. If the mix of exhibitors is a gauge, the Middle East has scope to be a proven security success story - strange you may say if you believe all that you read in the press!

Taking a look at what a small group of exhibitors had to say, it appears to be a supported view I offer: comments below from a number of key players that had a second to chat with a non technical interested party!

Secure Options group CEO, Michael Braddock commented 'the volume of opportunity in the Region is clearly not as affected by the global downturn as other markets - which for Secure Options fits in with the recent launch of our rapid deployment product. Clearly, as in the UK, the Region has recognised just how practical and effective equipment like this can be in the effort to fight crime and terrorism.

On another level Rapid deployment products are also accepted as a method of reducing manpower on both active and closed building sites and this is another area where we see the value of entering one of the very few markets predicting growth at this time'.

Miragex MD Mike Lea commented that 'he felt visitor numbers were down generally around 15% but of those visitors that did attend they showed a developed knowledge regarding the video analytics products on offer, demonstrating an understanding of how they could benefit from the technology and clearly serious about deploying analytics - asking the right questions and matching them to commercial opportunities in the region, which actually gave us the benefit of increased stand traffic versus our previous experience which is based over three years . I believe our commercial partner Sensortec will gain new business as a direct result of the appearance at this event'.

Steve Clarke of Commnet said that 'his team knew the show well from working together in a previous business but had not exhibited before as Commnet Europe'. He reported strong interest in their Fiber products and a strong lead count on the booth. Adding that he felt 'the Region presented numerous opportunities to grow through the recession'.

Maxxess MD EMEA Lee Copland clearly stated 'the show exceeded expectations, the quality of visitor looking to develop their security solutions was impressive. Given the global economic situation there is an increasing demand to integrate their existing systems into a more efficient platform but at the same time still keeping full control. This is where I feel the Maxxess solution helps the end user make informed decisions and share information throughout their organisation enabling an effective and compliant reaction to incidents'.