Elements of Dubai Civil Defence Strategic Plan 2007-2015 to be unveiled at Intersec Middle East in 2008

Brigadier Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director General of Dubai Civil Defence said, "The Intersec Middle East conference and exhibition is very important to Civil Defence, companies and the public alike. This annual event hosts the concerned academicians and field commanders who play a vital role in enriching preventive culture and enhancing occupational skills through their field researches and experiments. The event also presents solutions for problems relating to prevention, firefighting and occupational safety. These issues are becoming more and more demanding as the economic sector continues to grow in this region. Thus, Dubai Civil Defence is playing a leading role in supporting the Intersec Middle East conference and exhibition."

Brigadier Al Matrooshi, said department's Strategic Plan for 2007-2015 to be presented included:

Development of Civil Defence services infrastructure in Dubai, which comprise construction of new fire stations/bringing in modern fire engines and firefighting equipment/building partnership with companies operating in all economic sectors to ensure fire protection standards are in place.

The Use of modern technologies in the services rendered for those dealing with Civil Defence, including companies, government departments and public. Civil Defence use of electronic technology to monitor and control fire protection devices and equipment that are installed in buildings, and enhancing public awareness techniques. They will also be participating in local, regional and international conferences and exhibitions to keep pace with technical advancement in the field of Civil Defence.

Brigadier Al Matrooshi added that the Technical Affairs Department of Dubai Civil Defence has developed a number of fire fighting equipment and vehicles which will be demonstrated at Intersec Middle East.

On the recent spate of fires in high rise buildings under construction, Brigadier Al Matrooshi said "Protection of high-rise buildings mainly depends on the degree of strategy that involves self-protection from fire before firefighters arrive at the scene via implementing a number of advanced e-services that monitors and controls the following: fire alarm systems, sprinklers, lifts, fire doors and fire separation systems that prevent smoke and fire from spreading."

Dubai Civil Defence also conducts training programmes for special teams of firefighters to deal with high-rise building fires. This year, new equipments to fight fires in high-rise buildings have also been added into Civil Defence tools, which includes snorkels and fire ladders to rescue people trapped in high-rise fires.

"In the meantime, we keep pace with the latest equipment with regards to fighting fires in high-rise buildings to ensure that the Civil Defence acquires the latest equipment,'" said Brigadier Al Matrooshi.

Ms. Angela Schierholz, Senior Show Manager for Intersec Middle East, said over 800 exhibitors are booked, and they will present almost 2,000 brands at the show. In addition, there will be 12 country pavilions highlighting products and services from their countries. In the fire & rescue section of Intersec Middle East, 200 exhibitors will be presenting their latest services and technologies.

During the Police & Fire Middle East conference, the Dubai Civil Defence will discuss its strategy up to the year 2015. It will also elaborate and share Dubai Civil Defence experience and techniques in fire prevention and use the conference as a platform to raise awareness on fire and occupational safety.

Intersec Middle East is the region's leading international exhibition for Commercial Security, Fire & Rescue, Homeland Security & Policing, and Safety & Health. Running alongside are also the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) Middle East Safety & Health Conference, and the Second Strategic Forum for Safety in Hi-Rise Buildings by the Dubai Civil Defence.

"Intersec Middle East in 2008 will have an impressive lineup of speakers comprising international experts, Civil Defence and Police officials, industry leaders and suppliers of specialized equipment for the industries related to fire, industrial and occupational safety and health," said Ms. Schierholz.

The exhibition is an international meeting place of senior police, civil defence, commercial security professionals and health and safety officials and suppliers in the Middle East. It has the support of Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Build Safe Dubai and numerous other trade and government organizations from across the Middle East Region and around the world.