News DeskDubai, UAE – Middle Eastern organizations are grappling with vulnerabilities in their supply chains due to human behavior, a topic set to take center stage at the Security Leaders’ Summit during Intersec 2025. The summit will explore the intricate relationship between human actions and supply chain security.
The 26th edition of Intersec, the world’s leading trade fair for safety, security, and fire protection, is scheduled from January 14-16, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Stuart Frost, BEM, Head of Enterprise Security and Risk Management within the UK Government, will discuss the impact of human fallibility on security measures. “The primary risk in any supply chain is not just the failure of security controls, but the fact that humans are fallible and make mistakes simply because they are human,” said Frost.
According to Kamco Invest’s GCC Projects Market Update in January 2024, the UAE’s contract awards increased to US$79.5 billion in 2023, up from US$29.7 billion in 2022. Frost emphasized that while security is essential, it often takes a back seat to business, financial, and commercial priorities in contract decisions, making thorough risk analysis crucial.
Organizations in the Middle East face specific challenges where supply chain risks are compounded by the region’s unique geopolitical and economic dynamics. Many organizations fail to assess the risks posed by their lower-tier suppliers, leading to potential domino effects. Frost added, “Supply chain breaches can threaten the very survival of an organization and, if resilience is not built into the system, the organization might not be able to recover from such an event. Post-contract assurance should be performed at least annually to ensure the controls are still effective and the risk position is managed.”
Intersec 2025 is set to be the largest edition in its history, with over 1,200 exhibitors from 60 countries and more than 52,000 expected visitors. The Security Leaders’ Summit will offer industry professionals the opportunity to gain critical insights into sustainable security practices and geopolitical risk intelligence.
Grant Tuchten, Portfolio Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, stated, “As supply chains become increasingly complex and intertwined, understanding the risks and implementing effective security measures are paramount. This session will provide invaluable guidance for organizations looking to fortify their supply chain security.”
Intersec 2025 will also feature a range of other high-impact conference programs, including the Safety & Health Conference, Fire & Rescue Conference, and the new Intersec Policing Conference, providing a platform for innovation, collaboration, and idea exchange among global security professionals.
