NFPA Day returns on the second day of the event to support regional dialogue on fire and life safety.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has confirmed its participation at Intersec Dubai, a leading international event focused on security, safety, and fire protection. Intersec Dubai 2026 will take place from 12 to 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Center, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Border Security Council. The event will bring together regional and global leaders to address safety challenges linked to rapid infrastructure growth across the Gulf.
As part of its presence, NFPA will host NFPA Day on the second day of the Fire & Rescue Conference. The programme will bring together senior public-sector officials, private-sector leaders, and technical experts for panel discussions and focused sessions. Topics will cover artificial intelligence, major infrastructure projects, and the energy transition, with an emphasis on their impact on fire and life safety practices in the region.
“Intersec Dubai 2026 is a critical catalyst for advancing fire and life safety across the region. By convening global experts and innovators, the event fosters collaboration, drives knowledge exchange, and accelerates the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that save lives. This mission aligns seamlessly with NFPA’s commitment to shaping a safer future. As the Middle East undergoes rapid infrastructure growth, Intersec provides the ideal forum to highlight safety standards and address emerging challenges head-on. We are very pleased to further this dialogue by hosting NFPA Day on Day 2 of the Fire & Rescue Conference” said Jim Pauley, president and CEO of NFPA.
“NFPA Day, hosted on Day 2 of the Fire & Rescue Conference at Intersec Dubai 2026, will be an important opportunity to advance fire and life safety across the region. Intersec is the premier platform that brings together global experts and innovators, and NFPA is proud to contribute by delivering actionable insights and proven standards that help mitigate risks and protect lives. NFPA’s presence at Intersec underpins our commitment to empowering stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to set new benchmarks for safety,” added Mike Brunzell, vice president, Global Business Development at NFPA.
NFPA Day will begin with opening remarks from Mike Brunzell, followed by a keynote address from Jim Pauley. The keynote will include a major announcement related to NFPA LiNK, NFPA’s digital platform that provides access to more than 300 codes and standards. Pauley will then take part in a fireside discussion with Olga Caledonia, director of Global Business Development, focusing on NFPA’s international role and influence.
The programme will also include a range of technical and policy-focused sessions. NFPA Vice President for Outreach & Advocacy Lorraine Carli will present on “Facing the Global Challenge of Energy Transition.” A panel titled “Transforming Vision into Action,” moderated by Dana Kamal, NFPA MENA director of International Business Development, will examine practical approaches to improving safety outcomes.
Further sessions will address the use of artificial intelligence in fire protection, including “Modernizing Fire Protection with AI,” featuring Ibrahim Lari of SIBCA and Richard Pearson of Omniconn. This session will review AI-based tools for inspections and alarm systems aligned with NFPA standards. A separate panel will explore how NFPA codes and standards support the management of high-hazard environments, moderated by Zahi Daher, NFPA international business development manager for Saudi Arabia.
Safety considerations for large-scale developments will be covered in the session “Building the Future,” moderated by Sawsan Dahham of SIENA, with participation from experts representing Saudi Aramco and Red Sea Global. Additional discussions will address UAE construction requirements and approaches to protecting people and assets in high-risk settings using NFPA standards.
