As Saudi Arabia attracts record visitor numbers under its ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, security in the hospitality sector is set to be a central theme at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025, when the event returns to the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) from 29 September to 1 October.
The flagship Future Security Summit, held alongside the exhibition, will bring together industry leaders to discuss how technology and human-centred design can safeguard the Kingdom’s booming tourism industry, which saw 116 million visitors in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Spotlight on hospitality security
Delivering a keynote presentation titled “Securing the Tourism Renaissance: Integrated Physical Security Solutions for the Hospitality Sector”, Tawfeeq Alsadoon, Group Head of Security at Red Sea Global, said Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects — including NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Amaala, AlUla, and Diriyah — require new models of integrated security.
“In KSA’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector, technology is not just a supporting tool but a critical enabler of proactive and intelligent security,” he said. “AI-powered video analytics, drones, biometrics, and advanced surveillance are central to this transformation.”
Alsadoon argued that hospitality security must remain invisible, allowing guests to feel safe without sensing surveillance. He stressed that highly trained teams with cultural sensitivity and empathy remain crucial, even as technology plays a bigger role.
Emerging technologies and future trends
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry is expected to embrace digital twins, predictive analytics, and integrated command centres to anticipate risks while protecting guest privacy and inclusivity. These developments are seen as essential for maintaining trust as tourism numbers grow.
The Summit will also explore aviation security, with a session titled “Elevating National Airspace Security: Strengthening Aviation Resilience Across an Expanding Network”. Meanwhile, the entertainment sector will be examined through “Designing for Experience and Safety: Embedding Security into the DNA of Modern Entertainment Venues”.
The second day will open with a keynote on security and risk management by Andrey Reis, Director of Security Operations for FIFA.
Parallel fire protection discussions
Running concurrently, the Fire Protection Summit will feature international experts, regulators, and industry leaders debating the region’s evolving fire safety strategies.
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said: “Intersec Saudi Arabia is where global expertise meets local ambition. This year’s Future Security Summit will showcase the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and human-centric security models that underpin its transformation into a world-leading tourism and business destination.”
Expanding exhibition footprint
Organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, Intersec Saudi Arabia has become the Kingdom’s leading exhibition for safety, security, and fire protection.
Now in its seventh edition, the 2025 event will host more than 27,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and buyers across 30,000 sqm of exhibition space, covering five key categories: Commercial & Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire & Rescue, and Safety & Health.
Riham Sedik, Exhibition Director – Intersec Saudi Arabia at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, added: “Each edition reflects the rapid pace of transformation in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, offering unmatched opportunities for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and business growth.”
With security and hospitality now at the heart of Vision 2030’s tourism ambitions, Intersec 2025 is expected to provide critical insights into how Saudi Arabia plans to keep visitors safe as it positions itself as a global destination.
