Khalid Mubarak of Dubai Municipality was honored as the H.H Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Emirati Rising Star at the Intersec Awards 2026. This award recognizes his significant contributions to enhancing safety and security within the United Arab Emirates. The Intersec Awards, now in their fifth year, celebrated achievements across 17 distinct categories during a gala event held at the Conrad Dubai.
The judging panel comprised 23 international experts who evaluated nominations based on innovation, impact, and leadership. This year’s ceremony highlighted advancements in public security projects, the integration of new technologies like blockchain and drones, and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions designed to protect against emerging threats.
Khalid Mubarak’s Recognition and Other Security Awardees
Khalid Mubarak’s win as an Emirati Rising Star underscores his commitment to developing and implementing cutting-edge security measures. The award ceremony recognized several other key players in the security sector. Dubai Police received the Best Security Project – MEA award for their innovative Lost Passport Certificate project, which utilizes blockchain technology to streamline verification processes and protect sensitive data.
Technological Advancements in Security
In the realm of physical security and surveillance, Microavia was recognized with the Best Perimeter Security Solution award for its autonomous drone system. This solution offers continuous aerial monitoring, particularly valuable for securing large or remote areas. Meanwhile, Axis Communications secured the Best Commercial Security Solution for its AXIS D4200-VE Network Strobe Speaker, a device that combines visual and auditory alerts to improve response times in commercial environments.
Homeland and Cybersecurity Excellence
The Intersec Awards also celebrated achievements in homeland security and cybersecurity. SWS Inntech Sdn. Bhd. and ONES Technology shared the Best Homeland Security Solution award for their respective contributions: Automated Armory Solutions for secure weapons management and BioAffix Gate Vision Mobile for enhanced biometric border control. The growing threat of digital misinformation was also addressed, with Resemble AI winning Best Cybersecurity Solution for its Resemble Detect platform, designed to identify synthetic media.
Leadership and Team Awards
Leadership in the security field was also acknowledged. Moataz Allami from Humain was named CISO of the Year, recognizing his strategic leadership in cybersecurity and resilience. WE ONE Security was awarded Best Security Team, highlighting their collective effectiveness. WSP received accolades for Best HSE Team and Strategy in Consultancy, underscoring their expertise in crucial safety and resilience advisory services.
The awards also highlighted the growing influence of women in the industry, with Jazyah Aldossary from Saudi Aramco receiving the Women Trailblazers award. Albadr Jannah from Saudi Aramco was also recognized as Industry Leader of the Year, demonstrating significant impact within the sector.
Intersec’s Evolving Identity
Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, commented on the significance of the 2026 awards, stating, “The winners this year exemplify how technological innovation, strategic planning, and dedicated teams converge to create tangible improvements in safety and security.” He emphasized the diverse range of solutions presented, from emerging technologies to large-scale deployments.
Following the awards ceremony, Intersec announced its rebranding to “Intersec Global,” reflecting its expanded reach and influence within the international security and safety market. This change signifies the event’s growing importance in connecting global innovators and stakeholders.
The next edition of Intersec is anticipated to further showcase advancements in safety, security, and firefighting technologies. Attendees and industry professionals will be watching for continued evolution in areas like artificial intelligence integration, advanced surveillance systems, and cybersecurity defensive measures as the global security landscape continues to transform.