Market Focus: Growing demand for sophistication

Posted On: 05-12-2019

The Middle East fire safety systems and equipment market will register 2.6% compound annual growth to 2025, accumulating a combined value of $2.3billion, according to a recent 6Wresearch report.

The study shows that the sector will grow from its current value of $1.96bn over the next five years, with the UAE, Turkey and Saudi Arabia being the key drivers for the Middle East.

Growth projections are being accredited to economic growth and increasing demand for sophisticated detection and fire-fighting systems, with the bulk of the demand emanating from the commercial and industrial buildings sector.

Market demand is largely for fire-fighting systems and equipment, which accounts for 58% of spend, followed by fire detection and alarms systems at 31.8%, with emergency and exit lighting taking up 10.3%.

Mihaiela Bocancea, the marketing specialist at Swedish firm Ultra Fog Company, says sound wave technology, video image smoke detection, fire-fighting drones and robots, and water mist systems, which massively conserve water compared to conventional counterparts, will define the industry’s future.

“A fire protection system increases the chance of surviving a fire by more than 80%,” she said.

“Government institutions are increasingly supporting the use of fire protection systems by introducing laws and standards that oblige builders to protect their constructions.

“Even public transport must be protected. A fire extinguishing system that is capable of early detection, is the solution.”

But Bocancea says that apart from providing safety solutions, today’s developers must also ensure that the systems they use also protect the environment.

“This is why we try to provide the industry with a fire extinguisher system that uses considerably less water and is environmentally friendly,” she says.

Mohammed Al Zaben, head of sales Middle East & North Africa for UK company Apollo Fire Detectors, says manufacturers are currently developing new smoke and multi-criteria sensors to improve detector performance in line with the new UL268 7th edition standard, which comes into force in May 2020.

“The fire industry as a whole is adopting new technologies in many areas: better firefighting equipment, improved fire simulation to design safer buildings, and better use of big data to track and predict fires,” he said.

“The technology used in wireless fire detectors is also becoming more reliable, leading to greater use of this technology in environments where wired systems are not appropriate.

“This includes historic buildings where the building fabric cannot be penetrated and outdoor environments such as stadia and shopping centres.”

Al Zaben says more stringent legislation is driving sector growth.

“It is a trend that is shaping the industry,” he said. “Technological advancements including water mist technology, wireless alarm systems, UL268 7th edition compliant smoke detectors, and addition of integrating detection devices into building management systems are further trends.”

Ultra Fog and Apollo Fire Detectors will be appearing at Intersec, a trade fair for security, safety and fire protection at Dubai World Trade Centre from 19 to 21 January 2020.

“Intersec has always been a technology showcase but is now emerging as a technology event,” explained Andreas Rex, show director for Intersec.

“We have responded with a highly pro-active knowledge-sharing programme which includes the Future Security Summit, the Fire Conference, Government Summits, Energy Industry Focus Day, and a specialised Arena and Academy.”

The Intersec Arena has been designed as a Tech Centre for Excellence.

“It’s an interactive space for product comparisons, technology-focused discussions and solution evaluation to educate end-users,” added Rex.

“It will be a bridge that connects solution seekers with developers of gamechanging innovations in an environment that reflects the dynamic and cutting-edge nature of the security industry.

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Media Courtesy : MEP Middle East