The Professional Security & Safety Alliance, (PSSA), made a big impression when it took a debut stand at Intersec last year. The organisation signed MoUs, spread awareness and built contacts. This year the PSSA is back, and in this exclusive chat with Director of Media and Publicity, Majid Moula Mohammad, we hear about some of the latest developments since last year, and how it is bridging the gap between public, and private, sector.
What have been the main developments for the PSSA since your appearance at Intersec last year?
Majid Moula Mohammad: “We have seen a definitive shift from “building” to “delivering.” Over the past year, the Alliance has grown to represent over 6,300 professionals, but the real story is the output. We delivered three high-impact webinars in 2025—covering AI, Securit Leadership Competencies, and Site Risk Assessments—which directly addressed the skills gap in the region. Crucially, we solidified our “network of trust” by formalizing partnerships with key bodies like the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO), the Association of Security Consultants (ASC), Security Middle East (SME), Security on Screen (SoS) and many other industry partners.”
What are you hoping to achieve from the show in 2026?
MMM: “Action and access. We want to move beyond high-level strategy and give attendees practical tools they can use immediately.
“At Intersec 2026, our priority is connecting our members directly with the training pathways we’ve built—specifically the sponsored certification seats with IFPO. We are also using the show to deepen the dialogue between regulators and private operators, ensuring that the “best practice” we talk about is aligned with actual compliance requirements in the UAE and beyond.”
How are you finding the current market here in the Middle East?
MMM: “It is incredibly dynamic. We are seeing a massive influx of smart technology and data-driven security tools, yet the market realizes that these tools are useless without competent operators. The “human factor” has never been more critical. From critical infrastructure to luxury hospitality, our members are telling us that while they are buying AI, they are investing in people. PSSA’s role is to ensure that investment yields certified, confident professionals.”
What do you think will be the main drivers for business next year?
MMM: “Standardisation and verification. As the region’s smart city projects mature, clients are no longer just asking “Can you secure this?”—they are asking “Are your people certified to secure this?” The demand for verifiable qualifications (like the CPO and CSSM) will drive business decisions. Companies that can prove their staff meet international standards will win the contracts; those that cannot will struggle.”
What will be the primary challenges, and what is your strategy to overcome them?
MMM: “The speed of technological change vs. the speed of training. The tech is moving faster than traditional training curricula can keep up. Our strategy is agility and accessibility. By partnering with agile education providers and offering sponsored (free) training seats, we remove the financial barrier to entry. We are ensuring that whether you are a field officer or a director, you have access to up-to-the-minute learning without waiting for a corporate budget approval.”
Are there any special considerations or additional support that you offer your members across the Middle East?
MMM: “The biggest support we offer is “translation.” We translate complex global standards and local regulations into clear, actionable guidance through our Regulatory Affairs department. Whether it is a compliance briefing for a hotel security manager or a risk assessment toolkit for a site supervisor, our resources are free, practical, and designed to be used on the ground, not just read in a boardroom.”
Are there any new features of the show in 2026 that you’re particularly excited about?
MMM: “We are very focused on the expanded “Innovation/Tech” zones. For PSSA members, the excitement isn’t just the gadgets—it’s the opportunity to vet these new technologies against compliance standards. These zones provide the perfect environment for our community to engage with vendors and ask the hard questions: “Does this integrate? Is it compliant? Does my team have the skills to run it?”
PSSA often talks about bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. How is that progressing?
MMM: “It is one of our most vital functions. There is a realization now that private security professionals are effectively “first responders” who support the police. Our role is to professionalise that layer. By working closely with regulators, we are ensuring that a PSSA member isn’t just a “guard”—they are a trained, recognized asset to national safety. That is why our compliance briefings are so popular; they translate legal expectations into operational reality.”
Finally, what is the one message you want PSSA members to take away from Intersec 2026?
MMM: “That they are not alone. Security can be a solitary profession, but the PSSA exists to remind every officer, manager, and director that they are part of a powerful, global community. Whether through our mentorship programs, our legal guidance, or our training partnerships, we are here to ensure that their career path is supported every step of the way.”
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