Saudi Arabia gears up for mega World Defence Show 2026
Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) will be showcasing the latest advancements in defence technologies across all its five domains - air, land, sea, space and security - at its biggest ever World Defence Show, to be held next year in Riyadh from February 8 to 12.
Announcing the expo details, GAMI said building on the success of its two prior editions, WDS 2026 will bring together global defence stakeholders to foster further collaboration, innovation, and international partnerships to strengthen global defense capabilities.
Furthermore, the WDS 2026 will span 273,000 cu m of exhibition space, including a new fourth hall. Since its inception in 2022, the area of exhibition stands has grown by a considerable 58%.
WDS 2026 is set to be even bigger and has received global participation, with 65% of exhibition stands already sold, said GAMI in a statement.
At the expanded 2026 venue, attendees can experience several world-class features, participate in strategic networking opportunities, engage in discussions on crucial topics transforming the defense landscape, and view live and static displays, it added.
According to GAMI, several new features will be introduced at its upcoming third edition being held under the theme "The Future of Defense Integration."
Additionally, WDS contributes to Saudi Arabia's growth in the defence sector and is aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which is to localize 50% of defence spending in the Kingdom.
World Defence Show CEO Andrew Pearcey pointed out that the upcoming edition will surpass the records of the previous edition.
"The 2026 show will be larger in size and expanded in scope, with increased international and local participation, expanded exhibition space, and a stronger focus on technological advancements, zooming in on unmanned systems and naval," stated Pearcey.
"WDS has introduced a range of important new features to promote further integration across the full spectrum of defense operations and deliver attendees another unmatched experience," he added.
Pearcey said a key highlight of the 2026 show will be the Future Defense Lab, a revolutionary platform showcasing a new era of innovators, from startups to global primes, presenting cutting-edge technologies.
In addition, the Unmanned Systems Zone too will bring the latest advancements in autonomous technology to the forefront, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the next phase of unmanned developments across all defence domains, he noted.
A key new feature that reflects the kingdom's growing defence sector capabilities is the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, which enables small- and medium-sized Saudi enterprises the opportunity to connect with key players in the global defense supply chain, thereby strengthening local and international partnerships, said GAMI, the founder of World Defence Show.
Additionally, there will be a Naval Zone that will offer a comprehensive look at the future of maritime defence, underscoring the integral role of naval capabilities in maintaining global stability and securing economic interests, it added.
Pearcey said WDS had received resounding positive feedback from the previous two editions, exceeding its expectations across the board.
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