Latest news with #WDS2026
Arab News
22-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
World Defense Show announces larger, tech-focused 2026 edition
The World Defense Show, founded by the General Authority for Military Industries in Saudi Arabia, revealed several new features to be implemented at its upcoming third edition in 2026, under the theme, 'The Future of Defense Integration.' The details of the show, including the expansion of the venue space, were announced at IDEX 2025 on Feb. 18 in Abu Dhabi. To be held from Feb. 8-12, 2026 in Riyadh, WDS will showcase the latest advancements in defense technologies across all five defense domains — air, land, sea, space, and security. Building on the success of its two prior editions, WDS 2026 will bring together global defense stakeholders to further foster collaboration, innovation, and international partnerships to strengthen global defense capabilities. WDS contributes to Saudi Arabia's growth in the defense sector and is aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to localize 50 percent of defense spending in the Kingdom. WDS 2026 will span 273,000 square meters of exhibition space, including a new fourth hall. Since its inception in 2022, the area of exhibition stands has seen a considerable 58 percent growth. WDS 2026, in its third edition, is set to be even bigger and has received global participation with 65 percent of exhibition stands already sold. Attendees can experience several world-class features, take part in strategic networking opportunities, engage in discussions on crucial topics transforming the defense landscape, and view dynamic live and static displays at the expanded 2026 venue. Andrew Pearcey, CEO of WDS, said: 'We are excited to announce that WDS 2026 is surpassing the success 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. 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.'
Trade Arabia
19-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
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.
Mid East Info
19-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
World Defense Show Unveils Innovative Features and Expansion for 2026 Edition - Middle East Business News and Information
World Defense Show (WDS), founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) in Saudi Arabia, today revealed several new features to be implemented at its upcoming third edition in 2026, under the theme, 'The Future of Defense Integration.' The details of the show, including the expansion of the venue space, were announced today at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. To be held from 8-12 February 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, WDS will showcase the latest advancements in defense technologies across all five defense domains — air, land, sea, space, and security. Building on the success of its two prior editions, WDS 2026 will bring together global defense stakeholders to further foster collaboration, innovation, and international partnerships to strengthen global defense capabilities. WDS contributes to Saudi Arabia's growth in the defense sector and is aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to localize 50 percent of defense spending in the Kingdom. World Defense Show 2026 will span 273,000 sqm of exhibition space, including a new fourth hall. Since its inception in 2022, the area of exhibition stands has seen a considerable 58% growth. WDS 2026, in its third edition, is set to be even bigger and has received global participation with 65% of exhibition stands already sold. Attendees can experience several world-class features, take part in strategic networking opportunities, engage in discussions on crucial topics transforming the defense landscape, and view dynamic live and static displays at the expanded 2026 venue. Andrew Pearcey, CEO, said: 'We are excited to announce that WDS 2026 is surpassing the success 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. 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.' New Features: WDS 2026 has announced new groundbreaking show features in addition to the successful programs from the previous edition. In 2024, these will contribute to an even more inclusive environment, bring the most cutting-edge technologies, and ensure wider industry coverage. Among the highlights is Future Defense Lab , a revolutionary platform showcasing a new era of innovators, from startups to global primes, presenting never-before-seen cutting-edge technologies. In addition, the Unmanned Systems Zone brings the latest advancements in autonomous technology to the forefront, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the next phase of unmanned developments across all defense domains. Further, the new Naval Zone offers a comprehensive look at the future of maritime defense, underscoring the integral role of naval capabilities in maintaining global stability and securing economic interests. A key new feature that reflects the Kingdom's growing defense 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. Pearcey added: 'We've received resounding positive feedback from the previous two editions, with 2024 exceeding our expectations across the board. In response, we've set even more ambitious goals for 2026. By extending the show to offer more networking opportunities, greater deal-making potential, and enhanced collaboration between startups, local SMEs, and global industry leaders, we are committed to strengthening industry connections across the entire supply chain.'
Zawya
27-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
WDS continues strategic partnership with SAMI for 2026 as national strategic partner
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — World Defense Show (WDS) proudly announces continuation of its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) for the show's third edition, to be held 8-12 February 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. SAMI has been a key partner since the inception of WDS, and this continued collaboration plays an integral role in advancing Saudi Arabia's defense ecosystem and national goals under Vision 2030. SAMI, a driving force in the Kingdom's defense transformation, has helped power the success of the previous two editions of WDS. Likewise, SAMI leverages the WDS platform to support its mission of scaling up the defense industries sector. The ongoing partnership between WDS and SAMI underscores their roles in supporting the localization of 50% of the Kingdom's defense expenditures, thus expanding Saudi Arabia's global competitiveness in the defense sector. As a national champion of defense localization, SAMI, alongside WDS, is strongly aligned with the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, contributing to the broader strategy in areas of economic diversification and national talent development. This valuable partnership deepens mutual commitments to drive technological innovation, strengthen the Kingdom's defense sector, attract international partnerships and investments, and bring local talent to the forefront. Founded by General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI), WDS 2026 will showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovations across all defense domains—air, land, sea, space, and security. The event provides an unparalleled platform for industry leaders, governments, SMEs, and local startups to network, forge new partnerships, and explore investment opportunities, all while highlighting Saudi Arabia's evolving defense capabilities. Building on the immense success of the 2024 edition, WDS 2026 offers enhanced opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing within the global defense community. Andrew Pearcey, CEO of World Defense Show, commented: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with SAMI for the third edition of WDS. Their leadership in defense localization and innovation is central to the success of the show and to the Kingdom's broader Vision 2030 goals. Together, we are helping to shape the future of defense, both locally and globally." Wael M Al Sarhan, SAMI's Chief Communication and Support Service Officer, added: "Our strategic partnership with World Defense Show underscores our commitment to contributing to the localization of the Kingdom's defense spending, a core target of Saudi Vision 2030. Reflecting our dedication to showcasing national capabilities by advancing cutting-edge technologies and fostering national talents to develop world-class defense products and services to build a self-sufficient defense ecosystem that supports the Kingdom's economic diversification goals. For further details about the World Defense Show, visit:
