The vice president of the World Defense Show Mr. Mansour Al-Babtain was the guest of Al Defaiya magazine, as the editorial director General Salim Abou Ismail conducted with him the following interview at the occasion of DSEI in London. 

Al Defaiya: World Defense Show has shown major growth since inception, what’s in store for the international defense community at WDS 2026 and how do you expect participation?

Al-Babtain: WDS 2026 is primed to be our most impactful edition yet, offering an unparalleled platform for the global defense community. We've seen tremendous growth, with three out of four halls already sold out and a record 80 countries confirmed to exhibit, including new nations joining our roster. The surge in global interest reflects the increasing recognition of WDS as a vital event driving defense innovation and collaboration.

Attendees can expect an expanded exhibition space, showcasing cutting-edge technologies across all defense domains – air, land, sea, space, and security, emphasizing the shift towards seamless integration. New dedicated features, including a Naval Zone and an Unmanned Systems Zone which will highlight specialized advancements. While the Future Defense Lab will be a focal point for disruptive technologies like AI, robotics, and quantum computing - providing a glimpse into the future of defense. We anticipate robust participation from international delegations, industry leaders, local stakeholders, and innovators, all converging to explore strategic partnerships and drive the future of the defense industry.

Al Defaiya: As WDS attends DSEI 2025 in London, what is the main objective of these international efforts, and how do they contribute to the success of WDS in Riyadh, particularly regarding UK participation?

Al-Babtain: Our presence at major international events like DSEI London is incredibly important. It offers a crucial chance for the WDS team to network in person with both current and prospective exhibitors and attendees. These engagements allow us to provide direct insights into what's in store for WDS 2026, building excitement and ensuring that the global defense community is fully aware of the unprecedented scale and new features we're bringing. Ultimately, these international efforts are about extending our global reach, nurturing connections, and ensuring that WDS in Riyadh remains at the forefront of the global defense conversation, attracting the brightest minds and the most innovative technologies.

Specifically regarding the UK, our presence here at DSEI is exceptionally valuable. The United Kingdom has consistently been a strong and valued participant for World Defense Show, and we anticipate an even more significant presence from the UK at WDS 2026. We're already seeing impressive growth, with a 15% increase in the UK Pavilion since 2024, and expect to host between 35-40 UK companies, including leading defense firms such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and Rheinmetall UK, alongside a strong contingent of innovative SMEs. This robust participation underscores the strategic alignment between the UK defense sector and the immense opportunities presented by Saudi Vision 2030, making it an exceptional time to connect with them directly.

Al Defaiya: How is WDS 2026 strengthening Saudi capabilities?

Al-Babtain: WDS 2026 is curated to amplify Saudi capabilities and showcase the Kingdom's rapidly evolving defense industrial base. The new Saudi Supply Chain Zone is a key initiative, which will put a direct spotlight on local SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs. This dedicated feature provides a crucial platform for Saudi innovators to display their solutions, connect with international firms, and integrate into the broader defense supply chain, directly supporting localization goals.

Furthermore, the returning Future Talent Program nurtures the next generation of Saudi defense professionals. We’re incorporating a new ‘Defensethon’ innovation challenge, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, as a means to more actively empower Saudi youth to be contributors to the Kingdom's defense transformation, ensuring a skilled talent pipeline for the future. Moreover, by fostering joint ventures, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange through programs like Meet the KSA Government and WDS Connect, WDS is actively building national capabilities and further positioning Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global defense landscape.

Al Defaiya: What measures is WDS taking to drive investments in line with Saudi Vision 2030?

Al-Babtain: WDS directly supports Saudi Vision 2030's goal to localize 50% of defense expenditures by facilitating international investment. Returning and new features lay the groundwork to magnify strategic investment opportunities within the Kingdom. The new WDS Investor Program, launching on the first day of the show within the Future Defense Lab, offers tailored access for the global investment community to interact with both local and global early-stage innovators, breakthrough technologies, and disruptive startups, facilitating critical capital flow into the Saudi defense sector and beyond. We anticipate this program specifically to generate reach extending long after WDS 2026 concludes.

Beyond this, WDS provides multiple avenues for investment and partnership. Most favorably, our Meet the KSA Government Program offers unparalleled access to key Saudi defense decision-makers, including GAMI and SAMI, providing clear roadmaps for market entry and investment opportunities. Whereas WDS Connect creates an environment conducive to forming strategic joint ventures and technology transfer agreements through personalized matchmaking, attracting the necessary capital and expertise to fuel the growth of Saudi Arabia’s defense base.

Al Defaiya: As trade visitor registration opens, what are the core initiatives of WDS 2026 to attract trade visitors?

Al-Babtain: WDS 2026 is rolling out a comprehensive suite of initiatives designed to attract a diverse and highly engaged audience of trade visitors. Our primary focus is on delivering unparalleled access, cutting-edge insights, and tangible business opportunities, with a strong emphasis on innovation and integration.

Visitors will experience the future of defense firsthand through our expanded exhibition space, new specialized zones, and particularly within our Future Defense Lab, showcasing the latest technologies and integrated solutions. Beyond the displays, our enhanced Content Theater Program will facilitate crucial knowledge exchange.

With trade visitor registration now open, we hope potential attendees grasp the immense value and exciting innovations we have in store. Our key mission is to reinforce WDS’s position as a vital global platform for both local and global stakeholders — a proactive facilitator of strategic partnerships and crucial knowledge exchange, actively driving the defense industry into its next era of integration and innovation. WDS 2026 will undoubtedly be an unmissable event for anyone looking to play a role in shaping the future of defense.