Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) will organize the third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh from February 8 to 12, bringing together official delegations, government entities, and leading international companies specializing in the defense and security sectors.
GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali said the third edition reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, localization, and the development of an integrated defense ecosystem through platforms that unite government bodies with international partners. He noted that the show will feature a comprehensive program, including live air and land demonstrations, static displays, and newly developed zones, enhancing opportunities for partnership and integration between Saudi government entities and major national and global defense companies.
He added that the show supports efforts to localize more than 50% of military spending, in line with Vision 2030, while also contributing to higher operational readiness and strengthening the Kingdom’s strategic independence in the defense sector.
WDS CEO Andrew Pearcey highlighted that the exhibition features a fully equipped airport with a 2,700-meter runway, four taxiways, and expansive display areas showcasing the latest aircraft, underscoring the show’s status as a leading global defense event capable of hosting world-class integrated displays.
The World Defense Show is expected to see participation surpassing that of the previous edition, reflecting continued growth in exhibitor numbers, official delegations, and international engagement.
Founded by Saudi Arabia’s defense industry regulator, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), WDS serves as the global stage for innovation and technological advancement across air, land, sea, space, and security domains. Reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to becoming a premier global destination for major events, WDS drives the Kingdom’s aspirations to be the future hub of the defense industry.
Aligned with Vision 2030, WDS supports the Kingdom’s objective to localize 50% of military expenditures, reinforcing its commitment to a self-sufficient national defense industry. Positioned strategically and backed by economic strength, Saudi Arabia is set to achieve its goals.
Following its inaugural edition in 2022 and a successful second edition in 2024, the third edition, taking place from 8-12 February 2026 in Riyadh, will feature networking programs, live demonstrations of advanced defense solutions, and knowledge-sharing segments that will generate opportunities for local and global military industries. World Defense Show will be held in the presence of Saudi Arabia’s key leadership, international delegations and prominent industry decision makers from around the world.
The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), founder of the World Defense Show, serves as the key organization responsible for regulating, developing, and licensing Saudi Arabia’s military industries sector. Working alongside public and private partners, GAMI is committed to achieving the Vision 2030 goal of localizing over 50% of the Kingdom’s defense spending, strengthening national manufacturing capabilities, and positioning the sector as a vital pillar of the national economy, with a direct positive impact on the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030.
Through WDS, GAMI showcases the Kingdom’s dedication to technological advancement and self-sufficiency in defense.
