· The exhibition is the leading event globally for defense and security
· The inaugural event in 2022 formed international agreements for the Kingdom worth approximately SAR 29.7 billion ($7.92 billion)
· World Defense Show 2024 will support the Kingdom’s defense industry localization efforts and broader Governmental Vision
14 February: Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the General Authority for Military Industries, has announced the return of the World Defense Show for a second edition. Scheduled from February 4 — 8, 2024, in Riyadh, the World Defense Show is the industry’s leading event globally. It will spotlight the future of defense by showcasing the most advanced technology available.
World Defense Show supports the vision of the Kingdom’s leadership, demonstrated through the return of this specialist international event that sets a benchmark for other global exhibitions related to defense and security.
On the announcement, His Excellency Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), Eng. Ahmad bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali voiced his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of General Authority for Military Industries. His Excellency thanked them for the special care and unlimited support the defense sector receives to enhance the Kingdom’s strategic independence. His Excellency also underlined how the support received is key to evolving the national military industry towards localizing more than 50% of Saudi’s spend on military equipment and services by 2030.
He added, “the exhibition will be a strategic means of supporting the endeavors of our dear country to achieve our localization goals. It will also provide an ideal environment to exchange knowledge on successful international and local experiences while introducing the latest technologies and innovations in the field. One further key aim of the event will be to strengthen the Kingdom’s international partnerships and create major new investment opportunities.”
Investment opportunities are open to all manufacturers and international service providers who share the Kingdom’s vision of supporting technology transfer, talent development, and the localization of the industry.
Following the success of WDS 2022, WDS organizers have received significant interest in participating. As part of the overall enhancement initiatives and to address this high demand, WDS organizers are reviewing expansion plans to include a third exhibition hall offering the industry a further 25% of additional exhibition space to complement the two existing main halls. Purpose-built for WDS, the venue provides unrivaled facilities and features that deliver the best platforms to connect our industry.
On the returning exhibition, Andrew Pearcey, CEO of the World Defense Exhibition, commented, “We are excited to present the second edition of WDS in February 2024 as we focus on the Future of Defense and shine a light on new and future innovation and technology. We have big ambitions for the next event. Our teams are working hard to deliver an enhanced edition with tailored networking programs to feature delegations, governments, supply chains,s, and investors. The show in 2022 was sold out, and we have overwhelming interest from Exhibitors and new industry shapers looking to participate. To accommodate this growing demand, we are looking to expand our venue to accommodate an additional space. This is a testament to the ongoing success of the event.”
The first edition of the World Defense Show, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) in March 2022, led to the signing of military and defense procurement contracts between local and international bodies totaling approximately SAR29.7 billion ($7.92 billion). The inaugural exhibition also attracted 600 exhibitors,, over 100 military delegations, and 85 participating countries and saw an attendance of more than 65,000 visits overall.