World Defense Show 2026 continues its fourth day in Riyadh, organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), with a strong focus on developing national talent and building long-term defense capabilities aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
The exhibition, which runs until February 12, 2026, features 1,468 exhibitors from 89 countries, showcasing advanced technologies across land, air, sea, space, and security sectors. The event emphasizes localization targets and strengthening the Kingdom’s sustainable defense industries ecosystem.
Future Talents Program Takes Center Stage
Day four activities featured the “Future Talents Program” at the main theater in Hall 2, representing one of the strategic initiatives to support national competencies and empower Saudi youth to pursue specialized career paths within the defense manufacturing sector. The program, sponsored by BAE Systems and implemented in collaboration with several government entities, brought together students and early-career professionals with industry experts.
Sessions addressed future skills required to support the Kingdom’s defense transformation, aligning educational outputs with industry needs, and building technical capabilities for future roles in cybersecurity, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, space, and emerging technologies.
Leadership Commitment to Human Capital Development
“Through initiatives like the Future Talents Program, we are empowering the nation’s youth with skills, knowledge, and creativity, enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and contributing to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 goals.”
Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries
Al-Ohali emphasized the importance of investing in national competencies, noting that human capital development represents the fundamental pillar in achieving the Kingdom’s targets in the defense industries sector. The program opening stressed the priority of developing human capital and qualifying national cadres capable of keeping pace with global technological changes.
Government Entities Engagement Program
The fourth day also continued the “Saudi Government Entities Meeting” program at the main theater in Hall 2 and the Saudi Supply Chain Area theater in Hall 3. This provided direct opportunities for exhibitors and investors to learn about national priorities in defense capabilities and explore industrial cooperation opportunities and future partnerships, supporting the integration of talent development, industry, and investment pathways.
Strategic Vision for Defense Industry Growth
Andrew Pearcey, CEO of World Defense Show 2026, explained that the fourth day embodies the essence of the Kingdom’s military industries directions. He confirmed that the Future Talents Program reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to qualifying a generation capable of keeping pace with global defense transformations and building long-term capabilities that enhance the readiness of national defense industries.
The exhibition features live demonstrations and advanced technologies, contributing to supporting the development of national capabilities and driving growth in the Kingdom’s defense industries ecosystem. Participation from the Ministry of Defense, GAMI, and related entities underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating structured career and developmental pathways for youth within the defense and security industries system.