Riyadh to stage third World Defense Show in February 2026
Event expands with new exhibition hall, aims to strengthen global defense partnerships
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — The Saudi capital will host the third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) from February 8 to 12, 2026, under the patronage of King Salman, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) announced.
Defense Minister and GAMI Vice Chairman Prince Khalid bin Salman will inaugurate the event. The biennial exhibition, backed by both public and private sectors, is positioned as a premier global platform for defense innovation, collaboration, and technology exchange.
GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali praised the leadership’s commitment to the defense industry, noting its alignment with Vision 2030 goals to localize 50 percent of Saudi military spending.
“This royal patronage reflects the leadership’s dedication to innovation, global partnerships, and harnessing the Kingdom’s strategic industrial strengths,” Al-Ohali said.
World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcey emphasized that the 2026 edition will foster greater collaboration between government and industry.
“Through expanded capacity, advanced content, and a focus on technology transfer and talent development, WDS 2026 will serve as a catalyst for shaping the future of defense,” he said.
The upcoming edition will feature a fourth exhibition hall, boosting total venue space by 58 percent compared to the inaugural 2022 event. Organizers said the expansion aims to improve networking opportunities and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Since its launch, WDS has rapidly grown into a key international defense gathering. The 2024 show hosted 773 exhibitors from 76 countries, welcomed 441 official delegations, attracted 106,000 trade visits, and facilitated deals worth SR26 billion ($6.9 billion).
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