The third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) is set to open in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 8 to 12 February 2026, bringing together defence manufacturers, military delegations and government leaders from around the world.
Founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and held under the royal patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, WDS 2026 arrives at a time when defence procurement and capability partnerships are high priorities across multiple regions.
Innovation Spectrum
The five-day event will once again take place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, where exhibitors and attendees can explore innovations across the full spectrum of defence domains – land, air, sea, space and security.
Organisers expect this year’s show to build on the success of its previous editions, which brought together hundreds of companies and official delegations. In 2024 more than 773 exhibitors, 441 official delegations from over 100 countries, and 106,000 trade visitors attended, with deals valued at around 26 billion Saudi Riyals facilitated on site.
World Defense Show 2026 introduces several enhanced thematic zones and programmes designed to reflect shifts in procurement priorities and innovation focus, including a Future Defense Lab, Unmanned Systems Zone and a dedicated Naval Zone. Strategic dialogue and insight will be delivered through a robust content programme hosted across multiple theatres, bringing together government leaders, military officials and industry experts.
Local Supply Chains
Localisation and industrial participation remain at the forefront of the agenda. A new Saudi Supply Chain Zone will showcase domestic defence manufacturers and service providers, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives to increase in-country value and broaden the Kingdom’s industrial base.
In addition, programmes such as Meet the KSA Government, and a growing Future Talent Programme aim to bridge capability requirements with industry innovation and nurture the next wave of defence professionals.
For global suppliers, the show is an opportunity not just to exhibit technology but to engage directly with end-users and procurement authorities, explore long-term partnerships, and align solutions with emerging national and coalition requirements.
