Riyadh — World Defense Show (WDS), founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), announced on September 8, 2026, the renewal of its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), confirming that the Kingdom’s national defense and security champion will continue as National Strategic Partner for the fourth edition of the Show. The 2028 edition will take place in Riyadh from January 16 to 20, 2028, extending a collaboration that has been in place since the event was first launched.
The renewed partnership reflects World Defense Show’s ongoing commitment to building long-term relationships with leading national and international organizations that support the continued development of Saudi Arabia’s defense industry, strengthen industrial collaboration and contribute to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Context and Background
World Defense Show was founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the Saudi government body responsible for regulating, enabling and developing the Kingdom’s military industries sector. Since its launch, the Show has established itself as a global platform that connects governments, defense companies, investors, innovators and industry leaders, while showcasing Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for international defense cooperation and industrial development.
Through its longstanding partnership with SAMI, the Show continues to expand opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and long-term sector growth. The relationship provides continuity for exhibitors, delegations and partners as the event prepares for its fourth edition and further international expansion.
Key Details
Under the renewed agreement, SAMI will continue supporting World Defense Show’s mission to convene the global defense ecosystem while reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambitions to develop a competitive and sustainable defense industry. As national strategic partner, SAMI plays a central role in shaping the Show’s industrial agenda and in connecting Saudi capabilities with international counterparts.
The renewal builds on the success of World Defense Show’s record-breaking 2026 edition, which welcomed more than 137,000 trade visitors, 1,486 exhibitors from 89 countries and 513 official delegations representing 121 nations, further reinforcing the Show’s position as one of the world’s leading defense events.
Andrew Pearcey, CEO of World Defense Show, said: “SAMI has been an integral partner since the very beginning of World Defense Show, and we are delighted to continue that journey together as we prepare for the 2028 edition. Strategic partnerships with national champions such as SAMI play an important role in strengthening World Defense Show as a global platform for collaboration, innovation and industrial engagement. Together, we look forward to creating new opportunities that support Saudi Arabia’s growing defense ecosystem and its long-term ambitions under Vision 2030.”
Saud AlAbdullatif, Acting Chief Communication and Support Services Officer at Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), said: “Our continued partnership with World Defense Show reflects SAMI’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s defense industry ambitions and strengthening the Kingdom’s position within the global defense ecosystem. Together, we will continue creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation and industrial capability development while supporting the objectives of Vision 2030.”
International Impact
The scale of the 2026 edition illustrates the Show’s international reach and its value as a meeting point for governments, armed forces and industry. World Defense Show 2028 will continue bringing together international exhibitors, official delegations, defense decision-makers and industry leaders across the air, land, sea, space and security domains, providing a platform for business, investment and international collaboration.
For international participants, the event offers direct access to Saudi and regional decision-makers and to a market investing significantly in capability development and industrial partnerships. The renewal of the SAMI partnership signals continuity and stability for companies planning their engagement well ahead of 2028.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Defense industrial localization is a core pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s national transformation program, and World Defense Show is designed to accelerate it. By convening the global defense ecosystem in Riyadh, the Show helps transfer technology, develop local supply chains and expand the Kingdom’s manufacturing base, supporting the ambition to localize a majority of military spending and to build a diversified, knowledge-driven economy.
The renewal of this strategic partnership marks another important milestone in preparations for the 2028 edition and reflects the continued confidence of leading Saudi organizations in World Defense Show’s role as a catalyst for defense industrial growth, international engagement and long-term sector development. As Saudi Arabia advances toward 2028, the partnership with SAMI positions the Kingdom to strengthen its global role as a hub for defense cooperation, innovation and sustainable industrial development consistent with Vision 2030.
20 Questions
Q1. What is World Defense Show?
A1. World Defense Show is a major international defense and security exhibition held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Founded by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), it connects governments, defense companies, investors, innovators and industry leaders, and covers the air, land, sea, space and security domains.
Q2. Who is Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI)?
A2. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) is the Kingdom’s national defense and security champion, created to advance the localization of military industries in Saudi Arabia. SAMI supports the development of domestic industrial capability and serves as a key partner in the Kingdom’s efforts to build a competitive, sustainable defense sector under Vision 2030.
Q3. What did World Defense Show announce on September 8, 2026?
A3. World Defense Show announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), confirming that SAMI will continue as National Strategic Partner for the fourth edition of the Show, scheduled to take place in Riyadh from January 16 to 20, 2028.
Q4. When and where will the fourth edition of World Defense Show take place?
A4. The fourth edition of World Defense Show will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 16 to 20, 2028. The event will continue to bring together international exhibitors, official delegations, defense decision-makers and industry leaders for business, investment and cooperation.
Q5. What does National Strategic Partner mean at World Defense Show?
A5. As National Strategic Partner, SAMI supports the Show’s mission to convene the global defense ecosystem. The role reflects SAMI’s standing as the Kingdom’s national defense and security champion and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to develop a competitive and sustainable defense industry at home.
Q6. How many trade visitors attended the 2026 edition?
A6. The record-breaking 2026 edition of World Defense Show welcomed more than 137,000 trade visitors, reinforcing the event’s position as one of the world’s leading defense exhibitions and demonstrating the strong international demand for engagement with Saudi Arabia’s expanding defense sector.
Q7. How many exhibitors participated in 2026, and from how many countries?
A7. The 2026 edition hosted 1,486 exhibitors from 89 countries, reflecting the Show’s global reach and its appeal to leading defense manufacturers, technology providers and small and medium-sized enterprises seeking opportunities in the Saudi and regional markets.
Q8. How many official delegations took part in the 2026 edition?
A8. The 2026 edition welcomed 513 official delegations representing 121 nations, underscoring World Defense Show’s role as a diplomatic and commercial platform where governments, armed forces and industry leaders meet to discuss cooperation and capability development.
Q9. What did World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcey say about the partnership?
A9. Andrew Pearcey, CEO of World Defense Show, said SAMI has been an integral partner since the very beginning and that the Show is delighted to continue the journey toward 2028. He noted that partnerships with national champions strengthen the Show as a platform for collaboration, innovation and industrial engagement.
Q10. What did SAMI’s Saud AlAbdullatif say about the renewed agreement?
A10. Saud AlAbdullatif, Acting Chief Communication and Support Services Officer at SAMI, said the continued partnership reflects SAMI’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s defense industry ambitions and strengthening the Kingdom’s position within the global defense ecosystem, while creating opportunities for innovation and industrial capability development.
Q11. How does the partnership support Saudi Vision 2030?
A11. The partnership supports Vision 2030 by advancing the localization of military industries, encouraging industrial collaboration and attracting international investment and expertise. These efforts contribute to building a sustainable defense sector that creates skilled jobs, develops national capabilities and diversifies the Kingdom’s economy beyond hydrocarbons.
Q12. What is the role of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI)?
A12. The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is the Saudi government body responsible for regulating, enabling and developing the Kingdom’s military industries sector. GAMI founded World Defense Show and works to localize defense manufacturing, attract investment and build partnerships that strengthen national security and economic diversification.
Q13. Which domains does World Defense Show cover?
A13. World Defense Show covers the air, land, sea, space and security domains, reflecting the modern, multi-domain nature of defense and security. This scope allows exhibitors and delegations to explore integrated solutions, emerging technologies and cross-sector collaboration on a single comprehensive international platform.
Q14. Why is the renewal of this partnership significant?
A14. The renewal marks an important milestone in preparations for the 2028 edition and reflects the continued confidence of leading Saudi organizations in World Defense Show’s role as a catalyst for defense industrial growth, international engagement and long-term sector development. It also provides continuity for exhibitors and partners.
Q15. How does World Defense Show help localize Saudi Arabia’s defense industry?
A15. The Show creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint ventures and industrial partnerships between Saudi organizations and international companies. These interactions help transfer technology, develop local supply chains and expand the Kingdom’s manufacturing base, directly supporting efforts to localize military industries and reduce reliance on imports.
Q16. What opportunities does the Show create for international exhibitors?
A16. International exhibitors gain access to Saudi and regional decision-makers, official delegations and potential partners. The Show offers a platform to showcase advanced technologies, negotiate agreements and explore joint ventures within a market that is investing significantly in defense capability and industrial development.
Q17. Why is Riyadh significant as the host city?
A17. Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and a growing hub for diplomacy, investment and industry. Hosting World Defense Show there highlights the city’s emergence as a center for international defense cooperation and aligns with the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to attract global business and major events.
Q18. What does the renewal say about confidence in World Defense Show?
A18. The renewal reflects the continued confidence of leading Saudi organizations in World Defense Show’s role as a catalyst for defense industrial growth, international engagement and long-term sector development, and it signals sustained institutional support ahead of the fourth edition in 2028.
Q19. What can participants expect at World Defense Show 2028?
A19. Participants can expect a comprehensive international exhibition featuring exhibitors, official delegations and defense decision-makers across the air, land, sea, space and security domains, along with opportunities for business, investment, knowledge exchange and international collaboration in Riyadh.
Q20. How does World Defense Show fit into Saudi Arabia’s long-term ambitions?
A20. World Defense Show supports Saudi Arabia’s long-term ambition to build a competitive, sustainable defense industry and a diversified economy. By convening the global defense ecosystem and strengthening partnerships such as the one with SAMI, it contributes to Vision 2030 goals and the Kingdom’s growing global role.
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